ContestsEvents

LISTEN LIVE

Michigan Travel Destination Named the Top Island in America

Michigan is filled with beautiful lakes, both the Great Lakes and inland ones. Now, the Mitten has bragging rights when it comes to the state’s islands. Travel + Leisure recently…

Michigan travel destination

Michigan travel destination

Michigan is filled with beautiful lakes, both the Great Lakes and inland ones. Now, the Mitten has bragging rights when it comes to the state's islands.

Travel + Leisure recently released its World's Best Awards list. "Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more," they state.

When it comes to the Best Island in the Continental U.S., Michigan has it. Last year, the winner was Hilton Head, South Carolina, so this is a new honor for Michigan. Moreover, this beloved Michigan spot came out on top of 14 other areas, including the Florida Keys and other major U.S. island destinations.

That beloved destination is Mackinac Island. Here's what the publication said regarding Michigan's most popular island: "Eighty percent of this roughly four-square-mile island on Lake Huron is protected as a state park. The family-friendly downtown has many restaurants, fudge shops, and galleries. There are also several golf courses, one of which, known as 'Wawa,' lies on a battlefield where the British captured the island from the Americans in the War of 1812. You can explore the island by foot, bike or horse-drawn carriage, but no cars are allowed. Accommodations include the Grand Hotel, which dates back to 1887 and earned the No. 6 spot on this year’s list of the Best Hotels in the Midwest." Find the full roster here and below.

10. Amelia Island, Florida

Amelia Island has 13 miles of beautiful beaches, abundant native wildlife and pristine waters. Nice!

9. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island features 12 miles of pristine beaches. Sounds lovely!

8. Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Who hasn't yearned for a trip to Martha's Vineyard?

7. Mount Desert Island, Maine

Mount Desert Island (MDI) is the largest island off the coast of Maine.

6. Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks are famous for their expanse of open beachfront and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

5. Golden Isles (Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, St. Simons Island), Georgia

Located on the Georgia coast, midway between Savannah, GA, and Jacksonville, FL, the Golden Isles feature four beautiful barrier islands.

4. San Juan Islands, Washington

The San Juan Islands offer whale watching, kayaking, biking, hiking, farm-to-table dining, cozy lodging and more.

3. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket Island offers events, island maps, beaches, accommodations, dining, arts, activities and more.

2. Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Kiawah Island is just a few miles from historic Charleston, South Carolina, and features the famed Kiawah Island Golf Resort.

1. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinac Island is a unique vacation spot boasting fine dining, historic sites, and exciting attractions.

Best Islands in the Continental U.S.

This list is via Travel + Leisure. Find the full list here.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.