17 Best Michigan Islands to Visit in 2026: Your Complete Guide

Looking for an island getaway—without leaving the Midwest? I’ve got you. Michigan is home to over 100 islands, and I’ve spent years exploring them — hopping ferries, paddling kayaks, and tracking down the best spots to eat, sleep, and soak in the views. Some of these islands are world-famous. Others? You’ll practically have to yourself.

In this guide, I’m sharing 17 of my favorite Michigan islands — with real tips on how to get there, where to grab a great meal, and what makes each one worth the trip. Whether you’re craving fudge on Mackinac, stargazing on Beaver Island, or backcountry solitude on Isle Royale, there’s a Michigan island calling your name.

In This Guide

• Lake Huron Islands — Mackinac, Bois Blanc, Les Cheneaux, Charity, Lime, Drummond, Round
• Lake Michigan Islands — Beaver, North & South Fox, North Manitou, South Manitou
• Lake Superior Islands — Isle Royale, Grand Island, Sugar Island
• Southeast Michigan Islands — Belle Isle, Grosse Ile, Harsens Island
• Michigan Islands Comparison Table
• Plan Your Michigan Island Trip

Scroll to the bottom for our interactive map of all 17 Michigan Islands.

Lake Huron Islands

Mackinac Island

I’ll be honest — no matter how many times I visit Mackinac Island, I still get butterflies when the ferry pulls into the harbor and I catch that first glimpse of Fort Mackinac on the bluff. This place is pure Michigan magic. No cars, no traffic lights — just the sound of horse hooves on pavement, the smell of fresh fudge around every corner, and pastel-painted storefronts that look like they belong in a movie.

Mackinac Island draws about a million visitors each summer, and for good reason. The whole island is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can bike the 8-mile perimeter road with Lake Huron views the entire way, explore the original Fort Mackinac (the cannon firing demonstrations are a hit with kids), and tour the world-famous Grand Hotel with its 660-foot porch — the longest in the world. And of course, you absolutely must hit the fudge shops. There are over a dozen of them downtown, and yes, you’ll smell them before you see them.

For dinner, the Pink Pony at the Chippewa Hotel is an island institution — grab a seat on the harborfront patio and order the whitefish. If you want something more upscale, The Carriage House at Hotel Iroquois is one of the most beautiful waterfront dining spots in all of Michigan (reservations are a must). For lodging, charming inns and hotels range from the historic Grand Hotel to cozy B&Bs tucked into the hillside — I always recommend booking early because the popular spots fill up fast.

How to Get Here: Take a ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. Both Shepler’s and Arnold Transit run frequent departures — during peak summer, boats leave every 30 minutes or so. Arrive 30 minutes early if you’re bringing a bike. You can also bring pets on the ferry for free. E-bikes are prohibited on the island (with limited exceptions), so check before you go.

Bois Blanc Island

If Mackinac Island is Michigan’s popular kid, Bois Blanc is the cool, quiet neighbor who doesn’t need the attention. Sitting just southeast of Mackinac in Lake Huron, “Bob-Lo” (as the locals call it) is everything Mackinac isn’t — remote, rugged, and refreshingly off-the-grid. Only about 70 people live here year-round, and there are almost no commercial amenities. That’s kind of the whole point.

This is the island you come to when you want to really unplug. Bring your bike or kayak, pack a lunch, and spend the day exploring dirt roads and forest trails. The birdwatching is incredible — bald eagles are regular sightings here, and you might spot foxes, bobcats, or even the occasional rattlesnake (the eastern massasauga — Michigan’s only venomous snake — so keep your eyes open on trails). The island has a small general store and one bar/restaurant that’s open seasonally, but I’d recommend bringing your own provisions just in case.

How to Get Here: Catch the Plaunt Transportation ferry from Cheboygan, Michigan. The ferry operates daily from May through November (weather permitting) and can carry vehicles, bikes, and walk-on passengers. You can also bring your own boat and dock at the public marina.

Les Cheneaux Islands

I absolutely love this place and think it’s one of Michigan’s best-kept secrets. Les Cheneaux (say “lay shen-OH” — it’s French for “the channels”) is a chain of 36 islands in northern Lake Huron, and the protected channels between them create some of the most incredible kayaking water in the entire Great Lakes. The water is calm, clear, and tucked between pine-covered islands that make you feel like you’ve discovered your own private archipelago.

The little towns of Cedarville and Hessel serve as your gateway, and they’ve got that laid-back, small-town-on-the-water vibe that’s become harder and harder to find. Some of the 36 islands have cozy vacation rentals; others are completely untouched nature reserves. If you time it right, the annual Antique Wooden Boat Show in August is a must-see — gorgeous vintage boats, community festivals, and a crowd that feels more like a family reunion than a tourist event.

How to Get Here: Drive north across the Mackinac Bridge, then east on M-134 to Cedarville or Hessel. Two of the 36 islands are accessible by car; the rest require a boat or kayak. Public boat launches are available in both Cedarville and Hessel. The Albert J. Lindberg Airport (just outside Hessel) welcomes private and charter flights.

Charity Island

Charity Island sits out in Saginaw Bay like a little mystery waiting to be discovered. It’s part of the Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, which means the wildlife here is spectacular — migrating birds, shorebirds, and a rugged, untouched landscape that feels completely removed from civilization. The island’s historic lighthouse (dating back to 1857) adds a layer of charm that history buffs will appreciate.

Here’s the thing though — getting here takes some effort. The excursion ferry that used to bring visitors over is no longer in operation, so you’ll need your own boat or a private charter. That said, if you have access to a boat, the trip across Saginaw Bay is beautiful, and having this island largely to yourself is a rare treat. The seasonal lighthouse keeper’s residence has occasionally offered overnight stays — check ahead to see if it’s available for your visit.

PRO-TIP: Be sure to bring bug spray: I visited last July and the mosquitos and gnats were thick… you’ll want protection for sure.

How to Get Here: Private boat or charter only — the public excursion ferry is no longer running. Boats can launch from Au Gres or Caseville. Fun fact: you can actually see Charity Island from the shoreline in both towns, just south of Tawas.

Lime Island

If you want the kind of solitude where the loudest sound is the wind in the trees, Lime Island is your place. Hidden in the St. Marys River at the eastern end of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this island is about as off-the-beaten-path as it gets in Michigan. There are a handful of rustic cabins and campsites — basic, no-frills, and exactly what you need when your goal is to completely disappear for a few days.

The island has a fascinating industrial history — it was once a fueling station for Great Lakes ships — and you can still see remnants of the old lime kilns and dock structures. Black bears call this island home, so store your food properly and keep a respectful distance. The Lake Huron sunrises from the eastern shore are absolutely stunning, and the river views will reset your entire perspective on what a Michigan vacation can be.

How to Get Here: Lime Island is only accessible by private boat or charter from Raber, Michigan, across the St. Marys River (about 2–3 miles). There is no public ferry service. Park your vehicle in Raber and arrange your own watercraft transportation.

Drummond Island

Drummond Island is a powerhouse. It’s the second-largest freshwater island in the United States, and it packs more adventure per square mile than just about anywhere else in Michigan. We’re talking over 100 miles of ATV and ORV trails (the largest closed-loop trail system in the state), shipwreck dives, world-class fishing, hiking through 13 different ecosystems, and a championship golf course called “The Rock” that’ll test even the best golfers.

What I love about Drummond Island is that it feels genuinely wild but still has enough creature comforts to keep things comfortable. The Drummond Island Resort is the main hub — their Pins Bar & Grill serves fantastic pizza and pub fare, and Bayside Dining is the only restaurant on the island with waterfront al fresco dining (seasonal, so plan accordingly). For something totally unexpected, try Esther’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine — locals rave about the tacos, and it’s one of those gems you’d never expect to find on a remote UP island.

How to Get Here: Take the year-round car ferry from DeTour Village in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The ferry runs hourly and accommodates vehicles, bikes, and walk-on passengers. You can also arrive by private boat or fly into Drummond Island Airport.

Round Island

If you’ve ever taken a ferry to Mackinac Island, chances are you’ve gazed at Round Island without even knowing it. That stunning red-and-white lighthouse sitting on a cobblestone strip? That’s Round Island, and it’s one of the most photographed lighthouses in Michigan for good reason. The whole scene — deep blue Lake Huron water, bright green trees, and that perfect little lighthouse — looks like it belongs in a painting.

Here’s the thing: Round Island is not set up for casual visitors. There are no docks, no roads, no trails, and no services whatsoever. If you want to actually set foot on the island, you’ll need to kayak or take a private boat and beach your vessel on the cobblestone shore. It’s an experience reserved for the truly adventurous — rustic campers who don’t need any creature comforts. For most people, the best view of Round Island is from the Mackinac Island ferry, and that’s honestly pretty perfect.

