Island Activities
Activities for all four seasons
With over 150 miles of shoreline, 87,000 acres of wilderness and wildlife, and 100 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, Drummond Island offers the Midwest’s most unique outdoor adventure.
Traditionally renowned for its famous fishing waters and hunting opportunities, Drummond now receives high acclaim for its incredible variety of recreation activities including boating, kayaking, cycling, hiking, cross-country skiing, off-roading, golf, and more.
Whether you’re planning a long weekend or week-long visit to the Island, Northern Properties offers a wide range of vacation homes to serve as your home base for your next adventure.
Fishing on Drummond Island
Fishing is a year-round activity on the Island. Beginning with the Spring Perch run, fish are caught through the ice until it is no longer safe. You can see ice shanties scattered all around the bays including Whitney Bay and Pottagannissing Bay, all the way to Harbor Island. Along with Perch, you can fish for Northern Pike and Walleye, to name a few. The Smelt run begins approximately mid to late April and generally lasts about a week. All you need are some rubber boots, a net, and a bucket to hold your catch. During the Summer the focus turns to Pike and Walleye. You can also find other popular catches like Bass, Perch, Cisco (Lake Herring), Trout, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Pink Salmon, Rock Bass, and Sunfish. In the Fall, usually in October, the Perch run again, and Pike spearing season opens on January 1. For a complete list of legal fishing seasons and regulations, download the DNR app or Fishing Guide. You can also purchase your Fishing License online.
Drummond Island Wildlife
Bird watchers will marvel at eagles, osprey, owls, and hawks. Many varieties of ducks, herons, and sandhill cranes return to the Island each Spring. Loons call and dive in area waters, and over 200 varieties of songbirds are also present. Monarchs and other species of butterflies flit among the flowers all Summer. Wildlife is abundant on the Island and many residents and regular guests have learned that it’s wise to keep binoculars and a camera handy for sightings of deer, black bears, red foxes, otters, and astonishingly beautiful sunsets.
Mushroom and berry enthusiasts stalk ever-elusive morel, wild strawberries, and raspberries. A word of caution–poisonous mushrooms and berries also grow on the Island so do not eat any unidentified mushrooms or berries.
ORV and ATV Trails
The off-road vehicle (ORV) trails on Drummond are some of the most scenic and rugged in Michigan. Drummond’s DNR-sponsored trail system is the largest closed-loop ORV system in the state. With over 60 miles of ATV trails and 40 miles of ORV routes, there’s a lot to explore! Visit the Drummond Island Tourism Association (DITA) website for more information on off-roading.
Snowmobiling
Winter brings snowmobiling to Drummond Island. There are over 100 miles of groomed trails and a tree-lined route—The International Ice Bridge—to Canada. Enjoy our island trails, take a trip on the Ice Bridge to Canada, or ride the ferry back over to the mainland for a day trip to the Les Cheneaux Islands or up to Sault Ste. Marie. Don’t forget to check in with Customs, both Canadian and U.S.
Click here for Printable Snowmobile Map (PDF) or view the latest trail report.
Unique Foliage & Rarities
From May through September, wildflowers make the Island a photographer’s paradise. Many are protected species, and observers are asked to look and enjoy, but please don’t touch. The first sign of Spring is marsh marigolds growing along the road, followed closely by trillium, lilacs, wild orchids, and ferns. Maxton Plains, which is a protected area, contains many interesting specimens, including the unique and whispy Prairie Smoke.
The Nature Conservancy owns a portion of Maxton Plains that has been identified as the world’s best alvar region. Many rare plants exist here, as well as several species of birds and butterflies. Visitors to the Plains are asked not to ride ORVs off the road to preserve this fragile environment.
Hunting on Drummond Island
The two major hunting seasons are duck hunting (opening in October and running into November) and deer hunting (November 15 to 30). Additionally, there are numerous types of game to hunt, including rabbits, woodcock, grouse, and partridge.
For complete information on rules, times of various seasons, etc., it is best to obtain a copy of the Department of Natural Resources rules and regulations, available where hunting licenses are sold or through the DNR.
