And the Award Goes To: 4 Michigan Towns Winning National Praise

Michigan's miles of shoreline, charming downtowns, and endless natural beauty are no secret to those of us who live here. But it seems the rest of the country is catching on in a big way after decades of going under the radar. National travel publications have been showering Michigan towns with awards in recent years, officially confirming what we’ve always known: this is one of the best places for a vacation in the U.S.

If you’re planning a getaway, why not start with the spots that are earning national acclaim? Here are four award-winning Michigan towns that are more than ready for their close-up. This is also a great way to test Michigan as a relocation destination if you've been thinking about making the jump to work remotely in Michigan to join the lakefront lifestyle.

1. Mackinac Island: The Undisputed Champion

It’s almost hard to keep track of all the accolades Mackinac Island has received. For the second year in a row, it was named the #1 Best Summer Travel Destination by USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards. As if that weren’t enough, Travel + Leisure readers consistently vote it one of the Best Islands in the Continental U.S.

The appeal is timeless. A car-free island where transportation is limited to horse-drawn carriages and bicycles forces you to slow down. The whole place smells like chocolate shops... because it is full of chocolate shops. From exploring the historic Fort Mackinac to sampling world-famous fudge and biking the scenic 8.2-mile loop around the island, Mackinac offers a unique escape from modern life. These awards aren't a fluke; they're a testament to an island that has perfected the art of the classic American vacation. Check out the Grand Hotel's vacation packages for off season for the traditional experience, or check out one of the many Victorian bed and breakfasts for an even more quaint quiet getaway.

2. Ludington: The Best Historic Small Town

History buffs, take note. In a competition against charming towns across the entire country, Ludington proudly took the top spot as the #1 Best Historic Small Town in the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards. My mother-in-law would enthusiastically agree: she lived here in high school and still loves to go back to the 50s ice cream shop and the popular broad sugar-sand beaches in this down-to-earth small town kind of in the middle of nowhere halfway up Lake Michigan's coast.

Ludington’s rich maritime history is everywhere you look. It's the home port of the S.S. Badger, the last coal-fired passenger steamship in the United States. You can explore two historic lighthouses, visit the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, or wander through Historic White Pine Village. Combine that deep sense of history with stunning walkable beaches along Lake Michigan, and you have a destination that offers both relaxation and a meaningful connection to the past. Trust me: you will leave Ludington more relaxed, even if you run into some loud parties on occasion.

3. Traverse City: The Year-Round Star

Traverse City has long been the unofficial capital of "Up North" in the lower part of Michigan due to its huge natural bay lakefront and historic cherry fruit growing industry, but its reputation continues to grow on the national stage. AAA recently included it on its list of the Best Summer Vacation Places in the U.S., celebrating its scenic lakeshores and award-winning vineyards.

Known as the "Cherry Capital of the World," Traverse City is a hub for foodies and outdoor adventurers alike. The city is the perfect base for exploring the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, tasting your way through the wineries of the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas, visiting nearby arts camp Interlochen for a world-class classical or pop concert, or simply enjoying the vibrant and relatively diverse downtown. Its consistent presence on national "best of" lists proves it’s a premier destination with something for everyone, no matter the season. Also, an aside, Traverse City is the most queer-friendly of Michigan towns on our list. If you are used to a city or a college town but want an outdoor winery kind of getaway, try Traverse City. Just plan ahead. Hotels are packed here, and Airbnbs have all kinds of restrictions due to their popularity.

4. Grand Rapids: An Underappreciated Gem for Families

Michigan’s second-largest city located in the west side of the state is finally getting the national recognition it deserves as a top-tier family destination. The BBC named Grand Rapids one of the best places in the United States for a family vacation this month, calling it an "underappreciated gem." Having just launched a vacation rental in nearby lakefront Muskegon that is half an hour west of Grand Rapids, we of course agree. West Michigan is in a big revival, and we're super happy to be a part of seeing the state bounce back.

It's easy to see why Grand Rapids is finally getting some attention as a vacation destination, despite not being on the water like Muskegon and South Haven nearby. The city is packed with family-friendly attractions, including the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, the John Ball Zoo, and the Grand Rapids Children's Museum. Millennium Park, one of the nation's largest urban parks, offers a sandy beach, splash pad, and playgrounds. Add in the city's vibrant food scene and its close proximity to Lake Michigan's beaches, and you have all the ingredients for a perfect family getaway that’s both fun and affordable.

Want to check out west Michigan for a workcation or late summer getaway? We just set up a friends and family discount for Silversides House in Muskegon! Take a ghost walking tour in Grand Rapids, visit the Hackley and Hume lumber baron houses a block from our rental house, and check out the Silversides Submarine museum in the port between Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan! We highly recommend the coffee shop Coffee Factory across the street from Silversides House on the ground floor behind the condos being built into the old furniture factory.

Use code: Silverside10 for 10% off your stay!

Silversides House Reservations: https://www.vrbo.com/4333031