How to Get Here: Round Island is only accessible by private boat or kayak from nearby Mackinac Island, St. Ignace, Hessel, or Mackinaw City. There is no public ferry service. Occasionally, guided kayak tours or special lighthouse events offer limited access — check local outfitters for availability.

Islands in Lake Michigan

Beaver Island

Beaver Island might just be my favorite Michigan island for a multi-day trip. Known as “America’s Emerald Isle,” this is the largest island in Lake Michigan, sitting about 32 miles off the coast of Charlevoix. The two-hour ferry ride is part of the experience — once you step off the boat in St. James Harbor, you’re officially on island time, and everything just slows down in the best possible way.

The stargazing here is other-worldly. Beaver Island is a designated International Dark Sky Sanctuary, making it one of the best places in the eastern United States to see the Milky Way — and on a lucky night, the Northern Lights. Beyond the skies, the island has gorgeous sandy beaches, hiking trails through old-growth forests, a fascinating history (look up “King Strang” — it’s wild), and a surprisingly great food scene for a place this remote.

For dining, The Shamrock Bar & Restaurant has been an island staple since 1935 — it’s where everyone ends up. Daddy Frank’s serves the best casual American fare (burgers, dogs, tacos). And for something special, the Sunset Restaurant at Beaver Island Lodge does French-inspired dining with stunning Lake Michigan sunset views. Whiskey Point Brewing Company is one of the most remote breweries in Michigan — grab a craft beer on the patio overlooking Paradise Bay.

How to Get Here: Take the Beaver Island Boat Company ferry from Charlevoix, Michigan (about 2 hours). Walk-on passengers don’t need reservations, but vehicles must be reserved in advance. You can also fly from Charlevoix Airport with Island Airways or Fresh Air Aviation (20-minute flight). Both ferry and airlines accommodate bikes and pets.

North and South Fox Islands

These are Michigan’s true wilderness islands — two remote, mostly uninhabited islands sitting about 17 miles out in northern Lake Michigan, west of the Leelanau Peninsula. If you’re the kind of person who gets excited by the words “no facilities, no services, no people,” the Fox Islands are calling your name.

North Fox Island is publicly owned and managed by the Michigan DNR. It has a grass airstrip and is accessible by private boat or small aircraft — but there’s nothing here in terms of infrastructure. No docks, no restrooms, no shelters. It’s pure wilderness, and it’s beautiful. South Fox Island is mostly privately owned, so you’ll need permission before landing. The historic South Fox Island Lighthouse dates back to the 1860s and is occasionally open during special tours — definitely worth checking the lighthouse organization’s website for events.

How to Get Here: Private boat or small aircraft only. Due to their isolation and complete lack of amenities, trips to the Fox Islands require careful planning, experienced seamanship, and respect for the natural environment. These islands are best suited for adventurers who are comfortable being fully self-sufficient. Visit Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy for more info.

North Manitou Island

North Manitou is the island that backpackers dream about. Part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, this wilderness island is all about solitude, open-country hiking, and camping wherever your feet take you (with a few restrictions near the dock area). The ferry from Leland’s Fishtown drops you off, and from there, you’re on your own.

I can’t stress this enough: come prepared. There are no services, no stores, no running water, and no electricity on North Manitou. What there IS: miles of pristine Lake Michigan beaches, dense forests, wildflower meadows, old-growth trees, and the kind of stars-over-the-lake experience that’ll ruin regular camping for you forever. This is bucket-list stuff for anyone who loves backcountry adventures.

How to Get Here: Board the Manitou Island Transit ferry from Leland (“Fishtown”), Michigan. The ferry operates seasonally, with most trips in summer. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for campers. You’ll need a backcountry permit from the National Park Service.

South Manitou Island

If you’ve ever traveled to Glen Arbor, you might have caught a glimpse of South Manitou from the shoreline of Sleeping Bear Bay — that mysterious island shape on the horizon that makes you wonder what’s out there. Well, let me tell you: it’s one of the coolest day trips or overnight adventures in Michigan.

South Manitou is part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and it’s packed with surprises. There are towering sand dunes, white cedar trees that are over 500 years old (some of the oldest living things in Michigan), a historic Coast Guard station, ghost town remnants, and the rusted-out hull of the Francisco Morazan shipwreck sitting right offshore — it’s an incredible sight. The views back toward the mainland and the Sleeping Bear Dunes from the island’s perimeter trail are jaw-dropping.

Camping here is rustic but beautiful — designated sites near the dock area. Bring everything you’ll need, including water filtration, because services are extremely limited.

How to Get Here: Board the Manitou Island Transit ferry from Leland (“Fishtown”), Michigan. The ferry operates seasonally with most trips running in summer. Reservations are recommended, especially for overnight stays. Day-trip visitors should check the ferry’s return schedule carefully — miss the boat, and you’re camping whether you planned to or not!

Lake Superior Islands

Isle Royale

Isle Royale is Michigan’s crown jewel of wilderness — a full-blown national park sitting in the middle of Lake Superior, roughly 45 miles long and completely roadless. It’s one of only two island national parks in the entire country, and 99% of it is designated wilderness. Getting here takes effort (there’s no quick day trip), but the people who make the journey say it changes them. I believe it.

With 165 miles of hiking trails, 36 backcountry campgrounds, and fjord-like harbors that look like they belong in Scandinavia, Isle Royale is a hiker’s and paddler’s paradise. The famous wolf-moose study — the longest-running predator-prey study in the world — happens here, and you might actually spot moose along the trail (stay at least 50 feet away). If roughing it isn’t your thing, Rock Harbor Lodge offers motel-style rooms and duplex cottages right on the water, plus the Lodge Dining Room and Greenstone Grill for meals — a surprising comfort in such a remote setting.

How to Get Here: Reach Isle Royale National Park by ferry from Houghton or Copper Harbor, Michigan, or Grand Portage, Minnesota. Seaplane service is also available from Houghton. All access is seasonal (mid-April through late September), and reservations are strongly recommended — ferries fill up fast, especially in July and August.

Grand Island in Munising

Grand Island is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a secret. Sitting just off the shore of Munising in Lake Superior, this island gives you front-row views of the famous Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore — and honestly, some of the best views of the Pictured Rocks cliffs are from Grand Island itself. Just under an hour from popular Marquette, it’s surprisingly accessible but feels worlds away.

The island has pristine sandy beaches, hardwood forests, crystal-clear inland lakes, and sandstone cliffs that glow in the afternoon sun. You can hike the perimeter trail, kayak the shoreline, camp at rustic sites, or just park yourself on a beach and stargaze under some of the darkest skies in Michigan. It’s one of the best “hidden gem” beaches in the state.

How to Get Here: Take the Grand Island Ferry from Munising, Michigan. The ferry operates seasonally and carries passengers and bikes. Private boats and kayaks are also welcome. Check the ferry schedule before planning your trip — service is weather-dependent.

Sugar Island

Sugar Island is one of those Michigan islands that doesn’t get enough love, and I think that’s part of its charm. Sitting at the eastern tip of the Upper Peninsula in the St. Marys River, this island has a real community feel — about 600 year-round residents who’ve chosen this island life, plus summer visitors who come for the incredible beaches and water access.

The name is fitting — Sugar Island really is a treat. The freshwater beaches here are soft, white, and largely empty (even in peak summer), and the kayaking and boating along the St. Marys River is spectacular. You can watch massive Great Lakes freighters pass by from the shore, which is an experience you won’t forget. It’s a relaxed, no-frills kind of place where the goal is to slow down and enjoy the water.

How to Get Here: Use the Sugar Island Ferry from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The ferry runs year-round and accommodates vehicles, bikes, and walk-on passengers. It’s a quick ride across the St. Marys River.

Islands in Southeast Michigan

Belle Isle

Belle Isle is Detroit’s backyard paradise, and honestly one of the most underrated spots in all of Michigan. This 982-acre island state park sits right in the Detroit River, and it’s absolutely packed with things to do — from the oldest aquarium in North America (free admission!) to the stunning Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, designed by legendary Detroit architect Albert Kahn. Add in the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, the Belle Isle Nature Center, a swim beach, a golf course, fishing piers, and the beloved Giant Slide, and you could easily spend a full day here.

What I love most about Belle Isle is the views. Standing on the south shore, you’ve got the Detroit skyline behind you and the Windsor, Ontario waterfront across the river. Sunset Point lives up to its name — the golden hour here is absolutely gorgeous. The Conservatory is warm and tropical year-round, making it a perfect escape during Michigan’s cold months. And keep an eye out for bald eagles — yes, there’s an active eagle’s nest on the island!

How to Get Here: Drive across the MacArthur Bridge from Detroit. Belle Isle is accessible by car, bike, or on foot. The DDOT #12 Conant bus stops right on the island near the Aquarium and Conservatory. If driving, you’ll need a Michigan Recreation Passport — you can buy a day pass at the entrance. Pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders enter free.

