Island hopping

Surrounded by four Great Lakes and thousands of miles of shoreline, Michigan is home to more than 3,000 islands.

Some are tiny, uninhabited outposts, while others have developed their own communities, traditions, and landscapes that feel worlds apart from the mainland. Visiting offers a chance to see just how varied Michigan’s coastal environments can be—from bustling historic resort towns to rugged northern wilderness.

Perhaps the most famous of them all is Mackinac Island. Set in the Straits of Mackinac between the state’s two peninsulas, the island has long been one of Michigan’s most beloved destinations. Its defining characteristic is something visitors notice immediately: there are no cars. Motor vehicles are prohibited, preserving a slower, quieter pace that feels almost like stepping back in time. Getting around is part of the experience. Bicycles line the docks and village streets, horse-drawn carriages clip-clop past historic buildings, and many visitors simply explore on foot. A scenic eight-mile road circles the entire island, offering cyclists uninterrupted shoreline views, limestone bluffs, and glimpses of landmarks like Arch Rock.

Across Lake Michigan, Beaver Island offers a very different atmosphere. Known for its Irish heritage and wide-open landscapes, Beaver Island is the largest island in Lake Michigan and has a distinctly relaxed, rural feel.

At about 13 miles long and six miles wide, it’s easy to explore at your own pace. Visitors often bring cars or bicycles with them, though rentals are also available on the island. A network of paved and gravel roads links quiet beaches, inland forests, and the harbor village of St. James, while old logging roads and trails draw cyclists and nature-seekers looking to venture farther from town. The result is an island where you can cover plenty of ground while still feeling pleasantly removed from the bustle of the mainland.

In Michigan’s eastern Upper Peninsula, Drummond Island appeals to travelers who prefer their island adventures a bit more rugged. The island is known for its extensive off-road trail system, rocky shorelines, and abundant wildlife. Because vehicles can travel across the ferry with visitors, most people explore Drummond Island by car or truck, using it as a base to reach trailheads, shoreline parks, and inland forests. One of the island’s most recognizable natural features is Marblehead, a dramatic fossilized limestone formation along the water that has become a favorite stop for photographers and off-road enthusiasts. Boating, paddling, fishing, and off-road exploration all play a role in the island’s appeal, giving it a distinctly adventurous personality compared to some of Michigan’s more leisurely island destinations.

Farther west along the Upper Peninsula shoreline, Grand Island sits just offshore from Munising within the boundaries of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Unlike Mackinac or Beaver Island, Grand Island remains largely undeveloped. Managed as part of the Hiawatha National Forest, the island is a haven for hikers, cyclists, and campers. Visitors explore primarily by bike or on foot, following roads and trails that lead to sandstone cliffs, quiet beaches, forested overlooks, and sweeping views of Lake Superior. Seasonal shuttle tours help visitors reach more distant viewpoints, but many travelers prefer to bring bicycles and spend the day riding the island’s scenic interior roads.

Beyond these well-known destinations, Michigan’s waters hold dozens of smaller islands that reward curious explorers. Bois Blanc Island—often called “Boblo” by locals—offers quiet forests and rustic cabins just east of Mackinac Island. Far to the south, Belle Isle sits in the Detroit River between the United States and Canada and serves as one of the country’s largest urban island parks. Connected to the mainland by bridge, the island is easy to explore by car, bicycle, or on foot and features attractions like the historic Belle Isle Aquarium and the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. And for those seeking true solitude, North Manitou Island in the Sleeping Bear Dunes region remains a remote wilderness destination where hiking trails wind past old farmsteads and windswept beaches.

Taken together, Michigan’s islands form a patchwork of experiences that reflect the diversity of the Great Lakes themselves. Some invite visitors to pedal along historic roads or browse waterfront shops, while others offer remote cliffs, quiet forests, and miles of undeveloped shoreline. Whether you’re drawn to the charm of a classic resort island or the wild beauty of a northern outpost, hopping from one island to another reveals just how many different worlds exist just beyond Michigan’s shores.

Reaching Michigan’s Island Escapes

Part of the adventure of visiting Michigan’s islands is the journey itself. Ferries and small aircraft connect several mainland ports to some of the state’s most distinctive destinations, each offering its own scenic approach across the Great Lakes.

Beaver Island, located about 32 miles offshore in Lake Michigan, is reached primarily from Charlevoix. The Beaver Island Boat Company operates seasonal ferry service between Charlevoix and St. James Harbor, carrying passengers, vehicles, bicycles, and freight on a crossing that takes a little more than two hours. Visitors can also fly from Charlevoix on Island Airways or Fresh Air Aviation, two regional carriers providing year-round flights of about 15 minutes. Private boats and charter aircraft are also common ways to arrive.

Mackinac Island sits in the Straits of Mackinac between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas and is served by frequent passenger ferries from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry and Arnold Transit Company operate departures throughout the day, with ferries typically leaving every 15 to 30 minutes during peak summer hours. Crossings take about 15 to 20 minutes. Small charter aircraft can also land at Mackinac Island Airport, though most visitors arrive by boat.

Farther east in northern Lake Huron, Drummond Island is reached by vehicle ferry from DeTour Village. The Drummond Island Ferry operates year-round service across the short channel, with crossings taking about 10 minutes.

Near Munising in Lake Superior, Grand Island is accessible by passenger ferry operated by the Grand Island Ferry Service. The large pontoon boat makes the short trip to William’s Landing in roughly five to ten minutes.