Known for its natural beauty and vast range of outdoor activities, Michigan's Upper Peninsula has received recognition as one of the world's 10 Best Value Destinations by Lonely Planet as part of its Best in Travel 2017 yearbook.

The publication highlighted the Upper Peninsula as an under-the-radar destination with stunning natural beauty, charming small towns and attractions including lighthouses, hundreds of miles of beaches and waterfalls with Mackinac Island as a standout visitor draw. The Upper Peninsula was the only U.S. destination in the top 10 list, which included Nepal, Venice and Belize, among others.

“We know that the Upper Peninsula represents the purest of Pure Michigan, however it's still a hidden gem for many travellers,” said Dave Lorenz, Vice President of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “This recognition acknowledges the stunning natural beauty, rich history, unique culture and world-class experiences that make the Upper Peninsula a must-have on travellers' bucket lists.”

The Upper Peninsula offers some of the top natural attractions in the Midwest, including Isle Royale National Park, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and Tahquamenon Falls State Park. It's a place where visitors can explore the depths of historic copper mines, scuba dive Great Lakes shipwrecks, bike along world-class trails and visit more than 300 waterfalls. 

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2017 is a collection of the world's hottest trends, destinations and experiences for the year ahead. The travel yearbook highlights the top 10 countries, cities, regions and best value destinations that Lonely Planet's experts recommend travellers experience in 2017.

Lonely Planet's writers and experts spend time on the road in almost every destination on the planet, and each year they report which destinations are set to take off, offering the best experience available. The destinations selected for Best in Travel must meet specific criteria.

"The Upper Peninsula still manages to escape the international spotlight," said Lonely Planet editor Rebecca Warren. "It's the best-kept secret by Midwesterners, which means prices are reasonable and crowds are comparatively light."

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Note to Editors:                   

The State of Michigan is a state blessed with the riches of unspoiled nature: the longest freshwater coastline in the United States, lakes that feel like oceans, shimmering beaches, miles and miles of cherry orchards, glorious sunrises and sunsets, daytime skies of the deepest blue, nighttime skies scattered with stars.

Home to more than 100 public beaches, some of the highest freshwater sand dunes in the world, stunning multi-colored sandstone cliffs, two National Lakeshores and the only national marine sanctuary in the Great Lakes, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Lake Huron. More than 129 lighthouses, numerous maritime museums, ten shipwreck-diving preserves and historic military fortifications rim Michigan's Great Lakes shoreline.

Lakes, campgrounds, wildlife refuges and 103 Michigan state parks and recreation areas create a wide variety of recreational pursuits. Rivers for water sports, and thousands of miles of hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling trails thread their way among some 100 species of trees.

Long days, relaxing weather and more than 650 pristine Michigan courses make for the perfect tee time. Because being able to play all day is Pure Michigan.

For all PR enquiries please contact Fiona Pettitt- fiona@cellet.co.uk, 01295 722 816.