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Are there any islands in Michigan?
Which Michigan Islands should you visit?
What is the largest and most populated island in Lake Michigan?
Where are Michigan's most beautiful islands?
Michigan only has islands in Lake Michigan in the northern portion of the lake. There are no islands in the southern half of Lake Michigan. The largest and most populated of Michigan's islands in Lake Michigan is Beaver Island at 55.8 square miles (145 km 2) and 551 residents.
- North & South Manitou. If you remember reading “The Legend of Sleeping Bear Dunes” as a child, you’ll know these two islands are the heart of Michigan.
- Drummond Island. ORV Area on Drummond Island | Photo Courtesy of Pure Michigan. If it’s true that the best trips lie off the beaten path, then the best trips lie on Michigan’s Drummond Island—especially if you’re an ORV or ATV aficionado.
- Bois Blanc. Have you ever heard of this island? Would you be surprised to learn that it is Mackinac Island’s neighbor? Bois Blanc Island is much bigger than Mackinac Island, and also more desolate.
- Isle Royale. Aerial View of Isle Royale | Photo Courtesy of Pure Michigan. Isle Royale is one of Michigan’s five national parks, where roughly 17,000 visitors fall in love with Michigan every year.
Dec 13, 2021 · It is easy to find islands in Michigan as they seem to dot the water everywhere you look on the map. Big, small, inhabited, uninhabited, there are so many kinds of Michigan islands to explore! Exploring one of the many Michigan Islands would make for a memorable Michigan weekend getaway!
- Lake Huron Islands
- Islands in Lake Michigan
- Islands in Southeast Michigan
- Lake Superior Islands
Mackinac Island
Let’s start with the obvious. Mackinac Islandis one of Michigan’s most visited Islands and is a classic must-see for all those looking for a Michigan Island adventure. It’s more than just the ferry rides, towering Fort Mackinac and the Grand Hotel. Its truly the gem of Michigan travel where you can take a step back in time to the gentle Victorian era. After crossing the iconic Mackinac Bridgeand journeying across the ferry, this island takes you back in time with its charming town streets, li...
Bois Blanc Island
Just southeast ofMackinac Island, this Michigan Island offers more of a secluded trip for those looking for something more immersed in nature. Bois Blanc Island, located near Cheboygan, MI, is barely populated, with only a couple of offered amenities and stores on the island. Serving as a much-needed contrast to its popular neighbor of Mackinac, this island is popular for its day trip visits to enjoy Michigan nature, by bike, kayaks and walking. All the Midwest’s treasured animals such as bal...
Les Cheneaux Islands
A group of 36 islands, and French for “the channels”, Les Cheneaux Islands are a Michigan island experience you don’t want to miss out on. Some islands are inhabited and offer top-rated vacation rentals for a perfect island getaway, while others are specific nature reserves. This island chain is popular for sailing and kayaking and offers many different summer events for visitors and tourists. A perfect balance of small-town charm and untouched natural scenery, the Les Cheneaux Islands of Mic...
Beaver Island
Serving as the largest island located on Lake Michigan, Beaver Islandoffers a great relaxing trip for a beautiful nature-filled escape. Known as “America’s Emerald Island”, this Michigan island is popularly known as one of the best stargazing locations in the United States. Due to the low light population and secluded location, the night skies are a memorable wonder and attract many for their one-of-a-kind experience. You’ll also find many lodges, inns, motels, and glamping offering experienc...
Fox Island
Another reserved and secluded island, Fox Island is owned by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancyand is preserved in nature. This island can be reached by boat, kayak, or canoe and awaits a great momentary stop and admiration, with one dock for wanted visitors. This island is uninhabited and is one of the most isolated islands in Lake Michigan. One singular lighthouse leads the way and marks Fox Island’s place in the Michigan freshwaters, overseeing and protecting the untouched Michig...
North Manitou
With zero population, this inhibited Michigan island saves space for trails, diving, and observation of the amazing Michigan wildlife. Most popularly visited during the summer months and provides more space for private camping compared to its sister island of South Manitou. The Manitou ferry service from Leland, aka “Fishtown”provides safe traveling to get to the island for day visits and camping. Locating beautiful beach shores and wildlife, North Manitou stands out as a special Michigan Isl...
Belle Isle
This Michigan island is in the Detroit River and deserves a spot on the list. This island park is a beautiful location and serves as a great getaway from the bustling city life of Detroit. The grand Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is a sight to marvel at, with elegant glass panels and a whimsical botanical garden. Don’t forget the Belle Isle Aquarium, with emerald, green, curved tile ceilings, stored with wonders from the ocean, or the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and Belle Isle Nature Center...
Grosse Ile
Another island and township located in the Detroit River, this island promises great sightseeing and exploring with a friendly and safe community. With offered island fests, events, and activities during the summer, this island is a popular go-to for families and friends to connect during fun outdoor activities and food. The island embraces all sorts of food trucks and vendors, with live music and a variety of activities for all ages, making the island hard not to like. Grosse Ilse makes sure...
Harsens Island
Located at the top of Lake St. Clair, and less than an hour from Detroit, this island is a popular must-see for visitors and residents around the area of the beautiful preserves of the natural life of the freshwaters and serves as a location for fishermen and hunters. Many flocks to the island during the summer for a traditional retreat, and host nearly 2,000 year-round residents. With many offered boating trips, hunting, fishing, restaurants, and local shops, this island is a great place to...
Isle Royale
This island gem located in Lake Superior is a great place for many outdoor adventures and scenery to admire the beautiful freshwater lake. This national park can be reached by boat or ferry and offers places to camp and two resorts: the Rock Harbor Lodge and Windigo Camper Cabins. Make sure to bring your food to the island, for there are only two restaurants located on the island. Whether for a day trip or a long camping stay, Isle royal is a beautiful, isolated trip to unwind and reconnect w...
Grand Island in Munising
North of Michigan Upper Peninsula and located in the township of Alger County and along the shores of Lake Superior, Grand Isle provides discovery for amazing Michigan scenery, including sandstone cliffs and the famous Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Just under an hour’s drive from popular Marquette, this Munising island is home to pristine sandy beaches, hardwood forests and clear inland lakes. Enjoy overnight stays with rustic camping or offered cabins, and plan out your stay hiking, vis...
Sugar Island
Located at the eastern tip of the Upper Peninsula, Sugar Island serves as a wonderful stop along the St. Marys River. Matching its sweet name, Sugar Island sure is a treat to visit during the summer months, offering a Michigan island adventure full of perfect beach days, boat rides, wild trails, water trails, and pure relaxation. Soak your feet in the clear freshwaters and explore the soft, white sandy beaches on this special must-visit Michigan island.
The following is a list of populated islands of the Great Lakes and connecting rivers. The islands listed have a specified year-round population of over 50 residents. Many islands are popular tourist destinations, and experience a sharp population increase during peak travel seasons.
Many Michigan islands, like Isle Royale and the Manitou Islands, provide an opportunity to get off the grid and disconnect. Others, such as Belle Isle, offer educational attractions and a chance to connect with nature. Here are seven of my favorite Michigan islands, in no particular order.
Jul 8, 2024 · If you want to visit islands, there's plenty to explore across more than a dozen Michigan islands, from wilderness activities to cultural and historical sites.
