The Top Midwest Islands For A Perfect Getaway
Craving a quiet reset without straying far from home?
Island escapes scattered across the Great Lakes deliver scenic views, fresh air, and an easy way to disconnect from daily routines.
Stretching across Michigan’s storied shores, Wisconsin’s rugged landscapes, and Ohio’s lively lakefronts, these islands balance relaxation with just enough adventure.
Peaceful hideaways and activity-filled destinations alike make the Midwest an unexpected place to find an island getaway worth remembering.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general travel inspiration and informational purposes only.
Descriptions of destinations, activities, and seasonal experiences reflect commonly known features and publicly available information, which may change over time.
1. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Victorian charm meets lakeside beauty on this car-free island where horse-drawn carriages clip-clop past historic buildings.
Fort Mackinac stands proudly above town, offering cannon demonstrations and sweeping views that make history feel alive.
If you visit during a busy summer afternoon, grab some famous fudge and stroll the Grand Hotel’s 660-foot porch.
Biking the eight-mile loop around the island reveals hidden coves and limestone cliffs perfect for photo ops.
Mackinac Island is accessed via ferry, with the main arrival point located at 100 Main Street, Mackinac Island, Michigan 49757.
2. Beaver Island, Michigan
Often called the Emerald Isle, Beaver Island welcomes visitors with Irish heritage and untouched natural beauty.
Kayaking along the shoreline reveals secluded beaches where you can collect Petoskey stones and watch eagles soar overhead.
Hiking trails wind through dense forests, leading to quiet spots ideal for birdwatching or simply enjoying the silence.
Because the island is less crowded than other destinations, it feels like discovering a secret paradise only locals know about.
Beaver Island visitors typically arrive at Beaver Island Ferry Dock, located at 380 Main Street, St. James, Michigan 49782.
3. Drummond Island, Michigan
Known as the Gem of the Huron, Drummond Island attracts outdoor enthusiasts with its rugged off-road trails and rare alvar ecosystems.
ATVs and dirt bikes tackle challenging paths through forests where wildflowers bloom between ancient limestone formations.
Kayakers glide along rocky coastlines, discovering hidden bays perfect for a midday picnic or quick swim.
Perhaps the best part is the feeling of adventure around every corner, making it ideal for families seeking active fun.
Drummond Island’s primary visitor hub is the Drummond Island Visitor Center at 29833 East Channel Road, Drummond Island, Michigan 49726.
4. Bois Blanc Island, Michigan
Locals call it Boblo, and this hidden gem offers complete disconnection from the hustle of modern life.
Dense forests cover most of the island, with trails leading to tranquil beaches where commercial development never arrived.
Fishing enthusiasts cast lines into crystal-clear waters, hoping to land perch or pike for a fresh dinner.
Because you can only reach it by ferry, the journey itself becomes part of the relaxing escape from everyday routines.
Bois Blanc Island is reached through the Pointe Aux Pins Dock at 1376 Pointe Aux Pins Road, Bois Blanc Island, Michigan 49775.
5. Isle Royale, Michigan
Remote doesn’t begin to describe this Lake Superior wilderness, where backpackers and kayakers find true solitude among wolves and moose.
Trails wind through thick forests to rocky overlooks, revealing views that stretch endlessly across the deepest Great Lake.
Scuba divers explore historic shipwrecks resting beneath cold, clear waters that preserve maritime history beautifully.
Imagine waking in your tent to loon calls echoing across misty bays – that’s the magic Isle Royale delivers every morning.
Isle Royale National Park is administered through the Houghton Visitor Center at 1500 East Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, Michigan 49931.
6. Grand Island, Michigan
Just offshore from Munising, Grand Island rises dramatically with sandstone cliffs and the picturesque East Channel Lighthouse guiding boats safely home.
Kayaking around the island reveals sea caves and towering rock formations carved by centuries of Lake Superior waves.
Hiking trails meander through old-growth forests where deer quietly browse and songbirds fill the air with melodies.
Honestly, it’s the kind of place where time slows down and worries fade with each crashing wave.
Grand Island access is managed through the Munising Ranger Station at 400 East Munising Avenue, Munising, Michigan 49862.
7. North Manitou Island, Michigan
Wildflowers carpet the meadows each spring on this sparsely inhabited island, creating a painter’s palette of colors across rolling hills.
Campers pitch tents at designated sites, falling asleep to the gentle rhythm of Lake Michigan waves lapping the shore.
Hiking trails lead through abandoned orchards and past remnants of old homesteads, telling stories of island life long ago.
Maybe the best reward comes after a long hike when you reach a deserted beach perfect for cooling off.
North Manitou Island is overseen by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore at 9922 Front Street, Empire, Michigan 49630.
8. South Manitou Island, Michigan
Home to the Valley of the Giants, South Manitou Island showcases massive white cedar trees that have stood for centuries.
The historic lighthouse offers tours where you can climb to the top for panoramic views spanning miles of blue water.
Sandy beaches invite visitors to swim, sunbathe, or search for unique stones polished smooth by endless waves.
Because it’s accessible only by ferry, the island maintains a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from daily stress.
