Lime Island Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go

One of the most unique things about Lime Island is that it’s truly off the beaten path — there’s no direct access. To visit, you’ll need to arrange private transportation by boat. Once you are there, no motorized vehicles are allowed on the island.

The most common way to reach the island is by chartering a boat from Raber or DeTour Village. Two local charter options that regularly take visitors to Lime Island are:

• Always an Adventure Charters with Captain Justin (based out of Drummond Island)
• Island Charters with Captain Greg (based out of Cedarville)

Both offer custom trips to the island and charge an hourly rate for transport to and from the Lime Island dock. Trips usually last about 20–30 minutes one way, depending on lake conditions and departure point.

If you choose to depart from DeTour Village in your motorized boat, you can park and launch from one of the local boat launches, including the Raber Bay Boat Launch. As you set off for the island, you will cruise past some fascinating sights like the abandoned freighter John Sherwin, a house built from the bow of the John W. Boardman and even get a close-up look at international shipping traffic moving through the St. Marys River.

Once you arrive, be prepared for a short but steep hike up from the dock to the cabins and camping area. Wheelbarrows are available near the dock to help haul gear up the hill.

Lime Island might feel remote today, but it has a surprisingly rich and layered past that dates back centuries.

Prior to European settlement, there is evidence that Lime Island was lived on for over 4000 years!

In the 1700s, the British quarried limestone from the island and transported it to nearby St. Joseph Island (in present-day Ontario, Canada). They used it to build Fort St. Joseph, a key military outpost along the St. Marys River during the fur trade era and the War of 1812.

By the early 1900s, Lime Island had taken on a very different role. This time, in the shipping industry. Its location along the busy Great Lakes shipping channel made it an ideal refueling and maintenance station for freighters passing between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. At its peak, the island featured fuel storage tanks, machine shops, docks, employee housing and even a schoolhouse for the families who lived and worked there.

The island’s industrial life continued well into the mid-20th century, but as shipping technology improved and fueling practices changed, Lime Island’s purpose faded. Eventually, operations ceased and the island was left largely vacant.

In 1982, ownership transferred to the State of Michigan, and Lime Island was designated a state recreation area. Today, visitors can explore both the natural beauty and the historic remnants of the island’s past — from the lime kilns and fuel tanks to the old schoolhouse — while enjoying a quiet, off-the-grid experience managed by the Michigan DNR.

While Lime Island might not have the typical amenities of a state park, that’s exactly what makes it special — it’s all about getting back to basics, exploring history and soaking in the quiet. Here’s what you can do once you’re on the island:

Hike the Trails

Lime Island has a seven-mile network of color-coded, marked and easy-to-follow trails that wind through the woods, along the shoreline and past historic sites. Hikes are generally gentle, but be prepared for uneven terrain, thick underbrush and the occasional overgrown path.

One of the most scenic hikes leads past the old oil tanks to the lime kiln ruins, where moss-covered stone structures stand as reminders of the island’s industrial past.

Explore Historic Ruins

You’ll find several fascinating remnants scattered around the island:

• Lime kiln ruins dating back to the 1700s
• Decommissioned oil storage tanks once used by freighters
• A schoolhouse, now converted into a small museum (open when a ranger is present)
• An old Victorian House that used to be where the superintendent stayed is now a small museum (open when a ranger is present)
• Foundations of former homes and facilities from the island’s industrial days

Enjoy a Campfire

Each cabin or campsite comes with a designated fire pit, perfect for cooking or winding down after a day of hiking. While you can’t bring firewood to the island, firewood is available at no charge.

Watch the Freighters

One of the island’s most memorable features is its front-row view of massive freighters passing just offshore. Lime Island sits on a major commercial shipping route, so it’s not unusual to see a dozen or more ships a day — including freighters, cruise ships and research vessels.

Disconnect and Unwind

There’s minimal cell service and no Wi-Fi, making this the ideal place to unplug. Whether you’re journaling on the dock, reading by the fire or birdwatching from your cabin porch, Lime Island offers true stillness — a rarity these days.

Nature has reclaimed much of Lime Island over the decades. The island is now a quiet, wild habitat for a wide variety of species. Whether you’re hiking through the woods or relaxing by your cabin, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter some of Michigan’s native wildlife.

Common Terns

Lime Island is home to a nesting colony of common terns, a state-threatened bird species. You’ll notice them right away near the dock — they’re loud, elegant flyers and very protective of their nesting area. Please keep your distance and observe quietly from afar, especially during nesting season.

