No Michigan Towns Voted in Top 5 Best in the Midwest

As a native Michigander, I'm aware that I'm biased to think the Mitten State is awesome..

A panel of experts seemed to agree with me as FOUR Michigan spots were competing to be the best small town in the Midwest in a new USA 10best poll. Their picks were all "charming, scenic, and historic" places - which I think describes so many Michigan towns perfectly!

👇BELOW: CHECK OUT THE FULL RANKING OF THE TOP TEN SMALL MIDWEST TOWNS👇

The only other state with as many towns in the running was Indiana...

Well, after a public vote, some Michigan towns made the top ten, but not No.1. Petoskey, Saugatuck, Mackinac Island, and Grand Haven were all up for the honor....

Somehow Petoskey was left out of the top ten. Mackinac Island came in at No. 10, Saugatuck at No 9., and Grand Haven ranked the highest, coming in at No. 7.

The location to beat them all out?

City of Madison IN - City Hall via Facebook

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Madison, Indiana, has been voted the No. 1 town in the Midwest.

Here's what USA Today says about Madison:

Madison, Indiana, has played a major role in the history of the Midwest since the 19th century; many local residents helped enslaved people escape from Kentucky via the Underground Railroad. Visitors to Madison can experience the full splendor of the surrounding Ohio River, head west to marvel at waterfalls along Clifty Falls State Park, then set off for the downtown district to embark on a Rockin' Thunder River Tour.

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It's actually the second year in a row for Madison to take the title!

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After checking out Visit Madison on Facebook, it does look like a cool place. It appears the town has been dealing with storms and flooding recently - hopefully this win will bring some joy to Madison residents during a difficult time!

There's always next year, Michigan towns!

Here's the rest of the top ten small Midwest towns for 2025:

Madison, Indiana
LaPorte, Indiana
Worthington, Ohio
Vevay, Indiana
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Council Grove, Kansas
Grand Haven, Michigan
Winoda, Minnesota
Saugatuck, Michigan
Mackinac Island, Michigan

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Every state has its quirks; Michigan is no exception. But once you learn that despite your allegiance to U of M or MSU, we all loath Ohio State, there are a few more lessons you'll need to master before truly embedding yourself as a true Mitten State native. Here are 5 Things New Residents Don't Understand About Michigan.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow