Anyone been to the Les Cheneaux Islands in Norther Michigan?

[MI 420Sundancer]

This summer will be taking a 2.5 week vaca from Grand Haven MI to Mackinaw Islands. Been seeing some interesting things about these islands and wondering if anyone has some good insight or recommendations. Day trip? Sleepover? Marinas? Bars? Restaurants? Thanks for any input.

I know the North Channel is remarkable but this seem to be doable for a day trip or 1-2 adventure from Mackinaw Island.

 

[Stee6043]

You'll need more time! Hah. I'm jealous. I've plotted a week long trip from Grand Haven to Northport for August. I feel like a week is tight with weather windows. Maybe 2.5 will be perfect for you.

Hopefully you'll stop in a couple towns along your way north? I'll be spending a day or two in both Frankfort (Stormcloud brewery ) and Leland with a daytrip to South Manitou. You probably already have all the west side hot spots though...

Share pics when you do it! Sounds like an awesome trip.

 

[Phasma]

Last summer I spent a few days on Beaver Island. We were gone for a week. I boat out of Grand Haven as well. I’ve been looking at les cheneaux islands for the last couple of years. The photos I’ve seen are stunning. If you push hard the first day it puts you in Frankfort for the night. Jacobson’s Marine is the nicest. After Frankfort it’s nothing but God’s country. Leland, Charlevoix, Bay Harbor, Harbor Springs are all great. Have a great trip!

 

[Third Edition]

It's all great up there. The islands around Beaver Is. are nice cruising, too. The "snows" (Le Cheneaux) are very nice if you get that far..

 

[sbw1]

Le Cheneaux is an easy day trip from Mackinac Island and it would be hard to spend two days there unless you got weathered in or wanted to spend some time reading books in a sleepy place. Hessel is a charming little village with one restaurant and one bar. Both are OK and about what you would expect "up north". It is the primary stopping off place and has a great wooden boat show every year. If you enjoy antique boats, this is one of the best places to see lots of them. Putzing around the islands affords views of boat houses, woodies in boat houses, Dollar Island, interesting natural scenery. Government Channel (I think that is the name) seems to be where locals water ski and anchor out. Last time we were there, a 39 foot Sea Ray was pulling water skiers which was kind of interesting. That's about it. Interesting place to visit. If you've not been there, by all means do it. It's worth the visit.

 

[MI 420Sundancer]

Thanks for the feedback. We are stopping in Ludington, Leland, Charlevoix, and Mackinaw Island on the way up. Made it up to Northport last year (cool spot).

I kinda agree that a one day trip would be enough and see something different. Cant wait for warmer weather and getting on my boat!!!

 

[play dough]

Geez...you guys all sound like "Fudgies". Mackinaw with a "W" is the city and the fish. Everything else is Mackinac...straits, bridge, island, fort, fudge, etc. If you happen to wander into Mackinaw City, look me up. I should have the boat up there by the time the vacation season begins. Slip #59 Mackinaw City Marina.

 

[sbw1]

Geez...you guys all sound like "Fudgies". Mackinaw with a "W" is the city and the fish. Everything else is Mackinac...straits, bridge, island, fort, fudge, etc. If you happen to wander into Mackinaw City, look me up. I should have the boat up there by the time the vacation season begins. Slip #59 Mackinaw City Marina.

Spell check. (;-)