10 Secluded Michigan Islands That Will Transport You To Another World
Imagine stepping off the mainland and onto an island where time slows down, the air is crisp, and the only sounds are the rustling of leaves and the gentle lapping of waves against the shore.
Michigan is home to a collection of secluded islands that feel like worlds of their own, each offering its own slice of untouched beauty and serenity. Whether you’re seeking the tranquility of remote beaches, rugged wilderness, or charming, car-free communities, these 10 islands are the perfect escape into another world.
1. Isle Royale (Lake Superior)
Wolves and moose roam freely across this wild paradise, making it feel like you’ve landed in an untamed nature documentary. Reaching Isle Royale requires a ferry or seaplane, so you won’t find crowds here.
Backpackers love the 165 miles of trails winding through thick forests and along rugged coastlines. Kayakers paddle through hidden coves where the water is so clear you can see straight to the bottom.
Cell service? Forget about it. That’s the whole point of visiting this national park island where nature rules and modern life takes a backseat.
2. North Manitou Island (Lake Michigan)
Ghost towns and shipwrecks dot this island where time seems frozen in the 1800s. Old farm buildings stand as reminders of the families who once called this place home before abandoning it decades ago.
Camping here means packing everything in and out—there are no stores, no running water, and definitely no pizza delivery. Hikers can explore forests thick with maple and beech trees or climb massive sand dunes overlooking the lake.
Stargazers go absolutely bonkers here because there’s zero light pollution to ruin the night sky show.
3. Bois Blanc Island (Straits of Mackinac)
Locals affectionately call it Bob-Lo, and this laid-back island operates on island time—meaning nobody’s in a rush for anything. Cars exist here, but bicycles rule the roads, and golf carts zip around like they own the place.
Limestone cliffs create dramatic backdrops for beach picnics, while quiet trails wind through forests where deer casually stroll past. The island has no chain restaurants or big resorts, just family-owned cottages and a strong sense of community.
Visitors quickly discover that disconnecting from the mainland means reconnecting with what actually matters.
4. Beaver Island (Lake Michigan)
Once ruled by a self-proclaimed king in the 1850s, Beaver Island still maintains its independent spirit today. The largest island in Lake Michigan has a quirky history involving a Mormon community and plenty of colorful characters.
Biking around the island takes you past lighthouses, beaches with sand so soft it squeaks, and forests perfect for spotting wildlife. The tiny town offers cozy restaurants serving fresh whitefish and local shops selling handmade crafts.
Ferry rides from the mainland take about two hours, giving you plenty of time to leave your worries behind.
5. Les Cheneaux Islands (Eastern Upper Peninsula)
Thirty-six islands create a maze of waterways that kayakers and boaters dream about exploring. The name means the channels in French, which perfectly describes the narrow passages weaving between these forested gems.
Fishermen consider these waters some of Michigan’s best-kept secrets for catching pike, bass, and perch. Wooden boats crafted by local artisans still ply these waters, continuing a tradition that spans generations.
Small communities on the main islands welcome visitors with genuine warmth and stories about life in this unique archipelago where water connects everything.
6. Mackinac Island (Straits of Mackinac)
Cars have been banned since 1898, making this the ultimate throwback destination where horses clip-clop down streets and bicycle bells replace honking horns. Fudge shops line the downtown, pumping out sweet aromas that lure visitors like a sugary siren song.
Fort Mackinac sits high on a bluff, offering cannon demonstrations and stunning views across the straits. The famous Grand Hotel’s porch stretches 660 feet, perfect for sipping lemonade while pretending you’re in a Jane Austen novel.
Sure, it gets touristy in summer, but the car-free vibe still feels magical.
7. Grand Island (Lake Superior)
Towering sandstone cliffs painted in rust, gold, and cream colors rise dramatically from Lake Superior’s frigid waters. Kayakers paddle along the shoreline, discovering hidden caves and arches carved by thousands of years of waves.
Most of the island belongs to the Hiawatha National Forest, keeping development to a minimum and wildlife populations thriving. Mountain bikers tackle challenging trails through dense forests, while campers pitch tents at primitive sites with million-dollar views.
The Tombolo, a natural sandbar connecting the island to the mainland, appears and disappears with changing water levels.
8. South Manitou Island (Lake Michigan)
A giant cedar tree over 500 years old stands as the island’s celebrity, having witnessed centuries of Great Lakes history. Shipwrecks lie in shallow waters offshore, their ghostly forms visible to snorkelers brave enough to handle the chilly temperatures.
The lighthouse keeper’s house tells stories of isolated families who maintained the beacon through brutal winters. Backpackers can hike to perched dunes where sand mountains tower 300 feet above the lake.
Rangers lead fascinating tours explaining how this island served as a crucial refueling stop for steamships crossing Lake Michigan.
9. Hog Island (Bois Blanc Archipelago)
Wild and uninhabited, this tiny island offers a true castaway experience for adventurous paddlers willing to make the journey. No trails, no facilities, no problem—just pure wilderness waiting to be explored on your own terms.
Birds nest in huge numbers here because humans rarely disturb them, creating a paradise for birdwatchers with binoculars and patience. The shoreline varies from smooth pebble beaches to rocky outcrops where waves crash dramatically.
Camping requires serious preparation since you’re completely on your own once you land on this remote speck of Michigan wilderness.
10. Rabbit Island (Lake Superior)
Artists and writers can actually apply for free residencies on this privately-owned island dedicated to creative inspiration. Imagine having an entire Lake Superior island to yourself for contemplating life’s big questions or finishing that novel.
The island remains completely undeveloped except for basic cabins, preserving its wild character and meditative atmosphere. Dense forests, rocky beaches, and the constant soundtrack of waves create the perfect environment for artistic breakthroughs.
Getting there requires coordination with the owners, but the reward is an experience few people ever get to have.