The Remote Michigan Islands You Should Visit Before They’re Discovered
Michigan hides some of the most stunning islands you’ve probably never heard of, scattered across its massive Great Lakes shoreline.
While tourists flock to popular destinations, these remote gems remain peaceful and wild, offering adventures without the crowds.
Many of these islands feel like stepping back in time, with untouched forests, sandy beaches, and wildlife everywhere.
Pack your bags and discover these hidden treasures before everyone else catches on!
1. Beaver Island
Sitting pretty in northern Lake Michigan, this island stretches 13 miles long and feels like a world apart from mainland chaos.
Rent a bike or golf cart to explore quiet roads lined with wildflowers and historic lighthouses.
The local Irish heritage adds charm, with festivals celebrating the island’s unique culture throughout summer.
Freshwater fishing here is legendary, and the beaches? Absolutely deserted most days, giving you that private paradise vibe without the hefty price tag!
2. North Manitou Island
Want a true wilderness challenge? This backcountry paradise requires a ferry ride and serious camping skills.
No roads, no cars, no electricity—just 15,000 acres of untamed forest, towering sand dunes, and shipwreck stories whispered by the waves.
Backpackers love the solitude and the chance to spot white-tailed deer roaming freely.
It’s pure adventure for those brave enough to unplug completely and embrace nature’s raw beauty!
3. South Manitou Island
South Manitou delivers history and natural beauty in one knockout package that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous.
The iconic lighthouse has guided sailors since 1872, and you can actually climb it for panoramic views.
Wander through a ghostly abandoned village and discover the famous Valley of the Giants—massive cedar trees that seem older than time itself.
Day-trippers and campers both find happiness here, with clearer water than most tropical destinations!
4. Bois Blanc Island
Locals call it “Bob-Lo,” and this Lake Huron hideaway keeps things refreshingly simple and wonderfully old-fashioned.
With only about 100 year-round residents, you’ll find more deer than people wandering the dirt roads.
No fancy resorts exist here—just cozy cottages, endless hiking trails, and fishing spots where the walleye practically jump into your boat.
The laid-back atmosphere makes stress melt away faster than ice cream in July sunshine!
5. Grand Island
Rising dramatically from Lake Superior’s icy waters, Grand Island showcases Mother Nature showing off her artistic talents.
Towering sandstone cliffs, hidden sea caves, and pristine beaches create a kayaker’s dream destination.
The island’s interior offers mountain biking trails that wind through thick forests where black bears occasionally make appearances.
Ferry access from Munising makes visiting easier than you’d expect for such untouched wilderness!
6. Drummond Island
Michigan’s second-largest island sits right at the Canadian border, offering rugged terrain that off-road enthusiasts absolutely worship.
Miles of trails wind through forests and along rocky shores, perfect for ATVs and dirt bikes.
When you’re not tearing up trails, try fishing for pike or perch in countless inland lakes.
The island maintains a frontier feel despite having year-round residents, with friendly locals always ready to share secret fishing spots over coffee!
7. Les Cheneaux Islands
Actually a chain of 36 islands, this archipelago creates a maze of channels that boaters find absolutely irresistible.
“The Snows” (as locals pronounce it) offers calm, protected waters perfect for kayaking, sailing, and discovering hidden coves.
Antique wooden boats gather here each August for a festival celebrating maritime heritage.
Quaint island communities maintain old-world charm, with general stores and cottages that haven’t changed much since your grandparents’ generation.
8. Isle Royale
America’s least-visited national park sits 50 miles from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, accessible only by seaplane or ferry.
This roadless wilderness island hosts wolves, moose, and backpackers seeking ultimate solitude along 165 miles of hiking trails.
Lake Superior’s frigid waters surround the island, creating an ecosystem unlike anywhere else in the lower 48 states.
Multi-day backpacking trips reveal hidden inland lakes, rocky ridges, and complete disconnection from modern life’s constant buzzing!
9. Hog Island
Don’t let the quirky name fool you—this tiny gem near Beaver Island delivers big-time beauty in a compact package.
Accessible only by private boat, the island remains gloriously undeveloped with sugar-sand beaches encircling the entire shoreline.
It’s become a favorite anchorage spot for sailors exploring northern Lake Michigan’s island chains.
Pack a picnic, anchor offshore, and wade to the beach for an afternoon of pure relaxation.
10. Sugar Loaf Island
This cone-shaped rock island juts dramatically from Lake Superior just off Marquette’s shoreline, looking like nature’s sculpture project.
Though you can’t land on it (it’s a protected bird sanctuary), kayaking around its base reveals incredible geology and nesting seabirds.
The island’s distinctive shape makes it a favorite subject for photographers chasing that perfect Great Lakes sunset shot.
View it from Presque Isle Park for free, or paddle close for an up-close encounter with raw Lake Superior power!