Les Cheneaux Islands, Island group in Mackinac County, United States.
The Les Cheneaux Islands are a group of around 36 small islands in Lake Huron, along the northern shore of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Narrow channels of shallow water run between them, which is how the group got its French name meaning "the channels."
French explorer Jean Nicolet passed through these channels in 1634 while traveling toward Michillimackinac, making it one of the earliest recorded European passages through the area. Over time, the islands became a center for wooden boat building, a craft that has stayed alive to this day.
Each August, Hessel hosts an antique boat show where traditional wooden vessels come together on the water. The event draws visitors from across the country and gives the summer season its most recognizable moment on the islands.
Hessel and Cedarville are the two main gateway towns, each with a marina and places to stay nearby. Water conditions on Lake Huron can change quickly, so checking the weather before heading out on the water is a good habit.
The Les Cheneaux Yacht Club on Marquette Island is home to the world's largest fleet of Ensign Class sailboats. This concentration of a single sail class in one sheltered spot draws sailors from across the country who want to race or simply sail the island channels together.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
