Bear Cove Inn in St. Ignace, Mich. Up for Best Roadside Motel

In the early 20th century Americans were taking to the nation's new highways in their new automobiles. Motels (a combination of the word "motor" and "hotel") popped up to accommodate these travelers.

Still scattered across the country today, roadside motels are a part of America's history. Did you know one of the best in the country is right here in Michigan?

"What is the best roadside motel in the country?" is the subject of a new USA Today and 10best readers' poll. Twenty properties, many of which are historic and have gotten retro-chic makeovers, have been chosen by a panel of experts. It's now up to a public vote to crown the top roadside motels in the U.S.

The one Michigan motel competing is Bear Cove Inn in St. Ignace.

Bear Cove Inn, Facebook

The quaint, Upper Peninsula property has nine nature-inspired rooms in which guests are invited to "sleep under the stars".

There's The Forest Room, The Lakeshore Room, The Giant Eagle Room, and even a Bear-Themed Cottage outfitted with two recliners with heat and massage.

Bear Cove Inn, Facebook

Each room at the Bear Cove is air conditioned and is fitted with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. You will find a coffee machine, microwave, and mini-fridge in each room.

Mackinac Island is just 6.8 miles from Bear Cove Inn, and Mackinaw City is 8.1 miles away. The Mackinac Island Ferry Boats and Kewadin Casino in St. Ignace are also close-by and free shuttles are available to both during your stay.

You can vote for the Bear Cove Inn in USA Today's poll once per day here through May 6 at noon.