South Manitou Island is also managed through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located at 9922 Front Street, Empire, Michigan 49630.
9. Madeline Island, Wisconsin
As the largest Apostle Island, Madeline welcomes visitors with Big Bay State Park’s stunning beaches and miles of hiking trails.
Rich history comes alive in the island’s museums, where exhibits showcase Ojibwe heritage and early European settlement stories.
Biking along quiet roads passes charming cottages and art galleries filled with local crafts and paintings inspired by lake views.
However, the real treat is watching sunsets paint the sky orange and pink while waves gently kiss the sandy shore.
Madeline Island’s main community is centered around La Pointe, with the ferry landing located at 226 Middle Road, La Pointe, Wisconsin 54850.
10. Stockton Island, Wisconsin
Sunset at Stockton Island transforms the sky into a breathtaking canvas of fiery colors reflecting off Lake Superior’s calm surface.
Campers gather around fires, sharing stories while waves provide a soothing soundtrack to the peaceful evening atmosphere.
During daylight hours, hiking trails wind through forests where black bears occasionally wander, reminding visitors they’re in true wilderness.
Surprisingly, the island’s beaches rival any tropical destination, with soft sand and clear water perfect for summer swimming.
Stockton Island is part of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, administered at 415 Washington Avenue, Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814.
11. Washington Island, Wisconsin
Scandinavian heritage shines brightly on Washington Island, where the Stavkirke church replica stands as a stunning architectural gem.
Schoolhouse Beach offers a unique swimming experience with smooth limestone rocks instead of sand, polished by centuries of wave action.
Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm fills the air with sweet scents, inviting visitors to wander through purple rows and sample homemade products.
Often, families return year after year, making Washington Island traditions as comforting as a favorite blanket on cold nights.
Washington Island’s central access point is the Washington Island Ferry Dock at 234 Lobdell Point Road, Washington Island, Wisconsin 54246.
12. Rock Island, Wisconsin
Accessible only by two ferry rides, Rock Island State Park rewards adventurous visitors with 900 acres of pristine wilderness and primitive camping.
The historic Viking Hall boathouse stands as a testament to the island’s fascinating past, built by an Icelandic inventor decades ago.
Hiking trails circle the island, passing rocky beaches where you can skip stones or simply sit and watch sailboats glide past.
Essentially, it’s the ultimate unplugged getaway where cell service disappears and nature takes center stage beautifully.
Rock Island State Park is accessed via ferry from Washington Island, with park administration handled through 4375 Highway 42, Fish Creek, Wisconsin 54212.
13. South Bass Island, Ohio
Put-in-Bay transforms South Bass Island into a lively destination where Perry’s Victory Memorial tower dominates the skyline magnificently.
Climb the monument’s 352 feet for views stretching across Lake Erie to neighboring islands and the Canadian shoreline beyond.
Golf carts zip around town, carrying visitors between wineries, restaurants, and shops selling everything from souvenirs to handmade jewelry.
While nightlife attracts many visitors, daytime offers family-friendly attractions like Butterfly House and historical museums worth exploring thoroughly.
South Bass Island’s main village of Put-in-Bay is located at 272 Delaware Avenue, Put-in-Bay, Ohio 43456.
14. Middle Bass Island, Ohio
Quieter than its famous neighbor, Middle Bass Island offers a more relaxed pace perfect for families seeking peaceful lake experiences.
Vineyards dot the landscape, producing wines that celebrate the island’s agricultural heritage dating back generations of careful cultivation.
Fishing charters depart daily, taking anglers to prime spots where walleye and bass bite eagerly during peak seasons.
Actually, many visitors prefer Middle Bass precisely because it lacks the party atmosphere, focusing instead on natural beauty and relaxation.
Middle Bass Island State Park is located at 1719 Fox Road, Middle Bass, Ohio 43446.
15. Kelleys Island, Ohio
Glacial Grooves State Memorial showcases incredible geology where ancient ice sheets carved deep marks into limestone bedrock thousands of years ago.
Sandy beaches invite swimmers and sunbathers to enjoy Lake Erie’s warmest waters during summer months when temperatures climb delightfully.
Biking around the island takes only a few hours, passing vineyards, nature preserves, and charming homes with colorful gardens.
Fortunately, Kelleys Island balances tourist amenities with natural attractions, making it ideal for both adventure seekers and relaxation lovers alike.
Kelleys Island Village Hall, commonly used as a reference point, is located at 126 West Lakeshore Drive, Kelleys Island, Ohio 43438.
16. Gibraltar Island, Ohio
Home to Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory, Gibraltar Island serves as a living classroom for students studying Lake Erie’s ecology.
Though primarily educational, the island’s research station occasionally hosts public programs where visitors learn about freshwater science and conservation efforts.
Walking paths circle the small island, offering quiet spots to observe birds, fish, and aquatic plants thriving in protected waters.
Curiously, despite its modest size, Gibraltar Island plays a huge role in understanding and protecting the entire Great Lakes ecosystem sustainably.
Gibraltar Island is home to Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory, located at 878 Bayview Avenue, Put-in-Bay, Ohio 43456.
