Four Michigan Destinations Ranked Top Lake Vacations in America

Summer vacation season is right around the corner and that means those lake days are on their way. Considering Michigan is known as the "Great Lakes State" it's no surprise that we offer a huge selection of great destinations for your next trip.

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U.S. News & World Report wanted to lend a little hand in planning your next lake vacation. They put together a list of the very best places to enjoy this summer lakeside across the country. In the list "32 Top Lake Vacations in the U.S." we weren't surprised to see not just one, but four, great Michigan locations made the cut.

Traverse City

Landing at #7 on the list was the gem of northern Michigan, Traverse City. It was clear the team choosing the best spot knew exactly why everyone loves summers in Traverse.

"Located on a large bay, Traverse City is a superb home base if you want to explore northern Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which is home to the world's largest freshwater dune system (including spectacular perched dunes), sits less than 30 miles from downtown. After exploring the protected area's 35 miles of Lake Michigan coastline with sky-high sand dunes, make a trip to the state's wine country, with wine trails on the scenic Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas".

Mackinac Island

Known worldwide for being the home of the Grand Hotel, the island truly offers so much more with a location your can only dream of. Landing in the # 10 spot, the charm of our pristine island is sure to win over tourists from around the globe.

"Michigan's Mackinac Island offers a unique type of vacation for visitors. This small island (measuring less than 4 square miles) located on Lake Huron off Michigan's Upper Peninsula has no cars or chain hotels and features the kind of old-world charm not often found in island getaways. Mackinac Island is awash with beautiful Victorian architecture, horse-drawn carriages and lots of activities".

Saugatuck

At #16, the Westside star came as no surprise with its great beaches, shopping, and cultural areas.

"In addition to picturesque streets, Saugatuck is home to a lovely shoreline. Kick back and unwind at Oval Beach and Saugatuck Dunes State Park, or admire the spectacular views at Mount Baldhead Park. For an added dose of adventure, consider a ride with Saugatuck Dune Rides, which offers group tours of sand dunes via open-top dune buggies. As for where to stay, accommodation options here include hotels, resorts, B&Bs, inns and vacation rentals. For a romantic Michigan getaway, consider The Hotel Saugatuck".

Isle Royale National Park

Talk about being the best representation of Pure Michigan, Isle Royale National Park is the raw beauty of Michigan just waiting to be discovered. Taking the #23 spot, the Upper Peninsula destination will win newbies over immediately.

"This remote national park offers an ideal setting for intrepid travelers and is the ultimate Great Lakes wilderness experience. The isolated island of Isle Royale, which the national park completely covers, sits in the middle of Lake Superior – along Michigan's border with Canada – and is only accessible by ferry or seaplane",  the bio reads. "Along with having unreliable cellphone service, the island does not allow vehicles and advises exploring via your own two feet or by boat, kayak or canoe. The park boasts 165 miles of hiking trails that take you through its dense forested land and up along its craggy coastline. You can also scuba dive, fish, kayak and canoe. Despite its remote location, the island does shelter the Rock Harbor Lodge complex, plus 36 campgrounds".

How cool is it we don't have to travel that far to enjoy some of the best the country has to offer? Check out the complete list of the "32 Top Lake Vacations in the U.S." here.