Things To Do
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is one of the best-known day trips in Northern Michigan, with lake views, historic hotels, fudge shops, great biking, horse-drawn carriages, and no cars on the island. It can be a great option if you have extra time before or after the wedding weekend. That said, visiting Mackinac Island requires a little planning. You’ll need to drive to either Mackinaw City or St. Ignace and take a ferry to the island. Ferry schedules, parking, tickets, and timing can vary, especially during busy summer weekends, so we recommend planning ahead rather than treating it as a last-minute stop. For most guests, Mackinac Island is probably best as a separate half-day or full-day outing before or after the wedding weekend, not something to squeeze in between wedding events.
Cedarville
Cedarville is the main small town near the wedding weekend and a good home base for the Les Cheneaux area. It has a quiet, local feel, with access to the water, a few restaurants and shops, and the basic essentials for the weekend. Things move at a slower pace here, so we recommend planning ahead for groceries, supplies, and meals, especially since some local businesses have limited hours. For food and coffee, we recommend Les Cheneaux Coffee Roasters and Ang-Gio’s, a casual local spot for pizza and an easy meal in town.
Hessel
Hessel is a small harbor village just down the road from Cedarville and home to Les Cheneaux Culinary School, where we’ll have dinner after the ceremony. It is a great place to walk around the marina, see the boats, and enjoy the water. The town is small, but it captures a lot of what makes the area special: quiet shoreline, island views, and a relaxed Northern Michigan feel. In addition to hosting our Saturday dinner, Les Cheneaux Culinary School is worth checking out while you’re in Hessel. They may have breakfast or daytime offerings during the weekend, and the harbor setting makes it a lovely place to spend a little extra time in town. Please check their current menu and hours before you go.
DeTour Village
DeTour Village sits at the eastern end of the Upper Peninsula where Lake Huron meets the St. Marys River. It is a scenic, low-key place for a drive, a walk by the water, or a slower afternoon if you have extra time. For food and drinks, we recommend DeTour Village Inn. It has a casual dive-bar atmosphere, a cash bar, burgers, and, as far as we know, a pool table. It is a good stop if you want to explore a little farther east and grab an easy meal or drink.
Bush Bay Trail (Narnia trail)
Bush Bay Trail is a short nature trail near Cedarville with woods, wetlands, and views toward Lake Huron. It’s a peaceful, easy walk and a nice way to experience the quieter side of the Les Cheneaux area. The trail can be muddy or buggy depending on the weather, so closed-toe shoes and bug spray are a good idea.
John Arthur Woollam Preserve
John Arthur Woollam Preserve is a Nature Conservancy preserve near Cedarville with Lake Huron shoreline, wetlands, woods, and good birdwatching. It is a nice option for a quiet walk outside if you want to see more of the local landscape beyond town. The preserve is open to the public from sunrise to sunset for foot access, including hiking, snowshoeing, and birdwatching. Like most trails in the area, it may be muddy or buggy depending on the weather, so closed-toe shoes and bug spray are a good idea.
