Mackinac Island Awarded Best Summer Travel Destination

At less than five square miles, Mackinac Island is a small but thriving destination packed with a rich history and picturesque community, and was just named the Best Summer Travel Destination by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice travel awards.

“Mackinac Island is a remarkable place and our community works so hard to make it the special place it is today,” says Mackinac Island Mayor Margaret Doud. “We are honored to be recognized for an accolade of this stature and look forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy this treasured island for years to come.”

The island has been car-free for over 100 years, with visitors and residents traveling the island by bicycle, foot or horse-drawn carriage. This year marks the 125th anniversaries of the motorized vehicle ban and the iconic Wawashkamo Golf Club, as well as the 75th anniversaries of the Lilac Festival and Pink Pony restaurant. 

“We are thrilled to be named the Best Summer Travel Destination by the USA TODAY 10Best heading into the 2023 season,” adds Tim Hygh, Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau executive director. “Those who have visited Mackinac Island know how special this place is and it truly is one of those destinations that sticks with you even after you’ve left. The island’s atmosphere, scenery, and people encapsulate a truly magical vacation experience, and this award reflects that.”

Categories and nominees for the Readers’ Choice awards are selected by a panel, and then open for public voting for a four week period. In addition to this latest 10Best Readers’ Choice achievement, Mackinac Island has recently been named the Best Island in the Continental U.S. by Travel + Leisure and one of the Best Places to Visit by TripAdvisor.

For more information, visit mackinacisland.org. The full list of the Best Summer Travel Destination winners can be found online at 10best.com.