Les Cheneaux Islands


Les Cheneaux Islands are a group of 36 small islands, some inhabited, along 12 miles of Lake Huron shoreline on the southeastern tip of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the United States. The name is French for "the Channels", noting the many channels between the islands in the group. They are about 30 miles northeast of Mackinac Island and about 35 miles south of Sault Ste. Marie. The islands are a popular resort and boating and kayaking area. The nearby communities of Hessel and Cedarville on the mainland offer marinas, camping, lodging, restaurants, and shopping. The Les Cheneaux Islands Antique Boat Show & Festival of the Arts has been held on the second Saturday of each August since 1976 in Hessel. It is the world's largest antique wooden boat show.

Overview of Area

The named islands include:
The island chain forms many bays, harbors, and inland lakes, including:
From Lake Huron, there are four major entrances to access the islands:
The Les Cheneaux Islands are home to Fleet 31 of the Ensign Class. The fleet sails out of the Les Cheneaux Yacht Club located on Marquette Island. It is the largest fleet of ensigns worldwide, featuring 64 boats sailing as of summer 2008. Fleet 31 hosted the 2008 Ensign Class Region V Championships on July 10–12, 2008. Fleet 31 was selected by the Ensign Class Association to host the National Ensign Regatta in 2010.