The Upper Michigan Peninsula on the northern shore of Lake Huron is a beautiful region of unspoiled rivers, lakes, and streams–known as a fisherman’s paradise and a favorite vacation spot for families.

Receding glaciers from the last ice age dating about 12,000 years ago, carved linear ridges of gravel and sand along the lake’s shore. Over time, the glaciers created 36 channels that became islands, known as Les Cheneaux Islands (“channel” in French) along Lake Huron’s coast.

The Ojibwa Indians were the first settlers in the area thousands of years ago, followed by French fur traders and explorers in the 1600’s. By the 1800’s, Les Cheneaux Islands attracted immigrant Scandinavian, Irish and Italians workers for the logging and fishing industries. By the late 1800’s, the islands became a popular summer resort area giving way to large resort hotels, cabin resorts and many private homes built on the mainland shore and on some of the islands. Now it’s one of the most popular spots for Upper Michigan vacations.

The vast forests, trails and crystal-clear bays continue to attract fishermen, kayakers, hikers, campers and vacationers to the area for live entertainment, arts and craft shows, parades and just plain relaxing. Towns such as Cedarville and Hessel offer unique shops for tourists, museums, galleries and restaurants. Fishing enthusiasts find northern pike, brown trout, small and large mouth bass, and yellow perch in the peninsula’s clear waters. Even though the area attracts over 500,000 visitors each year, there are still quiet areas for a private retreat to relax, have fun and enjoy Upper Michigan vacations spots.