Black Bears

Yes, black bears do live on the island. While sightings are relatively rare and these bears tend to avoid humans, it’s still important to take precautions:

• Store all food securely in your cabin or bear-safe containers.
• Never leave trash or food scraps outside.
• Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising any wildlife.

Bald Eagles & Other Birds of Prey

Lime Island’s location along the St. Marys River makes it a great place to watch bald eagles, osprey and hawks. These birds of prey often soar above the treetops or perch near the shoreline, scanning the water for fish.

Insects

While bugs aren’t too bad in the cabin areas (except for the beautiful butterflies!), the wooded trails are home to plenty of mosquitoes and biting flies, especially in damp weather. Bug spray, long sleeves and light hiking gear are recommended.

Lime Island offers a true off-the-grid experience — which is part of its charm, but also means you’ll need to be well-prepared. Here are a few key things to keep in mind before and during your visit:

No Ferry or Transportation Services

There is no public ferry to Lime Island. You’ll need to charter a boat from nearby Raber Bay or DeTour Village or arrange private transportation. Always plan your ride both to and from the island in advance.

There’s a Hike to the Cabins

Once you arrive at the dock, you’ll face a steep uphill hike to reach the cabins and campsites. Wheelbarrows are available to help carry gear, but be prepared for a bit of a workout — especially if you’re bringing food and supplies for multiple days.

You’re in Bear Country

Black bears do inhabit the island. While they tend to avoid humans, you should:

• Never leave food outside or in open containers
• Clean up thoroughly after meals
• Store all food and scented items indoors or in sealed containers

Fires Only in Designated Pits

You may not bring your own firewood due to the risk of transporting invasive pests. Fortunately, free firewood is available on the island. Fires are only allowed in designated fire rings to reduce wildfire risk — especially since coal remnants from the island’s industrial past are still scattered in some areas.

No Running Water

There is no running water available in the cabins. However, a centrally located spigot provides safe, drinkable water. Bring reusable containers and be prepared to haul water back to your site or cabin.

No Stores or Supplies

There are no stores, restaurants or vending machines on the island. You’ll need to bring all your own food, snacks, cooking supplies and toiletries. Don’t forget charcoal or matches if you plan to grill.

Bugs & Poison Ivy

Mosquitoes and black flies can be intense, especially on wooded trails. Poison ivy is also present in the natural areas. Pack bug spray, long sleeves and antihistamine cream just in case.

Rustic Bathroom Setup

There are no flush toilets, but well-maintained porta-potties are available near the cabins. They’re surprisingly clean and regularly serviced.

If you want to truly unplug, Lime Island is the place. There are no hotels or modern conveniences — just peace, quiet and front-row access to nature. Below are your overnight island options.

Prefer a day trip instead? Stay on the mainland, where you’ll find plenty of lodging with the amenities and rates you want. To secure your room, book your stay today.

Rustic Cabins

The island has a handful of rustic cabins, all maintained by the Michigan DNR and available to reserve online through the Michigan State Parks reservation system. These are dry cabins, meaning there is:

• No running water
• No kitchen or bathroom inside
• No refrigerator

But here’s what they do have:

• Beds with simple mattresses (bring your own bedding)
• Wood-burning stoves
• Solar-powered electricity, new!
• Access to charcoal grills and outdoor fire pits
• A short walk to clean porta-potties and a central spigot for drinking water

Each cabin has its own designated fire ring, picnic table and space for relaxing outside. Cabins are spaced apart enough to give a feeling of privacy.

Tent Camping

Prefer to sleep under the stars? Lime Island also offers primitive tent sites, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis or by reservation. Like the cabins, these sites include:

• A fire ring
• Access to shared water pump and porta-potties
• No electricity or modern facilities

Bring everything you need — including a sturdy tent, sleeping gear and all cooking supplies.

What to Pack for Overnight Stays

Because Lime Island is off-grid and hard to reach, packing properly is essential. Don’t forget:

• Food for all meals + snacks (there are no food services or stores)
• Cooler (ice will not last long, so plan accordingly)
• Matches or a lighter for fire starting
• Charcoal or wood stove tools if you’re cooking
• Bug spray, sunscreen and headlamps
• Reusable water jugs or bottles to fill at the spigot
• Bedding, towels and toiletries
• Trash bags (pack it in, pack it out)