Fresh off two big Michigan wins in USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Choice polls (Ludington for Best Historic Small Town and Saugatuck for Best Coastal Small Town), a favorite vacation destination has a chance to be named Best Summer Travel Destination in the country. Mackinac Island is one of 20 finalists in this contest, as it draws praise for its history, natural features, recreation opportunities, and downtown shops. We love visiting this beautiful island in Lake Huron and wholeheartedly agree that it deserves to be in the conversation for best summer travel destination! Today we’ll take a look at the case for Mackinac Island, look at what other destinations are in the running, and show you how to vote.

The nomination paragraph for Mackinac Island hits on all the high points: “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.” Mackinac Island has been a finalist in previous years in contests looking for the Best Historic Small Town and the Best Romantic Destination. Our favorite things on the island include Fort Mackinac, Arch Rock, Sugarloaf, Fort Holmes, following M-185 around the perimeter of the island on a bicycle, sand hopping and dining downtown.

The Midwest is well-represented among the finalists, with Door County (WI) and Sandusky (OH) also in the running. Other finalists include Bar Harbor (ME), Black Hills & Badlands (SD), Cody (WY), and Juneau (AK). You can vote for Mackinac Island once per day now through May 13th and the winner will be announced on May 22nd. Can another Michigan city bring home a big win in 2024?