With 36 Incredible Islands, The Les Cheneaux Islands In Michigan Are Perfect For Outdoor Adventure
By Jack Springgate|Published December 13, 2023
×
Jack Springgate
Author
I'm proud to be from the great state of Michigan. I've lived in the Mitten several different times throughout my life spending time in all corners of it. My journeys took me up and down the Lake Michigan coast, out east to explore Detroit and Ann Arbor, and to the dense forests of the UP.
Before writing with Only In Your State, I worked as a local TV news reporter and anchor, most recently in South Bend. Many of the stories I covered took place in Southwest Michigan. My roots are even deeper in the Wolverine State as I often head to Kalamazoo to visit family.
When I'm not out exploring nature, I'm avidly watching sports. I specifically have a deep love for the Michigan Wolverines (my alma mater), and I get to write about them and several other Big Ten teams as and editor for Athlon Sports. I also love to enjoy the great outdoors with my wife and our dog, Piper.
I'm excited to share all my favorite Michigan destinations with you. Keep exploring.
There are so many ways to enjoy the Great Lakes in Michigan, that it’s hard to count. It’s also hard to count the number of islands that make up the Les Cheneaux Islands on the Upper Peninsula’s Lake Huron coast. I’ll make the math easy for you, as there are 36 in total, but there are endless ways to enjoy the great outdoors if you visit them.
This island chain is accessible via nearby towns on the mainland including Hessel and Cedarville. The miles of coastline and summer activities attract thousands of visitors to the area every year.
This collection of islands isn’t far from one of Michigan’s famous water-locked locations, Mackinac Island. You can access any of the islands by boat, but only one pair of islands is accessible by car: Hill Island.
There is also an airport you can fly into if you have a private plane. The airport sits just two miles north of Hessel and you will still need a car or boat to arrive at any of the islands.
You’ll quickly notice that the rocky shoreline of Lake Huron differs substantially from the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan. However, this allows visitors a prime opportunity to search for Michigan’s prehistoric wonder–petoskey stones.
There are also a few public beaches in the towns that gatekeep the islands.
Advertisement
I can’t imagine a better way to start the morning than with a warm cup of coffee and this view. This is what most people will wake up to on a typical morning at the Les Cheneaux Islands.
The only way this could be any better is if you’re actually on the water. That’s a real possibility since you can rent boats and kayaks in advance for a sunrise or sunset cruise.
Not every activity has to be on the water. Folks have been putting around the Les Cheneaux Golf Course for more than 125 years. It’s the oldest continuously played golf course in the United States, first opening in 1898.
This course is open to the public but closes down during the snowy winters. This course is so close to the water that they have boat docking available if you’re coming straight from the water.
Hassel is one of the two 170-year-old communities on the mainland. It’s known for hosting the largest antique boat show in the world. This summer festival attracts roughly 10,000 visitors and more than 150 boaters.
People make their way to this remote part of Michigan from as far away as Florida and California. This tradition has been growing ever since it was first introduced in 1978.
While most people imagine having summertime fun at the Les Chaneaux Islands, winter opens its own world of possibilities. Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are two popular activities when the water freezes over.
Of course, this also brings the opportunity for ice-fishing, snowshoeing, and nestling by the fire.
Out of all 36 islands, only one of them is technically public. However, if you book a place to stay on any of the islands, you’ll be able to explore your very own piece of paradise. There are several booking options on Vrbo to help you get your search started.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
