Les Cheneaux Islands offer a destination worth a visit

By Commodore Doug Jackson

     Pam and I, after attending the 2022 Rendezvous in Mackinaw City, headed northeast toward the Les Cheneaux Islands (H-81), known to the locals as the “Snows.” 

     This area has two small towns, Hessel (H-81.2) and Cedarville (H-81.5). These islands create a beautiful set of canals that are great for the cruising boater. The Snows has quiet coves galore to anchor (and it’s well-protected from Lake Huron winds). 

     Les Cheneaux is French in origin and means “the channels.” Chart 14885 shows the “Small Boat Course” marked by both government buoys and private aids. Hessel is about 30 miles NE of the Mackinac Bridge. 

     You can reach Les Cheneaux’s west entrance by going between Brulee Point to the west and Marquette Island to the east. A marked channel takes you north to Hessel Bay and into the Hessel marina. This marina is a public Michigan marina that uses the Michigan DNR reservation system. The marina provides water and electricity at the docks and has a pump-out station as well as fuel. 

     Adjacent to the marina is Mertaugh Boat Works, a small boat service provider. Mertaugh has a unique claim to fame: it was the first Chris-Craft dealership in the country, more than 100 years ago. And it’s a great place to get some ice cream. 

     Pam and I cruised this scenic area in 2022. It was fun running the boat up and down the channels while taking in the cottages and beautiful scenery. We anchored one night in Government Bay – a fairly large bay, but still protected from all wind directions. 

     The area is also known for its quality and quantity of wooden boats that can be seen on the waters daily. Early August features an antique boat show, one of the largest wooden boat shows in the country.

     Pam and I also enjoyed a dinner at the Les Cheneaux Culinary School across the street from the marina. We had a delightful meal on their front patio where the food is both prepared and served by the students. This is not to be missed.

     The GLCC Harbor Reports have full details of this delightful cruising area.