Drummond Island: Michigan’s #1 Snowmobile Pick + Tall Ship

Last Updated: April 2026

Drummond Island sits at the easternmost tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, separated from the mainland by a 10-minute car ferry ride across the St. Mary’s River — and despite being the second-largest freshwater island in the United States (after Isle Royale), it remains genuinely under-the-radar for most Michigan travelers. This is the Gem of Lake Huron: 87,000 acres of forests, fossil ledges, alvar plains, 34 inland lakes, and Michigan’s largest closed-loop off-road trail system. It’s also home to the only international ice bridge in the world, a working tall-ship schooner, and one of the rarest grassland ecosystems on the continent.

I’ve made the drive up to DeTour Village and across to Drummond a handful of times now, and the island rewards repeat visits in a way most Michigan destinations don’t — every season changes its character entirely. This guide is what I wish I’d known the first time: exactly how the ferry works (and what 2026 rates are), where the best puddingstones are actually found, why the Maxton Plains alvar is globally significant, and how to choose between off-roading the trail system or sailing the Huron Jewel. The Drummond Island Tourism Association calls it the “Gem of the Huron.” After a few visits, you’ll see why.

🏆 The recognition is real: Pure Michigan voted Drummond Island the #1 Place to Snowmobile in Michigan in 2022, and Lonely Planet named it a Top 10 Value Travel Destination in 2017. The island also holds Michigan’s largest closed-loop off-road trail system per the Upper Peninsula Travel Association, plus the largest remaining high-quality alvar grasslands in North America at Maxton Plains.

How to Use This Drummond Island Guide

I’ve organized this around how the island actually works as a trip — first the ferry and how to get there, then the headline attractions (fossil ledges, puddingstones, the alvar, the tall ship), then activity-by-activity (off-roading, kayaking, hiking, birding), then where to stay, eat, and what to know season by season. Most first-timers spend a long weekend here; serious off-roaders, paddlers, and snowmobilers come for full weeks. Drummond is genuinely a four-season destination — Pure Michigan’s #1 snowmobile pick is no accident.

I’ve also flagged dog-friendly access and ADA accessibility throughout, plus practical things competitor blog posts skip — the cashless ferry, where cell service drops, and which “tall ship” actually exists.

How to Get to Drummond Island

Getting to Drummond Island is part of the experience — there’s no bridge, no land connection, just water in every direction. Most visitors take the car ferry from DeTour Village across the St. Mary’s River — a 10-minute crossing operated 365 days a year by the Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority (EUPTA).

By Drummond Island Ferry

The Drummond Island Ferry runs hourly with the first run from DeTour at 6:10 AM and the last at 1:40 AM — yes, year-round. Two ferries operate “wild” (off-schedule) when lines exceed capacity, common during summer holidays and Jeep the Mac weekends. Round-trip fare is collected on the way over (free ride back), and cashless payments are now strongly preferred — credit/debit cards, mobile tickets via myEUPTA, or cash accepted but slower.

By Air

Drummond Island has a small public airport (KDRM) at 34264 S Townline Rd — runways famously cross two fairways of the local golf course, so private pilots dodge errant golf balls in summer. The closest commercial airports are Chippewa County International Airport (CIU) in Sault Ste. Marie, about 45-55 miles away, and Pellston Regional Airport (PLN), about 88-93 miles away across the Mackinac Bridge.

By Personal Boat or Snowmobile

Two marinas accept transient boaters: Drummond Island Yacht Haven and Fort Drummond Marine & Resort. Reserve docks ahead in summer. In winter, the island is reachable by snowmobile via the international ice bridge from St. Joseph Island, Ontario — more on that below.

About Drummond Island: A Quick Brief

Drummond Island is the second-largest freshwater island in the United States, after Isle Royale in Lake Superior, and it ranks among the largest lake islands in the world. The island spans 249 square miles total — 129 square miles of land plus 120 square miles of water within the township boundary, totaling about 87,000 acres. Approximately two-thirds is state-owned public land, which is why outdoor recreation here feels boundless: state forest, marked trails, public shoreline, and the rare alvar grasslands at Maxton Plains.

The eastern half of the island is the most rugged, with limestone cliffs that are part of the Niagara Escarpment — the same geological feature that runs through Niagara Falls. The Ojibwe name for the island is Bootaagan-minising, meaning “at the Mill Island,” which is why Potagannissing Bay carries that name in modified form.

