Michigan's Island Gem Ranks 10 Best Historical Small Town in U.S.

Don't you just love when the world finally starts to realize what we already knew about our state? People are catching on quickly to the fact that the Mitten State has quite a bit to offer in some pretty unique and incredible ways.

Although it's been made famous across the globe due to one timeless romantic movie and its legendary hotel, Mackinac Island is making another name for itself by landing on a notable top 10 list.

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USA Today released its list of the "10 Best Historical Small Towns Across the Nation" as part of its annual USA Today 10Best. According to USA Today, these 10 towns, voted the best by readers, all have small populations of fewer than 25,000 people. Each of the towns is known for having a big historical background, "making them fun and affordable ways to dive into our nation's past".

USA Today readers chose towns from coast to coast and north and south as their all-time picks as the Best Historical Smalls Towns in America. Although Michigan is filled with historical towns each with its own stories of the past, one of the most notable is taking its place on the list landing at #9.

Mackinac Island made the list for obvious reasons to those of us that live in Michigan. The destination gem was voted in for being not unique but for its rich history throughout the island.

"One of the last car-free destinations in the U.S., Mackinac Island, sandwiched between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, seems trapped in the past – but in the most delightful way. Accommodations consist of turn-of-the-century hotels, while the horse-drawn carriage remains the favored form of transportation. With 80% of the island occupied by protected state park land, those looking to explore the outdoors will find plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking."

Historically the island, which is home to around 583 year-round residents, was home to several trading posts and Fort Mackinac. Fort Mackinac was the site of two battles during the War of 1812 before the northern border was settled and the US gained this island in its territory according to Wikipedia. Today the fort just adds to the allure of the island and its many seasonal visitors.

Mackinac was in excellent company on the list. Take a look at the other locations considered the "Best Historic Small Towns" in the country here.

Inside the $5.9M Cedar-Clad 'Boardwalk Cottage' For Sale on Mackinac Island

This is everything you thought and more. If you have strolled the whimsical streets of Mackinac Island not far from downtown you have surely seen the "Boardwalk Cottage". The unique cedar-clad home is a standout for its design and beauty, and it's no wonder considering who owns the home. The home was built in the 1980s by the McIntire family, the previous owners of The Hotel Iroquois on the island for over 65 years. Much like the hotel that they brought to a legendary stage, the 4200 square foot home is considered one the island's finest.

Inside the home, you will find three bedrooms, each with its own sitting area, walk-in closet, and private bath, each overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. The first-floor master suite will have you waking up with spectacular views of Lake Huron. The outside offers amazing space for entertaining and just taking in all the beauty the home is surrounded by.

Take a look inside.

LOOK: Here is the richest town in each state

Just saying the names of these towns immediately conjures up images of grand mansions, luxury cars, and ritzy restaurants. Read on to see which town in your home state took the title of the richest location and which place had the highest median income in the country. Who knows—your hometown might even be on this list.

Source: Michigan’s Island Gem Ranks 10 Best Historical Small Town in U.S.

Filed Under: historical towns, Mackinac Island, Michigan Historical Towns, michigan towns, USA Today, USA Today Top Ten