Les Cheneaux
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Spend a Day in the Les Cheneaux Islands

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Les Cheneaux Islands are a group of 36 islands located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The name is French, meaning the channels that note the many canals running through the many islands.

Located around 30 miles northeast of Mackinac Island & about 40 minutes from the Mackinac Bridge, these fun islands have something for everyone.

The islands are the perfect place to spend the day on the water. There are many great channels and bays where you can kayak, sail, and just enjoy some time out on the water. There are many beautiful camps and resorts on several islands that you can enjoy for a weekend or for a vacation.

Les Cheneaux Islands
Les Cheneaux Islands | photo via puremichiganguy

Take a Les Cheneaux Lighthouse Cruise

If you are looking for a great experience while the Les Cheneaux area, a lighthouse cruise is a perfect choice. Shepler’s Lighthouse cruise offers you the chance to visit six lighthouses located on Lake Huron. During your cruise, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the history of the area as well as a once and a lifetime view of some of these spectacular lighthouses.

The lighthouses you will see along the way are Round Island Passage Light, Round Island Light, Bois Blanc Lighthouse, Detour Reef Light, Spectacle Reef, and Martin Reef. The cruise lasts for about 5 hours and includes lunch. This is really a perfect way to spend the day when you are visiting the Upper Peninsula.

Explore the Les Cheneaux Historical Museum

While you are in the area, make sure that you take the time to visit the Les Cheneaux Historical Museum. Here you will find a log cabin that shows the early days of living in this area. The other museum building shows you how the area has changed throughout the years.

Les Cheneaux Maritime Museum-Les Cheneaux Islands
Les Cheneaux Maritime Museum | photo via mac_karie

Sail Back in Time at Les Cheneaux Maritime Museum

After visiting the Historical Museum, make your next stop at the O.M. Reif Boathouse Maritime Museum. Here you will be able to explore vintage boats, a workshop and view many incredible marine artifacts. This is a beautiful way to learn more about boating throughout the area.

Visit Nearby Mackinac Island

When you are visiting Les Cheneux Islands, you have to take a day to visit Mackinac Island. Mackinac Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Michigan. There are many great ways to spend the day on the island. Renting a bike and taking a tour of the island is a great way to see the island. Ensure that you visit the fort and bring some money to visit some of the great shopping venues.

Les Cheneaux Distillers-Les Cheneaux Islands
Les Cheneaux Distillers | photo via followyourarrowcanada

Best Places to Eat in Cedarville & Hessel

Les Cheneaux Distillers is a can-not-miss restaurant located in Cedarville Michigan. The food is fantastic, and so are the drinks. This place is known for its great vodka, so make sure that you pick up a bottle to take with you.

Right on the marina in Cedarville, Cattails Cove is known for its Friday Fish Fry (with fresh Whitefish prepared eight different ways) and Cajun steak bites.

For your morning coffee before venturing out on the water or a nearby hike, be sure to stop by Les Cheneaux Coffee Roasters for a fresh-roasted brew and delicious baked goods.

And on a warm summer’s day, ice cream is a necessity. Stop at The Ice Cream Shoppe in Cedarville or make the trek to Hessel for North Coast Company‘s homemade fudge and Moomer’s ice cream.

Kayaking-Les Cheneaux Islands
Kayaking Les Cheneaux Islands | photo via woods.and.waters

Where to Stay Near Les Cheneaux Islands

There are several smaller hotels and campgrounds throughout the Les Cheneaux Islands area that are perfect for using as a home base as you explore all the summer bucket list fun in the eastern Upper Peninsula.

Here are a few vacation rentals near Les Cheneaux that you might consider:

Photos in Les Cheneaux Islands