Drummond Island Travel Guide

1. Bring your ATV, ORV or UTV to the off-roading paradise of Michigan.

With over 60 miles of ATV trails and 40 miles of ORV routes, Drummond Island offers Michigan’s largest closed-loop, off-road trail system. Whether you are a first-timer or a long-time mud sprayer, you will ride through dense, hardwood forests (especially gorgeous in the summer and fall), wildflower-strewn meadows and over thrilling rocky ridges. If you don’t have an ORV, rent one at Beaver’s ATV Rentals. Want to meet others who have off-road adrenaline coursing through their veins? Participate in the annual Jeep the Mac, Jeep Jamboree and Trek the Mighty Mac events.

2. Snowmobile on award-winning winter trails.

There’s a reason Pure Michigan voted Drummond Island the #1 Place to Snowmobile in 2022. Ride just shy of 80 miles of scenic groomed trails and rarely meet another sled. Other ways to enjoy winter include ice fishing, ice skating, cross-country skiing on 11 miles of groomed trails or snowshoeing on 12 miles of trails.

3. The ultimate island birdwatching escape.

Birdwatchers especially enjoy the spring and fall migrations. A good place to watch is on the North Huron Birding Trail with its seven spectacular birdwatching locations. Expect to see Yellow Rail, LeConte’s Sparrow, the Common Loon, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Red-necked Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Osprey, Sandhill Crane and more.

4. Visit the must-see points of interest.

Maxton Plains Preserve is one of the finest examples of alvar grassland in the world. Here, see plants native to the Arctic tundra, Great Plains and the Great Lakes, including the beautiful prairie smoke that blooms from mid-May to mid-June. Also, go to the island’s north shore and walk on the ledges made from the fossilized remains of a saltwater coral bed. It requires some off-roading to get there, but it’s an adventure you will be glad you made.

5. Spend time on the beach.

There are three public beaches, all with sandy shorelines, some with colorful rocks and others with rounded pebbles. Most are shallow for up to 100 yards, so you can comfortably bring small children. One adventure the entire family will enjoy is walking from Drummond Island Township Beach to a neighboring island.

6. Discover water fun everywhere!

Beautiful Potagannissing Bay and 30+ inland lakes make this a great destination for boating, sailing, paddling or fishing. Add the Drummond Island Heritage Water Trail to your itinerary. For something special, try a tall ship sailing experience with Drummond Island Tall Ship Company.

7. Hunt for puddingstones and other treasures.

Puddingstones, a type of jasper conglomerate, got their name from British settlers who thought they looked like suet pudding with berries. These collectible stones are just one of many treasures you can search for on the island. Rockhounding is a popular activity here — visitors often find beach glass, fossils and other unique stones along the shoreline. You can also browse local shops for handcrafted puddingstone gifts like bookends, jewelry and coasters.

8. Watch national and international freighters.

Look for these massive cargo ships as you drive along M-134, while waiting for the ferry in DeTour Village, or as they cruise near the ferry during your crossing.

9. See shipwrecks in the DeTour Passage Underwater Preserve.

There are 16 ships and one sunken construction crane in shallow enough water for scuba divers. Or kayak over two visible wrecks: the TROY in Scammon Cove and the SILVER SPRAY off Meade Island.

10. Golf 27 holes surrounded by island beauty.

The Rock at Drummond Island Resort is a championship 18-hole gem. Drummond Island Township Golf Course is a nine-hole course with affordable rates. This course stands out for an unexpected feature: an airport runway running through it.

For centuries, Drummond Island has been reached by water, first by Indigenous peoples and early explorers. If you have a boat, you can rent a transient or seasonal slip at Drummond Island Yacht Haven, conveniently located on Potagannissing Bay. But most people arrive by the Drummond Island car ferry, departing from DeTour Village. The ferry runs hourly all year, bringing passengers and their cars, trucks, motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles and semi-trucks to and from the island. It takes only 10–15 minutes to cross the St. Marys River for your island adventure!

There are two other ways to access Drummond Island. If you own or charter an airplane, the centrally located Drummond Island Airport is on Townline Road and has a paved runway. The runway runs between the fourth and fifth holes on the Drummond Island Township Golf Course, which makes it a unique summer landing/take-off experience.

In the winter, when the ice is safe, you can also ride your snowmobile across the international ice bridge between Drummond Island and St. Joseph Island, Ontario. Access the frozen bridge at Drummond Island Yacht Haven.

Choose from a variety of island lodgings offering a spectrum of amenities as well as the comforts of home that make it easy to sleep and hard to leave. The island staff and rates will entice you to come back again and again.

Hotels
Resorts & Cottages
Vacation Rentals & Condos
Campgrounds 
Marinas
Winter lodgings

What are the best times of year to visit Drummond Island?

Drummond Island is a four-season destination. Summer and early fall are ideal for boating, beach days and off-roading. Winter brings top-rated snowmobiling, snowshoeing and ice fishing. Spring offers quieter hiking trails and birdwatching as the island comes back to life.

What is the weather like on Drummond Island?

Summer: Highs in the mid-70s, lows in the mid-50s
Fall: Highs range from the upper 60s in September to the mid-30s in November; lows range from the low 50s to the 30s
Winter: Highs in the mid-20s, lows in the teens; average snowfall is 81 inches
Spring: Highs from mid-30s in March to low-60s in May; lows range from 18°F to low 40s

How big is Drummond Island?

Drummond Island spans 87,000 acres, nearly 60% of which is state-owned public land. It is the second-largest island in the Great Lakes and ranks as the eighth-largest lake island in the world.

How much shoreline does Drummond Island have?

Drummond Island boasts over 150 miles of scenic shoreline and includes 30 bays and coves.

Are there lakes and rivers on Drummond Island?

Yes, in addition to its coastal access, the island has 34 inland lakes and a vast river system perfect for paddling, fishing and exploring.

Is there cell service and Wi-Fi on Drummond Island?

Cell service is available through most major carriers, though some remote areas may have weak signals. Many lodgings offer Wi-Fi, but visitors often enjoy the slower pace and digital detox that the island naturally provides.

Do I need a passport to cross the ice bridge to Canada?

Yes. If you plan to snowmobile across the international ice bridge, you must carry a valid passport or other approved border-crossing ID and comply with requirements.

How did Drummond Island get its name?

The island is named after Gordon Drummond, the first Canadian-born officer to command both the military and civil government of British Canada.

When did Drummond Island become part of the United States?

Drummond Island became U.S. territory following the 1814 Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812. British forces remained at Fort Drummond until 1828 before withdrawing.

As you put together your adventure plans on Drummond Island, make it easier with our Plan Your Trip guide. If you need advice or more information, we are ready to help or learn more from the Drummond Island Tourism Association. If you’re looking to explore more of Michigan’s island escapes, check out our Islands page for more unforgettable destinations across the Upper Peninsula.