Michigan is getting national attention this season, thanks to a new ranking from USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
The 2025 list of the “Best Things to Do in Fall” highlights destinations across the country, and Michigan claimed two of the top spots, according to 10Best.
Mackinac Island earned the No. 1 spot on the national list. USA Today notes that the island is especially appealing in autumn, when families can enjoy seasonal events such as the Fall Fudge Festival, along with striking views of changing leaves across the island. The car-free streets and historic downtown also make it a unique fall getaway, the report explains.
The list also recognized Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, which was singled out as America’s top destination for fall colors. According to USA Today’s editors, the UP’s mix of forested hillsides, lakeshores and scenic drives make it one of the best places in the country to see peak foliage.
The 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards are compiled through a two-step process, USA Today explains: travel experts nominate their favorite destinations, and readers vote to determine the final rankings. The 2025 list includes experiences from coast to coast — but Michigan stood out with two entries, underscoring the state’s reputation as a fall travel favorite.
Families interested in exploring the full list of destinations, from national parks to regional festivals, can see the complete rankings on USA Today’s 10Best website here.