Drummond Island History

The island is named after Sir Gordon Drummond, the first Canadian-born officer to command the British military and civil government in British Canada. After the War of 1812, the British built Fort Drummond here in 1815. They abandoned it in 1822 once it became clear the island would fall to U.S. territory under the boundary commission ruling, and the United States formally took possession in 1828. Stones from the Fort Drummond chimney now form the fireplace at the Drummond Island Historical Museum — a quietly meaningful detail that locals will point out if you ask.

Best Things to Do on Drummond Island

Off-Road the Trail System (100+ Miles, Largest in Michigan)

Drummond Island is genuinely the off-road destination in Michigan. The island has over 60 miles of ATV trails plus 40 miles of ORV routes, totaling more than 100 miles of marked, closed-loop terrain that winds through hardwood forests, meadows, rocky ridges, and lakeshore. It’s the largest closed-loop off-road system in the state. The annual Jeep the Mac event each fall draws hundreds of off-roaders for the South Marblehead Loop and other technical challenges.

Beaver’s ATV Rental at 35239 E. Johnswood Road rents ATVs and UTVs by the day or weekend — call (906) 493-1188 to reserve. They’re the only on-island rental option and book up fast on holiday weekends.

Visit the Drummond Island Fossil Ledges

The Fossil Ledges on the northern shore are the geological highlight of the island — fossilized remains of an ancient saltwater coral reef from when this region was a tropical sea. The exposed ledges drop straight into Potagannissing Bay and are filled with fossil corals, brachiopods, and crinoids visible right at the waterline. Reaching the ledges requires off-road vehicle access via a bumpy trail (or a long hike), so they’re easiest to combine with an ATV/UTV rental day. Locals also call them the “Salt Water Fossils.”

Hunt for Drummond Island Puddingstones

Puddingstones are conglomerate rocks made of red jasper bits embedded in a white quartzite matrix — they got their name from British settlers who thought they looked like suet pudding studded with berries. Geologically called “jasper conglomerate,” they’re nearly a billion years old and are scattered along Drummond Island beaches. Many visitors bring home one or two for jewelry or as a memento; gift shops on the island sell finished pieces if you’d rather not hunt. Like other rare Michigan stones (such as Petoskey stones), they’re protected — Michigan limits collection to 25 pounds per person per year.

Walk the Maxton Plains Alvar

This is the natural feature that even most Michiganders don’t know about: Maxton Plains is one of the largest remaining high-quality alvar grasslands in North America, a globally rare ecosystem of thin soil over flat limestone bedrock that supports plants found in only a handful of places on Earth. The alvar looks like prairie at first glance but holds species you’d more typically see in the Arctic. The Drummond Island GEMS site at Maxton Plains protects this ecosystem and offers public hiking access. Best in late June through August when wildflowers peak.

Kayak the Heritage Water Trail

The Drummond Island Heritage Water Trail is a 60-mile system of paddling routes that loop around the island and through the protected channels of Potagannissing Bay, including paths to the Fossil Ledges and small offshore islands. You don’t have to paddle the whole thing — most visitors break it into half-day or full-day segments. The bay’s sheltered waters make this one of the most beginner-friendly Great Lakes paddling destinations in Michigan. Stop in at Drummond Island Outfitter for maps, rentals, and route advice before launching. (See our broader Michigan kayaking guide for related routes.)

Sail Aboard the Schooner Huron Jewel

The Drummond Island Tall Ship Company operates the Schooner Huron Jewel, a 78-foot gaff-rigged wooden schooner designed and hand-built by Captain Hugh Covert and Julie Covert with the help of more than 50 volunteers, launched in June 2018. Inspired by an early 19th-century Baltimore Clipper-type pilot schooner, she carries up to six passengers on trips ranging from 2-hour dinner cruises in Potagannissing Bay to 6-day windjammer adventures through the North Channel of Lake Huron. Sails launch from Drummond Island Yacht Haven. Book early — there’s a limited number of sailing days each season.

Visit the Drummond Island Historical Museum

This small but well-curated museum was built using hand-hewn Drummond Island logs and tells the layered island story — Native American history, British Fort Drummond, the lumber and sporting-camp era, ferry boat heritage, and the Finnish and Yankee farming families who shaped the island in the 1800s and 1900s. The fireplace inside is built from stones salvaged from the original Fort Drummond chimney. A note: the original museum collapsed under the weight of snow years ago — the current building is the rebuild.

Birdwatch on the North Huron Birding Trail

Drummond Island sits on a major Great Lakes flyway and is a globally significant migration spot for raptors, waterfowl, and grassland species. The North Huron Birding Trail highlights 8 designated viewing locations across the island, including Pigeon Cove Flooding, Drummond Island Township Park & Heritage Trail, Williams Nature Preserve, Potagannissing Wildlife Flooding, Drummond Island GEMS site at Maxton Plains, and Glen Cove Road. Species you can reasonably expect: Common Loon, Yellow Rail, LeConte’s Sparrow, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Osprey, Sandhill Crane, owls, and migratory raptors in spring and fall.