Grosse Ile

Grosse Ile is one of those Michigan islands that surprises people — mostly because you can just drive there. Located in the Detroit River about 20 miles south of downtown Detroit, this is a real community with about 10,000 residents, parks, schools, and a laid-back suburban-meets-island vibe that’s unique in metro Detroit.

For visitors, Grosse Ile is worth a trip for its beautiful parks, bike-friendly roads, and seasonal festivals that bring the community together in the best way. The island has excellent river views, charming neighborhoods, and some solid local dining. It’s not the remote wilderness adventure of an Isle Royale or Beaver Island — it’s more like discovering a peaceful, water-surrounded pocket of Michigan that most people drive right past.

How to Get Here: Drive south from Detroit and cross via the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge or the free Wayne County Bridge. The island is accessible by car, bike, or boat year-round.

Harsens Island

Less than an hour from Detroit, Harsens Island is a fisherman’s paradise and a summer retreat that feels a million miles away from the city. Located at the top of Lake St. Clair in the St. Clair River delta, this island is home to about 2,000 residents and has a wonderfully old-school cottage-community vibe — the kind of place where neighbors wave from their docks and the biggest decision of the day is whether to go fishing or just sit on the porch.

The fishing here is legendary — bass, walleye, musky, and perch are all in play, and the channels and marshes around the island are a waterfowl hunter’s dream in the fall. There are a few local restaurants and bars that keep things casual, plus some great spots to launch a kayak and explore the surrounding channels and wetlands.

How to Get Here: Take the Champion’s Auto Ferry from Algonac, Michigan. The ferry runs year-round and carries vehicles, bikes, and walk-on passengers. It’s a short ride across the channel.

Michigan Islands at a Glance

Here’s a quick comparison to help you pick the right island for your trip:

Island	Lake	How to Get There	Best For	Dining on Island?	Year-Round Access?
Mackinac Island	Huron	Public ferry	History, fudge, biking	Yes — 50+ restaurants	No (Apr–Oct)
Bois Blanc Island	Huron	Public ferry	Unplugging, wildlife	Very limited	No (May–Nov)
Les Cheneaux	Huron	2 by car; rest by boat	Kayaking, sailing	In gateway towns	Yes (by car to 2)
Charity Island	Huron	Private boat only	Lighthouse, birding	No	No
Lime Island	Huron/St. Marys	Private boat only	Solitude, camping	No	No
Drummond Island	Huron	Year-round car ferry	ORV, golf, nature	Yes — several options	Yes
Round Island	Huron	Private boat/kayak	Photography, lighthouse	No	No
Beaver Island	Michigan	Public ferry + flights	Stargazing, beaches	Yes — 9+ restaurants	Limited (ferry seasonal)
Fox Islands	Michigan	Private boat/aircraft	Wilderness, solitude	No	No
North Manitou	Michigan	Seasonal ferry	Backcountry camping	No	No
South Manitou	Michigan	Seasonal ferry	Shipwreck, old-growth trees	No	No
Isle Royale	Superior	Ferry + seaplane	Hiking, wilderness	Yes — lodge dining	No (Apr–Sep)
Grand Island	Superior	Seasonal ferry	Pictured Rocks views	No	No
Sugar Island	Superior/St. Marys	Year-round car ferry	Beaches, freighter views	Very limited	Yes
Belle Isle	Detroit River	Drive/bike/bus	Families, free attractions	Food trucks	Yes
Grosse Ile	Detroit River	Drive (2 bridges)	Biking, parks	Yes — local restaurants	Yes
Harsens Island	St. Clair	Year-round car ferry	Fishing, boating	Yes — casual spots	Yes

Plan Your Michigan Island Trip

Every island on this list offers something completely different — from the backcountry solitude of Isle Royale to the fudge-filled streets of Mackinac, from the dark-sky stargazing of Beaver Island to the free aquarium and city skyline views of Belle Isle. That’s the beauty of Michigan — you’ve got over 100 islands to explore, and they’re all surrounded by the most gorgeous freshwater in the world.

My biggest tip? Start planning early. Ferry reservations, lodge bookings, and popular campground spots fill up months in advance for the more popular islands (I’m looking at you, Isle Royale and Mackinac). And for the remote islands like Lime, the Fox Islands, and Charity? Do your research, bring everything you need, and respect the natural environment that makes these places so special.

Have you explored any of these islands? I’d love to hear which ones are your favorites — or what’s sitting at the top of your bucket list! Drop a comment below or send me a message. Happy island hopping! 🏝️

📌 Don’t forget to save this guide for your next trip — and use our interactive map to plan your route!