Survey says: Mackinac Island is one of the world’s best travel destinations. In fact, Travel + Leisure readers have voted Mackinac Island No. 1 on a list of the Top 15 Islands in the Continental U.S. in the publication’s World’s Best Awards this year. Readers hailed the “Jewel of the Great Lakes” as the “quintessential vacation spot for enjoying the simple pleasures.” They love Mackinac Island’s car-free streets full of horse-drawn carriages and bicycles, its historic character, well-preserved Victorian homes, incredible natural beauty and world-famous Mackinac Island fudge. “What a different place to visit,” one voter said. “It’s like its own little world.” Travel + Leisure each year asks readers to rate their travel experiences based on things to do, sights to see, natural attractions, food, overall value and more. The feedback is used to recognize an elite group of travel destinations with World’s Best Awards – everything from best islands to best cities to best cruise ships and beyond. Mackinac Island is no stranger to Travel + Leisure readers, who ranked it No. 9 in 2021. But this year, Mackinac Island topped the list! [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQZFc6d080U[/embed]

Here are four of the reasons Travel + Leisure readers love Mackinac Island:

  • Charming atmosphere of Mackinac Island – “You’ll find neither cars nor chain brands on this tiny island,” Travel + Leisure writes. It’s the perfect place to “escape from the hustle and bustle” and feel as though you’re stepping back in time to a slower, more relaxed pace of live. The way vacation should be!
      [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWs_R-1D6Og[/embed] Being named the No. 1 Island by Travel + Leisure readers is one of many accolades – or shall we say, “Mack-olades” – that Mackinac Island has earned. Mackinac Island is also one of the most tourist-friendly cities, site of the best picnic spot in Michigan, home to the No. 1 state park in the country, best family vacation destination, most romantic travel spot and so much more. It’s even one of the best Christmas towns! Check out the full list of Mackinac Island "Mack-olades!"