Visitors Welcome

Welcome to

Les Cheneaux

One unforgettable destination where the water meets the wild. Boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, cycling, dirt buggies, and trails are all wrapped in the timeless beauty of Lake Huron’s north shore and the Upper Peninsula’s most authentic small-town charm.

Why Visit

Why You'll Love Les Cheneaux

From summer marinas to winter trails, every season unfolds into something new.
Here's what makes the Les Cheneaux Islands one of the Upper Peninsula's most beloved destinations.

Authentic UP Charm
Small-town soul, friendly faces, and the genuine spirit of Northern Michigan living.
Natural Beauty
36 islands, 12 miles of pristine shoreline, and unspoiled forests as far as the eye can see.
Boating & Water
Sheltered channels, calm bays, and some of the best freshwater sailing in the Great Lakes.
Land & Trails
Hiking, biking, ORV trails, and quiet forests teeming with wildlife.
Summer Adventures
Festivals, marinas, fishing, the Antique Wooden Boat Show, and endless lake days.
Fall Colors
Stunning autumn landscapes that draw photographers and leaf-peepers from across the region.
Winter Wonder
Snowsfest, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and the magic of a UP winter.
Spring Awakening
The thaw of fishing season, blooming wildflowers, and the rebirth of the islands.
Year-Round Living
A close-knit community where neighbors look out for each other every season.
A silhouette of a dense pine forest against a light blue sky.
A Warm Welcome

Stay. Eat. Explore. Discover.

Welcome to the Les Cheneaux Islands — a place where time slows down, the water reflects the sky, and adventure meets authentic Upper Peninsula charm. Whether you're here to boat the channels, cast a line, hike scenic trails, attend our world-renowned events, or simply unplug in one of the UP's most beloved communities, we're glad you're here.

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Things to Do
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Where to Stay
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Where to Eat
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Visitor Guide
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Plan Around the Seasons

When to Visit

Every season unfolds something different. Here's what to expect throughout the year in Les Cheneaux — pick the time of year that fits your perfect trip.

Spring
March – May

The thaw of fishing season, blooming wildflowers, and the gentle return of warmth across the islands.

  • Fishing season opens
  • Wildflowers and trillium blooms
  • Eagle and osprey nesting
Summer
June – August

Peak season — when the islands come alive with marinas full, festivals booming, and endless lake days.

  • Antique Wooden Boat Show
  • 4th of July fireworks
  • Peak boating and water sports
Fall
September – October

Autumn colors, hunting season, and quiet harvest celebrations make fall one of the most beloved times to visit.

  • Hunting — deer, bear, waterfowl
  • Peak fall foliage along M-134
  • Trophy fishing season
  • Harvest Festival
Winter
November – February

A different kind of magic — quiet, snowy, and warmly welcoming for those who love a real UP winter.

  • Snowsfest celebration
  • Christmas in Les Cheneaux
  • Ice fishing and snowmobiling
LES CHENEAUX ESSENTIALS

5 Things You Must Experience

If you only do five things during your visit, make them these. From iconic events to local secrets, these are the experiences that capture the soul of Les Cheneaux.

1

Kayak the Channels

Paddle the same sheltered channels that gave Les Cheneaux its name. Quiet water, calm waves, and an entirely different way to see the islands.

2

The Antique Wooden Boat Show

A once-a-year iconic event in Hessel — drawing collectors and admirers from across North America since 1978. A summer must.

3

4th of July Over Cedarville Bay

The most beloved fireworks show in the Eastern UP — community-funded, family-friendly, and unforgettable from anywhere along the bay.

4

Fresh Whitefish Dinner

Pull up to a local member restaurant and order the catch of the day. Lake Huron whitefish, prepared by people who know it best.

5

Fall Drive Along the Water

The most breathtaking color route in the UP. Roll the windows down, take your time, and let autumn show off.

Getting Here & Around

Plan Your Trip

Everything you need to find us, get around, and make the most of your time in Les Cheneaux.

Contact the Chamber

Les Cheneaux Chamber of Commerce

680 W M-134

Cedarville, MI 49719

(906) 484-3935

Have questions about your visit? Reach out — we're happy to help you plan.

Driving Distances
  • Charlevoix, MI~ 2 hr
  • Detroit, MI~ 5 hr
  • Drummond Island, MI~ 1 hr
  • Escanaba, MI~ 3 hr
  • Grand Rapids, MI~ 5 hr
  • Green Bay, WI~ 5 hr
  • Lansing, MI~ 5 hr
  • Marquette, MI~ 3 hr
  • Sault Ste. Marie, MI~ 45 min
  • Traverse City, MI~ 3 hr
📥 Download the Area Map

A printable map of the Les Cheneaux area — perfect for the road trip, offline use, or sharing with travel companions.

Download PDF →
ISLAND MOMENTS

Postcards from the Islands

A few small moments that capture why we love it here.

Four small sailboats with colorful sails, each with a person on board, sailing on a lake with a forested shoreline in the background.
A group of children and adults gathered on snow, some children wearing colorful winter gear and helmets, with sleds and snowmobiles in the background, at a snowy outdoor location.
Deer grazing on grass near a forest with tall pine trees and sunlight shining through the trees.
A wooden boat named 'Alibi' with several people on board sailing on a lake or river, surrounded by boats and lush green trees in the background.
People walking along a marina with wooden boats docked, near a waterfront area with houses and tents.
Fireworks exploding over a harbor at night with boats and people watching from the shore.
A group of children and adults gathered outdoors on snow-covered ground with a large paper-mâché animal sculpture resembling a bear or dog and a blue sky in the background.
A dirt trail in a lush green forest with tall trees and a wooden fence alongside the path.
Children riding snowmobiles during a winter event, with spectators and a flag in the background.
A beach with sand and footprints, calm ocean waves, dense trees in the distance, a double rainbow in a cloudy sky, and a shadow of a person or object on the sand.
Group of children and adults on a snowmobile trailer with a banner that reads "Les Cheneaux Snowmobile Club, Michigan, Club of the Year 1993 & 2017," all dressed warmly in winter clothing, waving and smiling in a snowy outdoor setting.
Children and adults in winter clothing standing behind a sled filled with pine branches and decorative greenery, as part of an outdoor winter event against a brick wall.
Aerial view of a large body of water with numerous green islands and peninsulas.
A group of seven people standing outside in the snow during sunset, dressed in winter clothing, smiling at the camera.
Snow-covered shoreline with a calm body of water and small islands in the distance, vibrant sunset sky with orange, pink, and purple hues, and dark silhouettes of trees on the right.
Children and adults participating in a foam-filled outdoor event on a sunny day, with trees and a basketball hoop in the background.
Nighttime fireworks display above a snow-covered area with parked snowmobiles and motorcycles, and a crowd watching.
Three people standing together indoors, smiling, holding drinks and gift bags. The background features wooden walls, vintage sleds, a mounted moose head, and a fan. There are glasses of beer on a red checkered table in the foreground.
Children and adults at a fall-themed pumpkin decorating party outdoors, with pumpkins painted in various colors and patterns, and paint palettes on a picnic table.
Three children posing outdoors by a body of water, holding small fish they caught. Two boys and a girl smiling, with boats and docks in the background.
Children and adults enjoying a foam-filled outdoor event, with some children playing and adults watching.
Children and adults participating in an egg relay race on a baseball field, holding eggs in spoons.

We'll save you a seat by the water.