Two Michigan towns are on the ballot for Best Historic Small Town in the USA Today Reader's Choice 2025 honors. 

There are 20 choices on the ballot for the 10 best small towns, including Ludington and Mackinac Island. All of the communities have fewer than 25,000 residents, but have "big histories, making them fun and affordable ways to dive into our nation's past." 

Exploring the sites and scenes around the United States, the newspaper said, "is much more fun than simply reading about it." 

Those who wish to support a favorite community by participating in the poll can vote once per day until noon March 31; the winning small towns will be announced April 9. 

Ludington 

Ludington built its economy on the lumber industry and to this day is a shipping port with both water and rail service. Visitors can shop at specialty stores and art galleries; and learn about the town's past at Historic White Pine Village and Port of Ludington Maritime Museum. 

Mackinac Island 

Mackinac Island was once home to the Anishinaabek People, and the French arrived in the nearby locales in the 1600s. The British took over by the 1700s and then the Americans claimed the site. Fort Mackinac is one of the state's oldest buildings and is now part of a state park. The island is now a vacation spot known for a car-free atmosphere.