Michigan's Favorite Island Named #1 Summer Travel Destination

Summer is underway, and Michigan is the place to be. More specifically, one spot in Michigan is the best place for summer and has been named the Best Summer Travel Destination in America.

For the second year in a row, Mackinac Island is officially tourism royalty. Michigan's legendary island is making big news by being named the "Best Summer Travel Destination in America".

As part of the popular USA Today readers' choice travel award contest, Mackinac Island was voted the best place to enjoy your summer vacation this year. Michigan's historic tourist destination beat out popular Wyoming, Alabama, and Florida spots in this year's annual "10Best Readers' Choice" travel list.

"Mackinac Island is no stranger to making those "best of" lists, but when you consider the multitude of summer travel destinations across the country, taking the lead on this list is pretty amazing. When talking about the #1 pick, USA Today said,

"Between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, you’ll find Mackinac Island, where you’ll ride on horse-drawn carriages along car-free roads, observe fudge being made (and then sample it), and tour the historic Fort Mackinac. This Lake Huron-based continental island is also home to Mackinac Island State Park, where you can hike, bike, kayak, and take photos of the local natural beauty, including the stunning limestone Arch Rock".

Of course, the historic Grand Hotel is a highlight for visitors to the island whether they're guests of the iconic inn or not. For many the hotel and the island are a summer tradition and not just for Michiganders. In our recent interview with Grand Hotel President David Jurcak, he told us that generations of families make summers at the Grand part of their lives year after year and it's like seeing old friends and making new ones each summer.

Check out the full list of the 10 Best Summer Travel Destinations in America here.

Get our free mobile app

Historic Mackinac Island Estate Can Be Your Own Private Grand Hotel For $5M

It's not the Grand Hotel, but it sure looks like a miniature version, porch and all. Cairngorm Cottage, built in 1888, is a 9600+ square-foot Mackinac Island West Bluff Victorian-era home currently on the market for $4,750,000. It features beautifully renovated and decorated rooms that come completely furnished with the selling price. The estate features 9 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, plus a completely furnished 2 bedroom, 2 bath carriage house behind the home. In addition to the magnificent porch with a breathtaking view, the new owner will enjoy a beautifully landscaped backyard with a swimming pool, hot tub, gazebo, and stone-terraced gardens. This piece of Michigan history is a must-see. Take a look! Contact Patrick Leavy of Kidd & Leavy Real Estate for more information.

Gallery Credit: Zillow

Own This Cadillac Home Designed by Grand Hotel Architect for Under $1M

Nestled in the heart of Cadillac, this historic gem was meticulously crafted in 1897 by George Mason, the very same architect responsible for the grandeur of the renowned Mackinac Island Grand Hotel. Every brick, every arch, and every detail is a testament to the timeless elegance and craftsmanship of a bygone era. The home is currently on the market for $859,900 and features over 5,000 square feet of pure historic bliss. Contact Shannon Beia at 231-883-9930 at Coldwell Banker Schmidt and embark on a journey back in time. In the meantime take a look below at this timeless treasure below.

Gallery Credit: Zillow