10 Best Things to Do in The Les Cheneaux Islands

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The Les Cheneaux Islands are a short 30-minute drive from the Mackinac Bridge. When you drive past on m134, you might blink and mistake the quiet intersection for a simple stop to fill up on gas on your way to Drummond Island. 

However, if you turn right at that tiny intersection, the road leads to one of Michigan’s best-kept secrets. An archipelago of 36 islands dotting the shoreline of Lake Huron. Not only is it a boaters paradise, but it also hides some of the purest water and underrated hiking & camping spots tucked away along the shoreline. 

These are the Les Cheneaux Islands. And here is everything you can do on your next visit to the Upper Peninsula. 

1. Rent a Boat (or Bring Your Own!) 

There are 36 total islands off the coast of Cedarville and Hessel in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. All but one of these islands is only accessible by boat. Many islands are private for residences, but that doesn’t make a cruise around the channels any less incredible. There are two places in the world-famous for luxury wooden Christ Craft boats, Lake Como, Italy, and Cedarville, Michigan. A summer day on the water will surely allow you to see one of these rare beauties out and about. 

Boaters out on these channels are cruising Lake Huron, but the channel barrier created by the layered islands offers a protected way to experience boating on the Great Lakes. 

2. Hike the Narnia Trail 

Perhaps the most underrated hiking trail in all of Michigan, Narnia is not to be missed for anyone visiting the Upper Peninsula. The easiest way to access this trail is by parking at Bush Bay Scenic Overlook, located five miles east of Cedarville. Follow the red arrows through the woods and out onto the peninsula from the small dirt parking area.

On the way, hikers pass remnants of two wooden cabins weathered away by the harsh elements. Shortly under a mile into the woods, a lamppost will appear with a sign that reads “Welcome to Narnia.” The rocks surrounding the area are covered in green moss, adding to the other-worldly feel. From here, hikers can keep exploring the woods ahead, head out to one of the many hidden coves along Lake Huron, or opt to begin the journey back to the car. 

3. Grab a Drink at Les Cheneaux Distillers and Brewers 

What began as a distillery evolved to include a full brewery, which led the owners to develop their slogan “distillers who brew.” Here, there is no fighting between those who prefer a mixed drink with a cold brew; there’s something for everyone! The local hot spot also offers a wide range of menu items, from nachos to burgers.

4. Rent a Cabin on The Shoreline

Although a small rural town, Cedarville has no shortage of cabins and summer rentals. Most are located directly on Lake Huron and offer amenities such as complimentary kayaks, lake toys, firepits, and more. 

Most of these rental locations are only open during summer and typically rent out weekly. If you’ve been looking for a family vacation that offers Great Lakes vibes without the crowds found at other locations around the state, the Les Cheneaux Islands are the perfect escape! 

5. Eat Dinner at Cattails

The lowkey and hometown dinner spot is located directly on the water and offers an outdoor patio that is the perfect spot for an afternoon cocktail or dinner after a day on the lake. Their most popular dinner items include steak bites, whitefish, Ruben, spicy chicken salad, and sandwiches. 

On summer weekends, arrive early to grab a spot on the patio and avoid a wait. It’s one of the most popular locations for food in the area, but seating is limited. 

6. Explore Search Bay Nature Preserve 

Search Bay Nature Preserve is located a few miles west of Hessel and offers a lovely and secluded spot to enjoy Lake Huron. There are numerous campsites along the cove, but the area is also the perfect spot to enjoy a nice day along Lake Huron to swim, collect rocks, and enjoy other water activities. Getting to Search Bay Nature Preserves requires travel down small dirt roads and may not be ideal for larger vehicles and campers. 

If you visit Search Bay Nature Preserve, please remember to practice Leave No Trace principles. This includes packing out all trash, refraining from cutting down trees, and only having fires in premade fire rings. Thank you for helping keep the U.P. beautiful! 

7. Go Paddleboarding 

The water along northern Lake Huron in the Les Cheneaux Islands is some of the purest and clearest water in all of the Great Lakes. Whether you enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, or fishing, getting out on the water is a must. 

Woods & Waters eco-tours offers kayak rentals, SUP rentals, kayak camping, tours, and more. Their expertise and area knowledge are perfect for first-time visitors to the Les Cheneaux Islands. 

8. Grab Ice Cream North Coast Coffee

There are numerous locations to enjoy a cone of ice cream along the Les Cheneaux Islands. If you enjoy soft serve ice cream, Hilltop Ice Cream in Cedarville is a must-stop, but North Coast Coffee in Hessel is the best stop for those hand-scooped lovers like myself. 

The shop is easy to miss, located inside EJ Metaugh Boat Works but is excellent for an after-dinner treat to enjoy along the marina. And if you didn’t already know by the name, they also offer delicious coffee and lattes! 

9. Explore Government Island 

Government Island is the only public land in all 36 islands. The island is part of Hiawatha National Forest and includes several campsites, all connected by an inner-island trail system. The easiest way to access Government Island is by leaving the marina in downtown Cedarville and following east Cedarville Bay. 

Whether heading out for a day hike or planning an overnight camping trip, Government Island is a must for outdoor lovers when exploring the area. 

10. Grab a Latte at Les Cheneaux Coffee Roasters 

Les Cheneaux Coffee Roasters offers more than a quick morning caffeine fix. The local coffee house at the main intersection of Cedarville offers an expansive deck for relaxing and working, fresh, made-from-scratch pastries (try the blueberry scone), and displays Great Lakes artwork from local artists. 

Owners Jen & David started the coffee house wanting to provide a local spot with 100% ethically sourced treats for the community. It’s been a hit ever since! 

You can find more to do in the Les Cheneaux Islands and around the entire Upper Peninsula on UPtravel.com.

This piece is in partnership with UP Travel. All opinions and recommendations are my own.