Charming streets, horse-drawn carriages, turquoise water, endless charm and more await at this dreamy island near Ontario. The isle is like a little slice of Europe and was named among the best hidden gems in the U.S.
Luggage storage company Bounce recently revealed the most popular hidden gems across the U.K. and the U.S. by analyzing TripAdvisor reviews and Google search data. This magical island town took the second spot among the top three hidden gems in the U.S., and it's just a ferry ride away from Ontario.
Located in Michigan, Mackinac Island is a dreamy destination to visit, especially during the summer months.
According to the study by Bounce, the island received a whopping 4 million searches on Google over 2023 and came in just below Sedona, Arizona, which garnered 4.7 million searches on Google over the year.
Mackinac Island is home to just over 500 people and is known for being car-free. Instead, people travel by bicycle, horse-drawn carriage or on foot.
While visiting, you can indulge in the "world-famous Mackinac Island fudge," explore natural landmarks and wander along the quaint streets.
In order to get to the island, Ontarians can travel to one of the port cities, Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, and take a 15-minute ferry ride. You can find out more on the Mackinac Island website.
The third most searched-for hidden gem in the U.S. was Chattanooga, Tennessee, with nearly 4 million Google searches.
If you're looking for a beautiful summer vacay spot, this enchanting island might be worth a visit.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
