Mileage: 51.3 miles
Driving Time: 1 hours, 3 minutes (plus a brief ferry ride)

About 15 miles north of St. Ignace and the mighty Mackinac Bridge is the turnoff for M-134, the North Huron Byway. This 50-mile stretch of road takes you through three small towns and then across the St. Mary’s River to Drummond Island. It’s a scenic, pleasant drive that follows the northern edge of Lake Huron, and yes, there are spots where you can go camping.

Stop #1: Hessel

The first community you’ll reach after you turn off of I-75 is Hessel. This town was a favorite vacation spot of author and conservationist Aldo Leopold. It’s the gateway to the exceptionally beautiful Les Cheneaux Islands, designated as one of the Last Great Places in the Western Hemisphere by The Nature Conservancy. Les Cheneaux means “channels” in French, and there is a collection of 36 islands, some inhabited. If you have the time or the interest, you can embark on a five-hour cruise, hosted by Shepler’s Ferry, to tour several lighthouses and a more up-close look at the chain of islands along with its channels and bays. A boxed lunch is included. In Hessel, visit the historic schoolhouse and take a walk through the town. If you visit the second Saturday in August, you’ll be able to partake in the world’s largest antique wooden boat show. Maritime life and boating have been instrumental to this community for generations.

Stop #2: Cedarville

Just a few miles east of Hesel is Cedarville, home to Les Cheneaux Distillers (and Strait Whiskey), Applecore General Store, and The Pine Cone. It’s also the location of the Great Lakes Boat Building School, the only marine industry school in the Great Lakes. Also in town, you can visit a couple museums: the Maritime Museum and the Historical Museum. Both are worth a look. Nearby, you can go on a 2.1-mile roundtrip hike on Bush Bay Trail (also known as the Narnia Trail). This family-friendly, single-track trail winds through cedar pine woods and looming dolomite boulders. There’s even a lamppost near the bay. If you want a longer hike, the trail connects to the John Arthur Woollam Preserve. The rocky shoreline will give the kids plenty to explore.

 

Stop #3: De Tour Village

De Tour Village is where you’ll pick up the car ferry to reach Drummond Island, but before you embark across the river, take time to appreciate this small UP town. One of the top sights is the DeTour Reef Light, located offshore. There has been the presence of a lighthouse at DeTour Passage, the Gateway to Lake Superior, since 1847. The white, square lighthouse tower extends 63 feet into the air for a total height of 83 feet thanks to the 20-foot-high foundation base. Around 20 ships pass by the light each day, so you can be guaranteed a sighting of vessel. You can visit the Passage Historical Museum and Maritime Park on Elizabeth Street, which features local history, Native American history, early marine operations, and more – encapsulated in artifacts and photographs. Just outside of town is the Botanical Gardens, the northernmost garden park in Michigan. Situated on the waterfront, these quaint, well-maintained gardens are nurtured by volunteers. There are benches throughout, the perfect place to watch passing freighters on the river, and there is a connection to the Bid Munro Natural Trail on the north end of the gardens.

Stop #4: Drummond

The “Gem of the Huron” is a picturesque oasis known for its fishing and outdoor culture. There’s a car ferry that runs year-round to take visitors one mile across the St. Mary’s River. The journey takes about 15 minutes, and it’s first come, first served. The website has details on crossing times. And yes, there are RV campgrounds and hookups on Drummond Island. Continue your travels on North Huron Byway, which will take you more north toward Sturgeon Bay and into the town of Drummond. Grab a refreshing ice cream from the iconic Tee Pee establishment on E. Channel Road (seasonal). The Historical Museum is also located in this town on Water Street, which displays vintage boats, historic photographs, artifacts, and more related to the area’s expansive boating, British, and Native American history. There is so much to explore on Drummond Island, especially if you love ORVing and hiking. On the north shore of the island are two natural formations worth a visit: the Maxton Plains Preserve and the Fossil Ledges. There is some off-roading required to reach some areas, so be prepared and get a thorough understanding ahead of time.

 

For more information and an interactive map with attractions and public amenities noted along the M-134 route, visit https://mi134.com.