Les Cheneaux
Les Cheneaux is a destination that may be different from any
other in Michigan. Here it is all about the nature
preserves, the water and those fantastic islands. The region
is informally known as “Land Of Waters”. It is populated by
two historic villages, Cedarville and Hessel. In and around
those towns is where the shops, museums, and art galleries
are found. This is an area that is about natural wonders and
the activities to be enjoyed out of town. Long empty
beaches, shorelines strewn with giant boulders, and vast
pristine forests are the real attractions.
The
area is often referred to as “one of the last great places”.
In addition to the natural splendor, Les Cheneaux is famous
for its Culinary School, the Boat Building School, and the
Antique Wooden Boat Show. The 12 miles of shore on Lake
Huron, with Cedarville and Hessel, are where the festivals
are held. Those include Music and Art Dockside in July and
Art In The Park in September. More about festivals and the
local arts scene can be found at the
Visitors Center, the Arts Council, the Old Shell Gallery
and Pickle Point.
Les Cheneaux has always been bonded to the woods and waters, since the late 19th century. For 150 years, a few knew about this place. While tourism has contributed to modernization and expansive growth to the west, here are islands, unspoiled forests and spectacular waters. The Les Cheneaux Archipelago consists of 36 islands with the attendant coves, channels and hidden shorelines. The villages of Cedarville and Hessel welcome visitors year round and preserve the lifestyle and maritime history unique to this part of Mackinac County.
Cultural & Nature Centers/Museums
Les Cheneaux Historical Museum
Les Cheneaux Maritime Museum
Hessel School House/Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center
Great Lakes Boat Building School
Festivals:
Antique Snowmobile Show – 2nd weekend in February
Snowsfest – Presidents weekend
Aldo Leopold Festival (1st weekend in June)
Native American Exposition – 2nd Tues. & Wed. in July
July 4th Parade and Fireworks
Frog Fest - mid-July
Music & Art Dockside - 3rd weekend in July
Antique Wooden Boat Show & Festival of Arts – 2nd Sat. in
August
Salmon Derby: mid-August
Hessel Community Pow Wow – mid-August
Boat School Beer Fest – Friday of Labor Day weekend
Art in the Park – Labor Day weekend
Jersey Mud Run – late September
