You can drive to Drummond Island, but only by using the car ferry that connects the island with the Michigan mainland. The Drummond Island Ferry traverses the short distance across the St. Mary’s River and connects DeTour Village on the mainland with the western tip of Drummond Island. Once you’ve arrived on the island, there’s a good network of paved and unpaved roads, allowing you to explore the island fully. Unfortunately, there are no bridges or direct road connections to Drummond Island, meaning the ferry is the only way to reach the island with your vehicle.
Drummond Island is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the far north of the United States. It is situated in the northernmost part of the state, near the Canadian border, surrounded by the waters of Lake Huron and the St. Marys River. Drummond Island is the largest freshwater island in the United States and covers an area of approximately 150 square miles.
Drummond Island has a relatively small population of around 1,000 people, many of whom live in the island’s only town, Drummond. The rest of the island comprises pristine wilderness areas, a rugged coastline, and a network of trails and roads that provide access to all parts of the island.
There is no direct road connection between Drummond Island and the mainland, so you can only drive to the island with the assistance of the Drummond Island Ferry. Further details are provided in the boat section below.
During the winter, a slightly unusual and unique opportunity arises to travel to the island over land. An annual ice bridge is established between Drummond Island and nearby St Joseph’s Island in Ontario, Canada. Once the ice is thick enough, you can travel across this ice bridge by snowmobile until early spring.
Almost all visitors to Drummond Island arrive by taking the Drummond Island Ferry service that links the island with the mainland. The service sails between DeTour Village on the mainland and the western tip of Drummond Island. It’s a year-round service that accommodates vehicles and passengers on a first-come, first-serve basis. Ferries depart hourly between 5 a.m. and midnight, typically taking 15-20 minutes to complete the journey. The sailing provides a scenic view of the island’s shoreline and surrounding waters. During the winter, high winds and heavy ice can interrupt the ferry schedule.
In addition to the ferry, several marinas on the island offer boat launch and docking services for those who wish to bring their boats. This is a great option for those who want to explore the island’s many waterways or go fishing in the surrounding waters.
It’s possible to fly to Drummond Island using the island’s small airport, Drummond Island Airport (DRM). It generally serves the local community and some well-heeled visitors to the island. The airport primarily offers charter flights and private aviation services for those who wish to fly their own aircraft.
Most visitors who come to Drummond Island from further afield fly into one of the two nearby airports on the mainland. The closest airport is Chippewa County International Airport, just over 50 miles away in Chippewa County. Another option is Sault Ste. Marie Airport in Ontario, Canada. It lies 80 miles away from Drummond Island and across the Canadian border.
Yes, you can drive on Drummond Island, and you’ll need a vehicle to see the best of the island. With over 100 miles of roads across the island, there are plenty of opportunities to explore and escape the crowds. Most major roads are paved, although quieter routes are often unpaved but still generally accessible by a 2WD vehicle.
If you plan on bringing your vehicle, you’ll need to take the ferry from DeTour Village to Drummond Island. Once on the island, you can drive around at your own pace. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can rent a car, truck, or ATV from one of the island’s rental companies.
Drummond Island is often considered a hidden gem with its amazing scenery and wide range of visitor activities. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or looking for a peaceful retreat, there’s something for everyone on Drummond Island. The following are some of the best things to do on the island.
One of the best things to do on Drummond Island is to explore the island’s vast network of trails. With over 100 miles of trails, you can hike, bike, or ATV through the island’s beautiful forests, wetlands, and shoreline.
Another popular activity on Drummond Island is water sports. Kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and boating are all popular ways to explore the island’s numerous lakes and rivers. You can even take a scenic boat tour to see the island from a different perspective.
For those seeking a more relaxed pace, there are plenty of opportunities to observe wildlife, go birdwatching, or relax on one of the island’s sandy beaches.
Drummond Island transforms into a winter wonderland, with activities like snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing available in the winter. An ice bridge also forms, allowing you to take a road trip to nearby St Joseph’s Island in Canada.
The best time to visit Drummond Island largely depends on what activities you plan on doing during your trip. Drummond Island is a beautiful location with plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, so choosing a time of year that suits your interests is a key part of your trip.
Summer is undoubtedly the most popular time to visit Drummond Island, with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. These long, pleasant days are perfect for hiking, kayaking, fishing, and boating.
An alternative option is to visit during the fall. There are fewer crowds at this time, and fall sees some stunning colors, albeit with cooler temperatures. However, these conditions are ideal for hiking and biking, the most common activities at this time of year.
Winter is undoubtedly the best time to visit if you’re interested in winter activities like snowmobiling or ice fishing. The snow-covered landscapes are breathtaking, and the island’s frozen lakes provide the perfect setting for winter sports.
Spring is generally the quietest time on Drummond Island as the winter snow and ice begins to thaw. Despite the cool temperatures, it’s still a nice time to visit, with blooming wildflowers and plenty of wildlife to observe.
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