The No. 2 “best fall travel destination” in the country is in the Midwest, according to a new report.
Mackinac Island was just voted the “No. 2 Best Fall Travel Destination” in USA Today’s “Top 10” Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024, according to a news release.
The car-free island on Lake Huron, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, was also recently named “No. 1 best summer destination” in the outlet’s summer prices earlier this year.
“The vibes are just right on Mackinac Island every fall,” the report said. “Crispy, sunny days with vivid foliage give way to a slower pace of life in this resort town. A wagon ride is one of the best ways to peek at the leaves, and Halloween weekend is always a fun event. Kids can trick-or-treat in shops downtown while adults enjoy adult costume parties at local establishments later in the evening.”
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The island moved up one spot on the list for 2024. In 2023, Mackinac Island was named #3 for “Best Fall Travel Destinations,” with Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Allegany County, Maryland taking the top two spots.
For 2024, Mackinac Island beat out Allegany County, which came in third. Gatlinburg remained in the top spot in 2024, according to the list.
According to editors, the fall destinations were selected by a “panel of experts” and voted for by readers for their “beautiful scenery, great weather and host of seasonal activities and events.”
Here is the full list of places that made the top 10 list:
10. Branson, Missouri
9. Cody, Wyoming
8. Columbus, Ohio
7. Loudoun County, Virginia
6. Saratoga County, New York
5. Estes Park, Colorado
4. Lafayette, Louisiana
3. Allegany County, Maryland
2. Mackinac Island, Michigan
1. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
The entire report can be can be found here.