Drummond Island

Separated from the mainland by the St. Mary’s River and located about a 10-minute ferry ride from DeTour Village in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Drummond Island offers a remote paradise for those yearning for the serenity and beauty of being together and almost off the grid.

Originally a part of Great Britain, the 87,000-acre island with its more than 140 miles of coastline is an anomaly. The island is the only one in the Manitoulin chain of islands that belongs to the U.S. instead of Canada. It was the last British outpost on American soil until they handed it over in 1828 after losing the War of 1812.

The island has more than 60 miles of ATV trails, and its on-the-water experiences are plentiful. Divers can get their fix by exploring the numerous shipwrecks dotting the DeTour Passage Underwater Preserve. Other adventures include casting a line in the cold, clear waters for walleye and northern pike or navigating part of the 56-mile Drummond Island Heritage Water Trail that passes by scenic spots and points of interest on the island.

The calm waters of the island’s sheltered bays are best for swimming and laid-back paddlers who might spot the remains of Sea Spray and Troy, two century-old shipwrecks that are easily accessible in Scammon Cove.

Boat rentals, including pontoons, fishing boats, Jet Skis, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and other water gear, are available at the Drummond Island Yacht Haven located on Potagannissing Bay and Fort Drummond Marine on Whitney Bay. Cottages are available at both, and Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center is a cozy spot for romantic getaways, complete with The Rock, a 400-acre, 18-hole championship golf course that also has tennis courts and skeet shooting.

If you want to go the route of pure relaxation, there are both casual and fine-dining meal options at the Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center as well as a pool for lounging and soaking up the sun. Drummond Island, Michigan 49726, 906/493-5245, visitdrummondisland.com