As the days grow cooler and the leaves begin to burst into brilliant reds, oranges, and golds, people all across the country are looking for the ultimate seasonal getaway. Michigan's premier island jewel didn't just compete for the top spot this autumn—it officially defended its crown!

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Mackinac Island has been voted the No. 1 Best Place to Visit in the Fall in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice poll for the second consecutive year.

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After a panel of travel experts selected 20 breathtaking locations known for incredible foliage, ideal weather, and packed calendars of seasonal events, public voting confirmed what Michiganders already knew: Mackinac Island reigns supreme in autumn.

Mackinac Island Visitors Bureau via Facebook
Mackinac Island Visitors Bureau via Facebook

Back-to-Back Fall Victories

Mackinac Island took home the No. 1 spot on this list last year, and public support brought home top honors two years in a row! (This comes as no surprise for the island, which has also been named the No. 1 summer travel destination in the country for four consecutive years.)

👇BELOW: 30+ Photos That Show Why Fall in Michigan is Unmatched👇

The island offers everything you want in a fall getaway: crisp, sunny days, colorful foliage that blankets the landscape, and a relaxing way to take it all in, like a horse-drawn carriage ride through state park trails or a peaceful bike ride along the water.

The island’s rich history and iconic (and possibly haunted!) spots like Fort Mackinac and Arch Rock make it a uniquely fun place to explore. Plus, autumn brings a slate of fun seasonal celebrations.

Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau via Facebook
Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau via Facebook

Spooky Fun and Seasonal Halloween Events

This year’s Halloween Weekend runs from October 23 to 25, packed with seasonal traditions like the Great Turtle Trail Half Marathon and 5.7 Mile Run/Walk. Kids can head downtown for trick-or-treating, while adults can hit up the costume parties and live music at local bars and restaurants. You will also find fall crafting sessions, spooky movie screenings at Mission Point Theater, and the Haunted Trail and Maze at the Grand Hotel.

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Outdoor enthusiasts can hike, bike, play a round of golf, or take a guided walk along the Botanical Trail while the entire island glows with autumn foliage.

Whether you visited, voted, or are planning your first trip, congratulations to Mackinac Island on being named America's favorite fall getaway once again!

30+ Photos That Show Why Fall in Michigan is Unmatched

Fall in the Mitten State is glorious time. There's apple picking, pumpkin carving, hayrides, all the animals you'll spot like deer and migratory birds—and of course the stunning fall colors.

The Upper Peninsula is often mentioned in national rankings as one of the most beautiful spots for fall foliage in the country, but truly, Autumn beauty abounds across the entire state.

Sure, we'd all love take a few hours and go on a scenic drive (or head to a fall chairlift ride) but sometimes you just can't getaway. Here are more than 30 photos of fall around Michigan for those times when you're stuck inside. Spot anywhere you've been?

Gallery Credit: Janna

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