Hike the Trail System

For visitors who’d rather hike than off-road, several quieter trails wind through the island’s interior:

• Drummond Island Heritage Trail — 1 mile, easy, great for snowshoeing in winter
• Clyde and Martha Williams Preserve Trail — 1.3 miles, on Maxton Road, open for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing
• Rainbow Cross-Country Trail — 5 miles, on Maxton Road, best for cross-country skiing
• Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge — boat-access only, sandy beaches, hardwoods, and protected habitat for ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, and white-tailed deer (managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)

Beaches & Water Activities

Drummond Island sits in Lake Huron, just 35 miles from the Straits of Mackinac, with more than 150 miles of shoreline and 30+ named bays and coves. Plus the 34 inland lakes and clear, blue Potagannissing Bay on the north side. Three public beaches feature sandy shorelines, with shallow water extending up to 100 yards offshore — making them safe for kids and warm-water swimming through July and August.

One favorite local move: walk from the Drummond Island Township Beach to a neighboring island during low water — a sandbar-style crossing that feels like a small adventure. Beyond swimming and beach days, the island is excellent for boating, sailing, fishing (perch, bass, trout, salmon), and rockhounding for puddingstones, beach glass, and fossils.

Shopping & Festivals on Drummond Island

The island has a small but charming retail scene clustered along M-134 — over a dozen shops and stores selling fudge, candy, smoked meats, Michigan wines, hunting and fishing supplies, and locally-made puddingstone jewelry. Sune’s Groceries & Dry Goods is the main grocery store and a longtime local hub.

Annual events worth timing a trip around:

• Jeep the Mac — fall off-roading festival, the island’s biggest annual event
• Jeep Jamboree — multi-day organized off-road event with technical trail rides
• Trek the Mighty Mac — multi-vehicle off-road event combining mainland and island trails
• Annual Drummond Island Golf Classic — at The Rock golf course at Drummond Island Resort
• Fall Fest — community celebration with food, crafts, and music

Winter on Drummond Island: Snowmobiles & the Ice Bridge

Drummond Island doesn’t shut down in winter — it transforms. Pure Michigan voted Drummond the #1 Place to Snowmobile in Michigan in 2022, and for good reason: 70-80 miles of groomed, uncrowded snowmobile trails wind through state forest with rare interruptions from other riders. Cross-country skiing covers another 11 miles of groomed trails plus 12 miles of snowshoe routes. Drummond Island Resort rents snowmobiles for guests staying on property; off-property rentals are limited.

The Drummond Island International Ice Bridge

This is genuinely one of the most unique features of any Michigan winter destination. The Drummond Island International Ice Bridge is the only marked international ice bridge in the world — a route across the frozen St. Mary’s River from Drummond Island Yacht Haven to Milford Haven on St. Joseph Island, Ontario, Canada. Locals mark the bridge route by burying small pine trees in the ice every 50 feet or so, creating a literal evergreen path you follow across the frozen water.

You can snowmobile, dogsled, fat-tire bike, hike, or cross-country ski across the bridge when ice conditions allow. Bring a passport or approved border-crossing ID — U.S. Customs and Border Protection operates on the island, and the CBP ROAM mobile app (Apple/Google) lets you clear customs 24/7 from your phone when returning from Canada. Always check ice conditions and weather before crossing.

Visit Drummond Island in Fall

Fall on Drummond is genuinely underrated for color-chasers — peak runs late September through mid-October, with the hardwood forests turning red, orange, and yellow against the dark conifer canopy and Lake Huron blues. The off-road trail system is at its most photogenic in late September. For broader fall planning, see Michigan fall color tour and our fall color map with peak timing predictions.

Things to Do Near Drummond Island

Drummond is genuinely worth a multi-day trip on its own, but if you have a longer itinerary, several Eastern UP highlights are within reach:

DeTour Village

You’ll pick up the ferry here — and worth a stop in either direction. The DeTour Passage Historical Museum covers early Great Lakes marine operations, pioneer family history, Native American heritage, and the early settlement years. The DeTour Reef Lighthouse, built in 1931, sits one mile offshore in northern Lake Huron at 83 feet tall — open for seasonal day tours and an overnight keeper program through the DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society.

Les Cheneaux Islands

The Les Cheneaux Islands archipelago — 36 small islands along 12 miles of Lake Huron coastline — sits just west of Drummond off M-134. Base towns Cedarville and Hessel make excellent quick day-trips for the Les Cheneaux Islands Historical Association Maritime Museum and Woods & Water Ecotours guided paddles.

