Awards & Recognition
2026 Awards
#1 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.
#1 Best Summer Vacation in the USA
Mackinac Island was named the #1 Best Summer Vacation in the USA by U.S. News & World Report, recognizing its iconic car-free charm, scenic waterfront views, and timeless appeal as a classic American summer getaway.
#5 Best Small Town in the Midwest
In 2026, Mackinac Island was named the #5 Best Small Town in the Midwest by the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This recognition highlights the Island’s welcoming community, rich history, and unique character that make it one of the Midwest’s most memorable destinations.
#5 Best Historic Small Town
Mackinac Island was named the #5 Best Historic Small Town in the United States by the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This honor recognizes the Island’s well-preserved history, iconic architecture, and immersive step-back-in-time experience that continues to define its enduring appeal.
#5 Best Flower Festival
The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival was named the #5 Best Flower Festival in the United States by the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This recognition celebrates the festival’s vibrant blooms, signature island traditions, and the unforgettable early-summer experience it brings to Mackinac Island each year.
2025 Awards
#1 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.
#1 Best Place to Visit for Fall
Recognized for its breathtaking autumn colors, crisp lake breezes, and peaceful island atmosphere, Mackinac Island was named the #1 Best Place to Visit for Fall by USA Today 10BEST. From scenic bike rides and hiking trails to seasonal events and stunning waterfront views, Mackinac Island offers an unforgettable fall getaway.
#3 Best Flower Festival in the US
In 2025, the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival was named the #3 Best Flower Festival in the United States by the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This national recognition celebrates the festival’s long-standing tradition of showcasing Mackinac Island’s world-famous lilacs and the unique charm that draws visitors each June.
#1 Best Place to Bike in the US
In 2025, Mackinac Island was named the #1 Best Place to Bike in the United States by PeopleForBikes. This recognition highlights the Island’s car-free streets, scenic routes, and unforgettable cycling experience that make biking one of the best ways to explore Mackinac Island.
#3 Best Island in the Continental U.S.
Mackinac Island was recognized as the #3 Best Island in the Continental U.S. in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. This prestigious honor reflects the Island’s timeless charm, natural beauty, and one-of-a-kind experiences that continue to captivate travelers from around the world.
#12 Top Islands: Readers' Choice Awards
Selected as one of Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Islands in the World in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, Mackinac Island stands among the most beloved travel destinations across the globe. Known for its horse-drawn transportation, iconic landmarks, and timeless atmosphere, the Island offers a distinctive experience that keeps visitors returning year after year.
2024 Awards
#1 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.
#1 Best Place to Bike in the US
Since 2018, PeopleForBikes’ City Ratings program has identified, analyzed, and compared the best cities and towns for bicycling in the U.S. and abroad. This year’s City Ratings feature 816 new U.S. cities, including a brand new #1 city for bicycling — Mackinac Island, Michigan.
#2 Best Flower Festival
Mackinac Island is blooming with pride after being named the #2 Best Flower Festival by USA Today! This recognition comes thanks to the island’s beloved annual Lilac Festival, a 10-day celebration of its historic and fragrant lilacs.
#3 Best Island in the Continental US
Mackinac Island has once again captured national acclaim, earning the #3 spot on Travel + Leisure’s list of Best Islands in the Continental U.S. Known for its timeless charm, car-free streets, and breathtaking waterfront views, the island enchants visitors with its historic sites, scenic trails, and world-famous fudge.
#7 Top Island in the US
Mackinac Island has been named the #7 Best Island in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler, earning recognition for its timeless charm and breathtaking scenery.
#2 Best Place to Visit for Fall
Mackinac Island has been named the #2 Best Place to Visit for Fall by USA Today 10Best, celebrating its stunning autumn beauty and charming seasonal experiences. With fewer crowds, breathtaking views, and cozy island charm, fall is truly one of the most magical times to experience Mackinac.
2023 Awards
#1 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.
#2 Best Island in the Continental US
Mackinac Island has been named the #2 Best Island in the Continental U.S. by Travel + Leisure, a testament to its timeless charm and breathtaking beauty. With no cars, visitors explore by bike or horse-drawn carriage, taking in stunning waterfront views, historic architecture, and serene natural landscapes.
#3 Best Place to Visit for Fall
Mackinac Island has been ranked the #3 Best Place to Visit for Fall by USA Today 10Best, recognized for its breathtaking autumn colors and charming seasonal atmosphere. As the island’s foliage transforms into vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, visitors can soak in the scenery with crisp bike rides, tranquil horse-drawn carriage tours, and stunning lake views.
2022 Awards
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.
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.
2018 Awards
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.”
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.