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The best places for vacation in Michigan aren't on the "top 10" lists

Brendon Connelly
/
Flickr

Michigan destinations are working their way into these lists: Saugatuck was voted No. 1 Summer Weekend Escape in America in a recent USA Today reader poll. And a somewhat obscure Upper Peninsula drive got on a top 10 "Best U.S. Road Trips" list.

Ellen Creager, a Detroit Free Press Travel writer, says the big reason for the publicity is the Pure Michigan campaign. However, don’t limit yourself to “Cool Places to Visit” lists when choosing your next Michigan vacation spot.

“The media is full of lazy copycats, so if somebody reads about Saugatuck on one best list, they are more likely to put it on another best list,” Creager says.

Creager says if you are looking for a good vacation spot and want to escape the crowds, look at the top 10 lists and don’t go there. These places are more likely to be crowded in June and July.

Creager’s hidden gems list includes Lumberman’s Monument and Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. 

*Listen to full interview above.

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