8 Remote Islands In Michigan That Feel Like A Whole Different World
Michigan’s islands are hidden gems that many travelers unknowingly pass by, overshadowed by the state’s more famous destinations. I stumbled upon this secret paradise last summer in the most unexpected way — when my GPS gave out, and I unknowingly boarded the wrong ferry.
That small twist of fate turned into one of the best adventures of my life, leading me to landscapes I never imagined existed so close to home.
These eight remote Michigan islands offer more than just pretty views — they’re havens of wilderness, rich history, and raw natural beauty that will make you forget you’re still in the Great Lakes State.
1. Isle Royale: A Wilderness Sanctuary
Wolves howl across misty valleys on Isle Royale, Michigan’s wildest island escape. My first morning here, I woke to a moose calmly strolling past my tent – a magical moment I’ll never forget!
The island stretches 45 miles through Lake Superior, accessible only by seaplane or boat during summer months. No cars, no roads, just 165 miles of rugged hiking trails through untouched wilderness.
Pack light but smart for this adventure – the isolation is real. I learned this lesson when my hiking boots broke on day two, leaving me to navigate rocky trails in borrowed sandals. Worth every blister!
2. North Manitou Island: The Backpacker’s Dream
Stepping off the ferry onto North Manitou feels like traveling back in time. Cell service vanishes, modern distractions fade, and suddenly you’re surrounded by 15,000 acres of pristine wilderness.
I spent three glorious days hiking through ghost towns and abandoned orchards, traces of the island’s fascinating past. The beaches here are impossibly empty – I built a driftwood fort and pretended I was the last person on Earth.
Primitive camping rules apply: bring everything you need and pack out what you bring in. My favorite spot? The western shoreline at sunset, where Lake Michigan turns to liquid gold beneath the dunes.
3. South Manitou Island: Shipwrecks and Ancient Trees
Standing beneath the 500-year-old cedar trees on South Manitou, I felt wonderfully small. These giants have watched over this island since before Columbus reached America!
Unlike its northern sister, South Manitou offers day trips and structured camping with more amenities. The island’s crown jewel is the shipwreck of the Francisco Morazan, visible from shore when Lake Michigan’s waters are clear.
My greatest adventure here was climbing the 100-foot lighthouse for a bird’s-eye view of the Manitou Passage. Pro tip: bring binoculars to spot the underwater shipwrecks that make this area the “Graveyard of the Great Lakes.”
4. Bois Blanc Island: The Locals’ Secret
“Boblo” Island captured my heart with its quirky charm and laid-back lifestyle. Locals zip around in golf carts, waving to strangers like old friends. I rented one myself and spent hours exploring 34 miles of unpaved roads through dense maple forests.
The island boasts six inland lakes perfect for fishing and wildlife spotting. One morning, I counted seven bald eagles soaring above Lake Mary while enjoying my campfire coffee.
Accommodations are limited to vacation rentals and rustic camping – exactly how the 71 year-round residents prefer it. Their unofficial motto? “If you’re in a hurry, you’re on the wrong island.”
5. Les Cheneaux Islands: The Boater’s Paradise
Navigating through the narrow channels of Les Cheneaux’s 36 islands feels like solving a beautiful puzzle. Locals call this area “The Snows” – a nod to the intricate waterways that weave between forested shores.
I rented a kayak and paddled past century-old wooden cottages and boathouses that seem frozen in time. The protected bays create perfect conditions for water adventures, even when Lake Huron kicks up its notorious waves.
The village of Hessel hosts the annual Antique Wooden Boat Show, drawing collectors from across the country. My unexpected highlight? Finding a tiny island restaurant only accessible by boat, where I enjoyed the freshest whitefish I’ve ever tasted.
6. Beaver Island: The Emerald Kingdom
“America’s Emerald Isle” lives up to its nickname with lush forests and Caribbean-blue waters that seem impossible for the Midwest. My jaw dropped when the ferry approached and I spotted beaches that could rival tropical destinations.
Beaver Island’s history reads like a novel – it was once ruled by James Strang, a Mormon king who crowned himself with a metal helmet before being assassinated in 1856. The island museum tells this wild tale alongside exhibits on Irish heritage and Great Lakes shipping.
Dark skies create spectacular stargazing opportunities. I laid on the beach at midnight counting shooting stars until I lost track somewhere after thirty-seven.
7. Drummond Island: The Rugged Adventurer’s Playground
Red rock formations rise from crystal waters around Drummond Island, creating a landscape that feels more western than Midwestern. I nearly drove my rental car into a pothole the size of Texas – lesson learned about why locals prefer ATVs!
The island boasts the largest closed-loop ATV trail system in Michigan, drawing off-road enthusiasts from across the country. Not an engine person? Kayaking through limestone caves and hiking fossil-laden shorelines offers quieter thrills.
Alvar ecosystems – rare limestone plains hosting unique plant species – dot the island’s eastern edge. I spent hours photographing tiny orchids that grow nowhere else in Michigan. Nature’s miniature garden show!
8. Huron Islands: The Ultimate Wilderness Escape
Getting to the Huron Islands requires determination, a seaworthy boat, and favorable Lake Superior weather – a combination as rare as the islands themselves. My journey took three attempts before calm waters finally allowed safe passage.
Eight rocky outcrops comprise this wilderness refuge, home to nesting gulls, bald eagles, and peregrine falcons. No amenities exist here – just raw, untouched nature in its most dramatic form.
Climbing the abandoned lighthouse on West Huron Island feels like reaching the edge of the world. Standing on granite cliffs, watching waves crash 60 feet below, I understood why these islands remain Michigan’s most pristine escape. Some places deserve to stay wild.