8 Michigan Islands That Tourists Took Over

If you’re traveling through Michigan, chances are you’re dreaming of crystal-clear lakes, breezy ferry rides, and peaceful island escapes. But here’s the catch – Michigan’s most beautiful islands aren’t so peaceful anymore. Over the years, these lakefront paradises have been discovered (and thoroughly taken over) by tourists. Still, each island offers something unforgettable if you know when to go and what to expect.

1. Mackinac Island

Step off the ferry and you’ll immediately notice one thing: people, everywhere. Mackinac Island has become the poster child of Michigan tourism, drawing over a million visitors each year. The horse-drawn carriages clip-clop past fudge shops, historic hotels, and bicyclists weaving through the crowds.

No cars allowed here, which sounds charming until you’re stuck behind a tour group in July. The Victorian-era Grand Hotel looms over the island like a time capsule, while Fort Mackinac offers sweeping views of the straits. Locals joke that summer on Mackinac is measured in ferry loads, not days.

Want to enjoy it? Visit in early May or late September when the streets thin out and the fudge tastes just as sweet. Book your bike rental early and explore the quieter trails around the island’s interior. The magic is still there – you just need patience to find it.

2. Beaver Island

Once nicknamed “America’s Emerald Isle” for its strong Irish roots, Beaver Island used to be a place where everyone knew everyone. Now, vacation rentals outnumber year-round residents, and weekenders fill the ferry from Charlevoix every Friday. The island’s Mormon history and Irish festivals still draw curious travelers, but the quiet charm has shifted.

You’ll find boutique shops, craft breweries, and waterfront dining that didn’t exist a decade ago. The beaches remain stunning, especially on the west side where you can still catch a sunset without a crowd. Local fishermen grumble about the changes, but they’ll still point you toward the best perch spots if you ask nicely.

To experience Beaver Island at its best, plan a midweek trip in June or early fall. Rent a bike and explore the island’s back roads where tourism hasn’t quite reached yet.

3. Drummond Island

Drummond Island was once a sleepy fishing village where locals spent their days on quiet docks. That changed when adventure seekers discovered its sprawling off-road trail system – over 60 miles of ATV routes and 40 miles for bigger rigs. Weekends now sound like a motocross rally as engines roar through the woods.

The island’s rugged beauty still shines through, especially along its rocky Lake Huron coastline. Birdwatchers flock to the North Huron Birding Trail, though they often compete with the noise of passing vehicles. Kayakers explore hidden coves, and anglers still haul in impressive catches if they venture far enough from the marinas.

If you want peace, visit on a weekday in early October when the trail riders pack up for the season. The fall colors are breathtaking, and the island feels like its old self again – quiet, wild, and wonderfully remote.

4. South Manitou Island

Famous for its towering dunes and haunting shipwrecks, South Manitou Island has become a bucket-list camping destination. What used to be an easy weekend getaway now requires booking campsites months ahead. Ferries arrive packed with backpackers, families, and photographers chasing that perfect shipwreck shot at sunset.

The island’s history runs deep – old farmsteads, a lighthouse, and the skeletal remains of the Francisco Morazan ship half-buried in sand. Trails wind through forests and up steep dunes that reward hikers with panoramic views. Rangers say summer weekends feel like a small city has landed on their shores.

For a better experience, aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday visit in late August. The weather stays warm, but the crowds shrink dramatically. Bring plenty of water and explore the island’s less-traveled eastern trails where you might actually feel alone.

5. North Manitou Island

North Manitou was the wild sibling – remote, rugged, and rarely visited. Then Instagram happened. Suddenly, every backpacker with a camera wanted to capture its untouched beaches and abandoned villages. What was once a true wilderness escape now sees steady streams of hikers, especially during peak summer months.

The island still offers incredible solitude if you’re willing to hike beyond the first mile. Dense forests, inland lakes, and miles of shoreline remain largely empty. Wildlife thrives here, and you might spot deer wandering through old farmsteads. But the main campsites near the dock? Expect company.

Smart visitors go in September after Labor Day when the crowds vanish but the weather holds. Pack out everything you bring – there are no services here. Wander deep into the island’s interior, and you’ll rediscover why people fell in love with this place to begin with.

6. Bois Blanc Island

Locals call it “Bob-Lo,” and for years it stayed under the radar while Mackinac Island stole the spotlight. That’s changing. New vacation cottages pop up each season, and summer rentals are booked solid by May. The island’s charm lies in its simplicity – dirt roads, small beaches, and a pace that feels decades behind the mainland.

There’s no fudge empire here, no grand hotels. Just quiet mornings, fishing off the dock, and evenings around bonfires. The ferry from Cheboygan runs regularly, making weekend escapes easy for downstate visitors. Longtime residents worry the island’s character will shift as tourism creeps in, but for now, it remains refreshingly low-key.

Visit in June before the peak season hits, or try October when the island nearly empties out. Rent a golf cart to explore the back roads, and don’t expect fancy restaurants – pack your own cooler and enjoy the simplicity.

7. Harsens Island

Tucked in the St. Clair River delta, Harsens Island was once a hidden fishing retreat where Detroit locals escaped the summer heat. Now, it’s lined with vacation homes, boat docks, and weekenders who’ve claimed their slice of island life. The free ferry runs constantly on summer Fridays, delivering carloads of visitors eager for waterfront relaxation.

The island’s network of canals makes it a boater’s paradise, and marinas buzz with activity from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Fishing remains excellent if you know the right spots, though the channels get crowded. Small restaurants and bars serve up fried perch and cold drinks while pontoon boats drift past.

For a quieter experience, visit midweek or wait until late September when the seasonal residents pack up. The island’s natural beauty still shines, especially around its marshlands where herons and egrets hunt undisturbed.

8. Grand Island

Just off Munising’s coast, Grand Island offers a stunning mix of sandstone cliffs, dense forests, and Lake Superior vistas. It used to be a quiet escape for locals, but word got out. Now, hikers, cyclists, and kayakers arrive daily during summer, turning the island’s trails into busy pathways. The ferry service expanded to handle the demand.

The island’s beauty is undeniable – towering cliffs, hidden beaches, and the historic East Channel Lighthouse. Mountain bikers love the challenging terrain, while paddlers explore sea caves along the shoreline. Camping spots fill quickly, and rangers report steady increases in visitors each year. The island’s infrastructure struggles to keep pace with the crowds.

To enjoy Grand Island without the chaos, plan a trip in early June or late September. Rent a bike on the mainland and take the first ferry out. Explore the island’s northern trails where fewer people venture, and you’ll understand why locals fought to keep this place secret.