Tahquamenon Falls

About 3 hours northwest of Drummond, Tahquamenon Falls State Park holds the second-largest waterfall by volume east of the Mississippi. The Upper Falls is 200 feet wide with a 48-foot drop. A new fully accessible 900-foot boardwalk at the Upper Falls is slated for completion in spring 2026.

Where to Stay on Drummond Island

Drummond Island has more lodging variety than its size suggests — resorts, vacation rentals, hotels, RV campgrounds, and rustic cabins. Most accommodations cluster along M-134 near the township and along Maxton Road on the southern side. Reservations are essential during summer holidays, Jeep the Mac weekend, and peak fall color.

Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center

33494 S. Maxton Rd, Drummond Island, MI 49726 | (906) 493-1000

The largest and most full-service property on the island, Drummond Island Resort offers 40 lodge-style wood-themed rooms, 16 cabins, an outdoor heated pool, sauna, fitness room, and seasonal access to cross-country skis, snowshoes, ice skates, kayaks, canoes, and bikes. Guests get continental breakfast May through October, and the resort stays open year-round (winter rentals are cabin-only, with reduced amenities). Home to The Rock — the on-property golf course famous for its limestone-quarry holes.

Drummond Island Hotel

34834 S Townline Rd, Drummond Island, MI 49726

A cozy, quiet, comfortable hotel open year-round near marinas, beaches, and the ATV/ORV/snowmobile trails. Choose from regular rooms or suites. Picnic area with charcoal grill and fire pit. Pets welcome.

Drummond Island Vacation Home Rentals

34834 South Townline Rd, Drummond Island, MI 49726

Over a dozen waterfront and inland rental properties across the island. Waterfront rentals get private kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming, and lakefront sunset access. Best for groups, families, or longer stays where you’ll cook in.

Drummond Island Township RV Park & Campground

32884 S Maxton Rd, Drummond Island, MI 49726

Located in the northern portion of the island about 6 miles from the ferry dock, the township park accommodates RVs (up to 31 feet) and tents. 46 RV sites with picnic tables and fire pits — about half have electric hookups. The park sits adjacent to the Drummond Island Heritage Trail for hiking and bird watching directly from camp.

Where to Eat on Drummond Island

Dining is genuinely limited on Drummond — most restaurants cluster along M-134 near the township. Plan for slower service in summer and reduced winter hours. Rentals with kitchens are popular for a reason; Sune’s Groceries can stock you for a long stay.

Bear Track Inn

33655 S Townline Rd, Drummond Island, MI 49726

Family-owned breakfast and lunch spot — the locally-recommended morning stop. Pancakes, biscuits and gravy, omelets, sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Famous for breakfast.

The Northwood Restaurant & Bar

29944 E Channel Rd, Drummond Island, MI 49726

Historic all-day pub open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Fresh whitefish, Angus burgers, UP pasties, soups, salads, and homemade desserts. Full bar with cocktails, wine, beer, and liquor. Reliable year-round option.

Bayside Dining (Drummond Island Resort)

33494 S. Maxton Rd, Drummond Island, MI 49726

The only waterfront restaurant on the island, located inside Drummond Island Resort. Gourmet menu, full bar, indoor or deck dining. Open seasonally May through October. Pins Bar & Grill next door is the resort’s casual all-year alternative.

Esther’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine

29299 E Channel Rd, Drummond Island, MI 49726

Burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, daily specials, and homemade desserts. The unexpectedly authentic Mexican spot on a Lake Huron island.

Gourmet Galley Marketplace & Espresso Bean Cafe

30420 E Johnswood Rd, Drummond Island, MI 49726

Deli, marketplace, and coffee bar in one. Famous for the Reuben sandwich and homemade fudge. Ashby’s ice cream. Coffee menu for the morning Lake Huron view.

When to Visit Drummond Island

Summer (late June–August) is peak season — daytime highs around 75°F, water temperatures hitting their warmest of the year (around 65°F), and all attractions open. Fall (mid-September–mid-October) is the local favorite for color, off-roading, and cooler weather without summer crowds. Winter (December–March) brings 5-6 inches of monthly snowfall, the international ice bridge, and Pure Michigan’s #1 snowmobiling. Spring (April–May) is mud season but gorgeous for migrating birds and the alvar wildflower bloom.

Cell service is generally available across most major carriers, though some remote areas may have weak signals. Many lodgings offer Wi-Fi. The island intentionally encourages a digital-detox pace — embrace it.

