U.P. only U.S. destination to be featured in Lonely Planet's 2017 Best Value destinations list

Michigan's best kept secret has, yet again, become less of a secret.

The Upper Peninsula is the only U.S. destination on Lonely Planet's 2017 Top 10 Best Value destinations list.

The feature, reading in part: "Because it's a destination mainly for Midwesterners, prices are reasonable, crowds are comparatively few, and the feeling of the area is casual and relaxed."

Tourism agencies have been working to promote the U.P. as a destination location.

"We've tried to create this bucket list attraction and it's working," said Nicole Young, executive director of the Marquette County Convention and Visitors Bureau. "People are seeing the information, they're getting here, they're surprised, they had no idea [what was here]. They were picturing a blank wilderness and to find these thriving towns and really great activities to do, it's surprising to them."

Lonely Planet Managing Destination Editor Evan Godt said the U.P. made the value destination list in part because of the variety of free outdoor activities available.

"We think it might be kind of a secret for people that don't live in the Midwest," Godt said. "We kind of wanted to share that to a broader audience."

Lonely Planet isn't the only big name noticing the U.P.

Marquette County is being featured in the December edition of Delta Sky Magazine, the Travel Channel was recently filming in the U.P. for a segment on "Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations" and Bike Magazine recently highlighted Marquette County and western U.P. Trails.

"A lot of people are working to shine the attention and it's paying off," Young said.

Costal Georgia made the 2017 Top 10 Best Regions list and Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon are on the 2017 Top 10 Cities list.

Lonely Planet expects the 2017 Best in Travel campaign to reach millions.