Golf on Drummond Island
Drummond Island features two golf courses – the D.I. Township Course (nine holes) and The Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center’s Championship Course (18 holes). Call ahead for a schedule of tournaments and events at each of the courses.
The Drummond Island Golf Club is a nine-hole golf course that is open to the public. It features reasonable greens fees and electric cart, clubs, and pull cart rentals. A putting green, driving range, pro shop, and clubhouse are located on the grounds. Individual and family memberships are available.
The Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center has an 18-hole championship course, open to the public. A practice putting green and driving range are also available. The pro shop is located in the golf complex and carts are available.
Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Break trail at some of the island’s tranquil areas, or spend time on groomed trails at The Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center at Woodmoor. Over six miles of groomed, marked trails are available, along with ski rentals.
Fresh, untouched landscapes beckon snowshoeing on the island. Follow a trail or make your own. Watch for unsuspecting wildlife!
Local Events & Attractions
Jeep the Mac (A.K.A. Jeep the Yoop)
May 10 – 12, 2024
An unforgettable annual event for Jeep enthusiasts! While we may not be able to parade across the Mighty Mac as a group this year, you can still get your thrill of the wheelin’ action. Drummond Island is the place to be with over 40 miles of ORV Trails waiting to be explored. Get ready for the Ultimate Mud Bog & Tailgate Party featuring Michigan Mud Jam, a Duck Hunt, Jeeps & Java, free admission to Turtle Ridge Off-Road Park, and so much more. Don’t miss out on the adventure – make Drummond Island your destination for the weekend! You can find the most up-to-date information on the Drummond Island Tourism Association’s website.
Fourth of July Celebration
A real old-fashioned 4th of July celebration goes on all day on the Island. Beginning with a parade, the day progresses to all types of foot races and games. Refreshments are available at the Lions Club stand and there are booths with prizes. An arts and crafts show and book sale are held at the elementary school and there are fireworks at dark.
35th Annual Golf Classic Tournament
July 15, 2024
Every July is highlighted by a very popular golf tournament held at both the Drummond Island municipal course and The Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center at Woodmoor. For more information, visit the Drummond Island Tourism Association’s website.
Baked Goods Bingo
For those wishing to win pies, cookies, and cakes, Baked Goods Bingo is held every Wednesday night throughout the Summer. This event is sponsored by various local organizations and games are donation-based to support their cause.
Tennis & Pickleball
Located at the Drummond Island Golf Club, courts are available to the public for tennis or pickleball. To reserve court time, call 906-493-5406. There is also a tennis court and basketball court located at the Drummond Elementary School.
Fall Colors & Fall on the Island Festival
The drive to the Island, miles of road tunnels on the island, and long stretches of shoreline give fall’s rich colors wonderful contrasts of foreground and background throughout September and into October.
October 11 & 12, 2024
Come for the colors – stay for the fun! The “Fall on the Island” festival is the second weekend in October. Weekend activities include a 5K, craft vendors, a corn hole tournament, performances throughout the day, a beer tent with food from area restaurants, live music, plus more. You can find the most up-to-date information on the Drummond Island Tourism Association’s website.
Halloween
The Northwood holds a special event for adults on Halloween weekend, which includes a costume contest. A ‘trunk-or-treat’ for kids takes place at the township hall parking lot. This gives adults a chance to join in the fun – some go as far as to decorate their vehicles and even dress up while having a safe place to give out candy to the children.
Hunter's Dinner
The Drummond Island Homemakers sponsor a hunter’s dinner, either the weekend before or during deer season. This dinner, which has been a tradition for over 40 years, features a turkey dinner with all of the trimmings, including stuffing, mashed potatoes, relishes, and much more. Homemade pies are a highlight of this event. The exact date of the dinner is posted in the local stores and the dinner is held at the Drummond Island Township Hall.
Ice Skating Rink
Ice skating at the rink located next to the Drummond Island Township Hall is a popular sport in the winter, especially for young people. The rink is flooded when conditions permit and is lighted at night.