The Best US Islands: 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards

Originally posted by Conde Nast Traveler: The Best US Islands: 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards From Hawaii to the Midwest.

8. Mackinac Island, Michigan

A long-beloved vacation spot for Midwesterners, Mackinac Island was a welcome addition to last year’s list—and it looks like the appeal hasn’t wavered a bit this year. Most of the island (80 percent, to be exact) lies within the protected Mackinac Island State Park, meaning it’s both well-preserved and filled with natural beauty. The island is perhaps most famous, however, for the iconic Grand Hotel, with its sprawling, 660-foot front porch looking out to the water and equally indulgent five-course dinners.

Pro tip: The island is completely car-free, meaning you’ll need to rely on biking or walking to get around. But you should definitely treat yourself to a horse-drawn taxi ride from Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, the oldest continually operating service in the country.

Getting there: Two ferries service the island seasonally: the Star Line Mackinac Island’s Hydro-Jet Ferry, departing from St. Ignace, and the Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry, departing from St. Ignace and Mackinaw City. There’s also an on-island Mackinac Island Airport for private charter flights.

Grand Hotel by Aubrey Antles