Drummond Island FAQ

Is Drummond Island worth visiting?

Yes — particularly if you want a quieter Michigan island experience with serious outdoor recreation. Drummond Island is the second-largest freshwater island in the United States, located in Lake Huron near the Canadian border, and it’s a four-season destination for boating, hiking, kayaking, sailing, off-roading, snowmobiling, and birdwatching. It’s significantly less crowded than Mackinac Island and offers a wider range of natural attractions.

How do I get to Drummond Island?

By car ferry from DeTour Village across the St. Mary’s River — a 10-minute crossing operated 365 days a year by EUPTA. The ferry runs hourly with the first run at 6:10 AM and the last at 1:40 AM. Round-trip fare for a car is $20 (2026 rate); $2 for walk-on passengers. Cashless payments preferred. There’s also a small island airport (KDRM) for private planes, but the runway crosses two golf course fairways. Closest commercial airports are Chippewa County International (CIU) and Pellston Regional (PLN).

How long should I stay on Drummond Island?

A long weekend (3-4 nights) is the sweet spot for first-timers — enough to do the ferry, the fossil ledges, an off-road day, a kayak day, and a tall ship sail. Off-roaders, paddlers, and snowmobilers regularly come for full weeks. Day-tripping is possible but unrewarded — by the time you finish the ferry crossings, half your day is gone.

Are dogs allowed on Drummond Island?

Yes. The Drummond Island Hotel is pet-friendly, several vacation rentals welcome dogs, and most public beaches and hiking trails allow leashed pets. Dogs are welcome on the ferry and in most outdoor settings on the island. Some restaurants have pet-friendly patios — call ahead to confirm.

What are puddingstones?

Puddingstones are jasper conglomerate rocks — red jasper bits embedded in a white quartzite matrix, formed nearly a billion years ago. They got their name from British settlers who thought they looked like suet pudding studded with berries. Drummond Island beaches are one of the best places in Michigan to find them. Many visitors take one or two home for jewelry; gift shops also sell finished pieces. Michigan limits collection to 25 pounds per person per year.

Can you snowmobile from Drummond Island to Canada?

Yes — via the Drummond Island International Ice Bridge, the only marked international ice bridge in the world. The route runs from Drummond Island Yacht Haven across the frozen St. Mary’s River to Milford Haven on St. Joseph Island, Ontario. Locals mark the bridge with buried pine trees. You can snowmobile, dogsled, fat-tire bike, hike, or cross-country ski across when ice conditions allow. Bring a passport or approved border-crossing ID, and use the CBP ROAM mobile app to clear customs when returning. Always check ice conditions before crossing.

What’s the off-road trail system like on Drummond Island?

Drummond Island has Michigan’s largest closed-loop ATV/ORV system — over 60 miles of ATV trails plus 40 miles of ORV routes, totaling 100+ miles. Trails wind through hardwood forests, meadows, rocky ridges, and lakeshore. The South Marblehead Loop is a popular technical route. Annual Jeep the Mac, Jeep Jamboree, and Trek the Mighty Mac events draw hundreds of riders. Beaver’s ATV Rental at 35239 E. Johnswood Road is the on-island rental option.

What is the Maxton Plains Alvar?

An alvar is a globally rare ecosystem of thin soil over flat limestone bedrock that supports plants found in only a handful of places on Earth. Maxton Plains on Drummond Island holds one of the largest remaining high-quality alvars in North America. The grasslands look like prairie at first glance but support unusual plant species more typical of Arctic environments. Best visited in late June through August during peak wildflower bloom.

What is the population of Drummond Island?

Approximately 1,058 year-round residents per recent census data. The population swells significantly in summer with vacation home owners and tourists. The entire island shares ZIP code 49726 and falls within Drummond Township, one of only seven Michigan municipalities that consist entirely of islands.

When is the best time to visit Drummond Island?

Late June through August for warm-weather activities and beach swimming. Mid-September through mid-October for fall color and quieter trails. Mid-December through mid-March for snowmobiling and the international ice bridge. The island is a genuine four-season destination — Pure Michigan voted it the #1 Place to Snowmobile in Michigan in 2022.

Plan Your Drummond Island Trip

Drummond Island is the Upper Peninsula’s quietest big destination — wilder than Mackinac Island, less traveled than Tahquamenon Falls, with the kind of off-grid feel that requires the ferry crossing to access. Pack the puddingstone-hunting bag, book the ATV rental for at least one day, time your visit for fossil-ledge weather, and reserve the schooner sail. Three nights minimum, four to seven if you can swing it — and if you visit in winter, the international ice bridge is one of those rare Michigan experiences that genuinely doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world.

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