More than 200 years ago, Mackinac Island was a coveted economic and military hub fought over by the British, French and Americans. The forts are still there to prove it!
Mackinac Island no longer has so much geopolitical significance. Instead, it has become one of the world’s most cherished vacation destinations, a place where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of the world and relax. It’s where you can take a break from the routine and appreciate the incredible beauty of one of America’s most amazing places.
It’s no wonder that Mackinac Island garners major tourism honors year after year. Here’s a sampling of the well-deserved recognition that Mackinac Island has received in recent years:
Mackinac Island Named Best Summer Travel Destination
After a panel of experts curated a short list of must-see summer vacation places in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, people voted Mackinac Island the Best Summer Travel Destination! Readers adore Mackinac Island’s car-free roads full of horse-drawn carriages and bicycles, the island’s historic sites including Fort Mackinac and the outdoor recreational activities you can enjoy in Mackinac Island State Park.
More reasons why USA Today recognized Mackinac Island:
- World famous Mackinac Island fudge
- Car-free charm of Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island Voted No. 1 Best Island in the Continental U.S.
Travel + Leisure magazine readers voted Mackinac Island atop the publication’s list of top islands in the Lower 48 states, calling it “quintessential vacation spot for enjoying the simple pleasures.” Mackinac Island’s charming atmosphere, extraordinary hospitality, diverse shopping and dining, and abundance of outdoor adventure all contributed to the top ranking.
More reasons why Travel + Leisure recognized Mackinac Island:
- Mackinac Island’s historic character
- The incredible natural beauty of Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island Voted One of the Best Islands in the U.S.
You might think of Hilton Head, Maui or Nantucket when imagining the best islands in the country. But ranking right alongside those dreamy destinations in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards is Mackinac Island. The magazine hails Mackinac Island as “both well-preserved and filled with natural beauty,” since a state park makes up more than 80% of the land.
More reasons why Condé Nast recognized Mackinac Island:
- Delightful horse-drawn carriage tours of Mackinac Island
- World’s longest front porch at Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel
Mackinac Island Named One of 10 Hottest U.S. Destinations for Summer
Yellowstone National Park and Martha’s Vineyard are uber-popular summertime vacation spots. But the No. 1 destination is Mackinac Island, according to TripAdvisor. Not only is the “charming island” a “throwback to old-timey seaside leisure” with a quaint downtown, the travel site says, but it’s also “world-famous for its homemade fudge and travelers can work off sugar highs by exploring the limestone bluffs of Mackinac Island State Park.”
More reasons why TripAdvisor recognized Mackinac Island:
- Mackinac Island is fudge capital of the world
- The majestic rock formations of Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island on List of Most Tourist-Friendly Cities in the U.S.
“Storybook charm” combines with a fantastic selection of unique, high-quality places to stay, a helpful visitor’s center and lots of great activities to make Mackinac Island a wonderfully pleasant vacation spot, says Expedia.
More reasons why Expedia recognized Mackinac Island:
- Scenic kayaking tours of Mackinac Island
- Mackinac Island’s beautiful butterfly houses
Mackinac Island Ranked Among 5 Greatest Golf Experiences in Michigan
Mackinac Island is home to the oldest golf course in Michigan, one of only three natural-grass putting courses in the state and one of the most picturesque and playable resort courses anywhere. No wonder Golf Digest thinks highly of Mackinac Island. Nowhere else do you take a horse-drawn carriage ride between nines or play on a War of 1812 battlefield that was turned into a golf course by a two-time U.S. Open champion.
More reasons why Golf Digest recognized Mackinac Island:
- The one-of-a-kind golf courses of Mackinac Island
- Golf trip for the ages: Michigan’s Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island on List of Best Little Beach Towns to Visit in Summer
The Beach Boys sang about Malibu, Calif. but they could have lyricized about The Crown Jewel of the Great Lakes, too, according to Southern Living, which called Mackinac Island one of The Best Little Beach Towns to Visit in Summer. Some of the magazine’s recommendations for your summer bucket list: skipping stones against world record-holders at the annual W.T. Rabe Stone Skipping Contest each July 4 on Mackinac’s Windermere Point Beach, celebrating Independence like it’s 1880 at historic Fort Mackinac, strolling the world’s longest porch at the iconic Grand Hotel and sampling world-famous Mackinac Island fudge.
More reasons why Southern Living recognized Mackinac Island:
- The beautiful beaches of Mackinac Island
- Lots of places to get a drink on Mackinac Island
As you can tell from these awards, Mackinac Island truly is a national treasure and an enticing destination for travelers from around the country and beyond. Come see for yourself why Mackinac Island is so special!
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