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This Michigan city was just named the most affordable fall destination

Mackinaw City, Michigan took the top spot

By Amanda Teague Published October 5, 2025

mackinaw city most affordable fall destination michigan — Courtesy of HomeToGo

Travelers looking to save money on autumn getaways may want to set their sights on northern Michigan. HomeToGo, the world’s largest selection of vacation rentals, has released its 2025/26 Shoulder Season Travel Report, naming Mackinaw City, Michigan, the most affordable fall destination in the U.S, with a median nightly price of just $47 per person.

Perched at the tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Mackinaw City offers a charming escape in early autumn before tourism slows down in November. Visitors can soak up crisp lake breezes, ride ferries to nearby Mackinac Island, and watch leaves turn along the shores of Lake Huron and the iconic Mackinac Bridge.

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Beyond its scenic backdrop, the city is full of history and culture. Travelers can step back in time at Fort Michilimackinac, a reconstructed 18th-century fort, or tour the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum to learn about the Great Lakes shipping industry. Downtown Mackinaw City adds small-town charm with local shops, cozy restaurants, and famous Michigan fudge at longtime favorites like Murdick’s.

“Shoulder season is gaining traction among American travelers as they seek out ways to avoid peak-season crowds, enjoy more comfortable weather, and stretch their vacation budgets further,” said Eleanor Moody, HomeToGo Spokesperson and Travel Expert. “Luckily, many of summer’s top destinations maintain their appeal in fall and spring, when colorful foliage or wildflowers are still in bloom.”

The top U.S. destinations for affordable trips in autumn 2025

Mackinaw City, Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Hatteras, North Carolina
Kanab, Utah
Reno, Nevada
Boise, Idaho
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Spokane, Washington
Branson, Missouri
St. George, Utah

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Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and the written word…

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