The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Island paradise
Drummond Island is a special vacation spot
By Terry Jacoby, Heritage Newspapers
PUBLISHED: April 10, 2008
As the stocky young man with hair falling out his baseball cap approaches the driver's side window, the car is suddenly rocked back and forth. While the passengers in the car are a little surprised by the jolt, the young man doesn't skip a beat.
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"That's $12, sir," he says, barely making eye contact.
And so the journey to Drummond Island begins - with a jolt, 12 bucks and a 10-minute ferry ride across the St. Mary's river. Because there are no roads or bridges to the island, visitors with automobiles must take the ferry, making the final leg of the trip not only a little different, but special - a very fitting introduction to this little gem sparkling along the edge of Lake Huron.
If you look at a map of the boundary line between Canada and the United States, you will see that the more straight line would have given Drummond Island to the Canadians. But for some reason the boundary breaks off and goes around Drummond Island, leaving this northern paradise on the American side. If trading the Upper Peninsula for Toledo was Michigan's greatest steal, procuring Drummond Island was a nice little heist.
Up North means many things to many people. For example, some people never head north without the golf clubs in the trunk. If golf is your game, The Rock is your place. This 18-hole gem can play with any of Northern Michigan's top courses - and that's saying something.
Others head north with the fishing poles and tackle boxes banging around in the back. Drummond Island boasts some of the best fishing places around - even in the so-called slow years. Salmon, pike, walleye and perch are among the biggest catches.
Of course hunting also is a popular sport on the island. Hunters visit the island from all over the country and many make a week of it, staying in one of the local cabins or campgrounds. The DNR estimates as many as 6,000 deer call Drummond Island home.
If kayaking is your thing then Tiny Harbor Island and its nature preserve is a must destination. This hot spot offers plenty of ecological wonders of the area.
Hiking and mountain biking also are on many visitor's to-do list. With 150 miles of rugged scenic shoreline, 133 square miles of forested landscape and 76 miles of paved roads, there are plenty of options available. The many trails provide some beautiful scenery and offer that up-north feeling of peace and tranquility.
Drummond Island is the largest American island in the Great Lakes with 133 square miles. It's an ecological paradise. In fact, 61 percent of the island is state forest land and is home to uncountable migratory birds, deer and other animals. It's also home to the alvar plains, a rare geological feature left over from the ice age.
Maxton Plains is one of the largest and least disturbed alvars in the world. Alvars are broad, flat areas of limestone bedrock on which the topsoil was scraped away, in this case by Ice Age glaciers. While Drummond Island certainly offers some magnificent scenery, Maxton Plains must be appreciated because of its uniqueness and subtle beauty - and the best way to see that is up close and personal.
Pictures can't capture the inner beauty of Maxton Plains. The best way to see that is by foot or bike.
As you would expect, Drummond Island is home to people who prefer the slower pace of life, the wonders of nature and the friendliness of the small town. Bonnie Papin is one of those island residents.
"We have lived here since 1988 and love it here," said Papin, who owns and operates Papins Resort. "There are so many things to do here, but there is also the opportunity to just relax. And I think that's why a lot of people like to come here. Of course, we get plenty of fisherman and hunters renting our cabins, but we also get families just looking to spend some time with nature and relax."
Papins Resort offers more than a dozen choices of log cabins, many with scenic views and built right into the woods. The inside of the cabins are more like a home and the Papins take care of almost everything you would need during your visit.
Between 1,000 and 1,200 people live on the island and they expect visitors to leave their "home" in better condition than they found it. In return, they serve as the island keepers and tour guides, offering friendly advice and tips for anyone in need of some local knowledge.
Small town charm is certainly in abundance on the island. As is the feeling you are up north, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can bring the golf clubs, the fishing pole, the boat and the bike. But make sure you bring your hiking shoes and your camera.
You will leave with plenty of great photos and memories from one of Michigan's truly unique places.
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