2 historic Michigan towns among nation's best. Where to see history
A pair of historic Michigan "small towns" to explore this year, both popular summer destinations, are among the best in the nation, according to USA TODAY readers.
The USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards ranked Ludington No. 3 and Mackinac Island No. 5 among the 10Best historic small towns in the U.S., from among 20 nominees. Granbury, Texas, topped the best historic small town nationwide in the awards.
"The United States has a fascinating history, and exploring the places which most affected it is much more fun than simply reading about it. These 20 nominees for Best Historic Small Town have small populations (fewer than 25,000 people) with big histories, making them fun and affordable ways to dive into our nation's past," the 10BEST website says.
A view of downtown Mackinac Island from a Fort Mackinac lookout on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025.
Ludington got its start as a 19th century lumber town along the Lake Michigan coastline, developing into a popular lakefront vacation spot. Mackinac Island, northern Michigan's prime spring and summer destination, boasts nearly four centuries of colonial-era history and its car-free roads maintain a nostalgic charm.
Here's what to know about Michigan's best historic small towns, according to USA TODAY readers.
What did Ludington, Mackinac Island win?
Ludington took the No. 3 spot in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards top 10 best historic small towns.
"Ludington, Michigan, built its economy on the lumber industry and has continued to thrive as a shipping port, both by water and by train. Today, visitors come to explore Ludington's small-town charm, enjoy its waterfront location, and shop at its many specialty shops and art galleries. Explore the town's past at Historic White Pine Village and the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum," the 10BEST website says.
Mackinac Island ranked No. 5 among the top 10 best historic small towns.
"Mackinac Island’s story spans centuries and cultures. Long before European arrival, it was home to the Anishinaabek People with the French arriving in the 1600s, followed by British and later American stewardship, each leaving a lasting imprint. Now a scenic, car-free destination in northern Michigan, the island preserves its heritage through exceptional historic sites. Fort Mackinac, a Revolutionary-era fort with 14 original buildings, anchors Mackinac Island State Park. Visitors can also explore the Biddle House, and Mackinac Island Native American Museum, the Benjamin Blacksmith Shop, and more. On Mackinac Island, history isn’t just remembered, it’s experienced at every turn!," the 10BEST website says.
What were the other best historic small towns?
Here is the USA TODAY 10BEST ranking for best historic small towns:
- Granbury, Texas
- Ruston, Louisiana
- Ludington, Michigan
- Abilene, Kansas
- Mackinac Island, Michigan
- Shepherdstown, West Virginia
- Seneca Falls, New York
- Worthington, Ohio
- Newport, Kentucky
- New Castle, Delaware
Where is Ludington?
Ludington is a west Michigan city located along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The tourist town is home to about 7,500 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It sits at the western terminus for U.S. 10 and along U.S. 31.
Visitors can enjoy swimming and sunbathing on Lake Michigan beaches — including a popular state park, tour historic lighthouses, visit art galleries and museums, shop and dine downtown and more this spring and summer.
When was Ludington settled?
The city of Ludington became chartered in 1873 and is named for one of its founders, James Ludington, according to Visit Ludington's website. The area is the ancestral homeland of Anishinaabe peoples, namely the Odawa.
Where is Mackinac Island?
Mackinac Island is located within the Straits of Mackinac in Lake Huron. It's a few miles offshore from both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City.
Mackinac Island's "opening day" for the 2026 tourism season is May 1, according to the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau. The island offers tourists prime lodgings, horse-drawn carriage rides, downtown shopping and dining, historic tours, lakefront biking, a butterfly house and more.
When was Mackinac Island settled?
Native Americans lived on the island for thousands of years. Mackinac Island saw its initial European presence with French traders in the late 17th century, though control later shifted to the British, who moved Fort Mackinac to the island in the late 18th century, according to the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau. The island is the ancestral homeland of Anishinaabe peoples, including the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi.
How can you get to Mackinac Island?
Ferry services take visitors to Mackinac Island from Mackinaw City in the Lower Peninsula and St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula. You can also get to the island by private boat or cruise. Flight options include personal planes, commercial flights or Fresh Air Aviation's air taxi service from St. Ignace.
If you're traveling by ferry, Arnold Transit Company offers year-round service from St. Ignace, though it's temporarily suspended. Service from Mackinaw City begins April 21 for the tourist season. Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry will start its regular ferry routes from St. Ignace and Mackinaw City on April 21, the tourism bureau said.
Fresh Air Aviation offers year-round flights to Mackinac Island from St. Ignace.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: [email protected].
