Drummond Island Rugged ATV Adventure: Largest Closed  Loop ORV System in Michigan + Great Kayaking and Bird Watching!


Drummond Island | By Sherry Trautman | Travel-Mi.com

ORV fanatics herald Drummond Island as the off road vehicle (ORV) paradise of Michigan.  WHY?

The 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 is so much to explore!


Did You Know?

  • Drummond Island is the 2nd largest freshwater island in the United States. 
  • ​Drummond Island has largest closed-loop trail system for off-road adventures in the State of Michigan!
  • There are more than 13 ecosystems on the island including six forest types, five swamp-marsh types, inland lakes and rivers, and cobble beaches.
  • The island is amazing for bird watching as it is home to a large variety of avian species including loons, grebes, waterfowls and owls. 
  • In 2017, Drummond Island was named one of the "Top Ten Value Travel Destinations" by Lonely Planet.
  • It is a fantastic place to canoe or kayak.  
  • Pure Michigan voted Drummond Island as "The #1 Place to Snowmobile." 

Drummond Island Trail Map

Here is an invaluable trail map of Drummond Island.


Turtle Ridge Off-Road Park

Turtle Ridge is an awesome ORV Park. Turtle Ridge has over 500 acres of prime off-road vehicle trails.

The course is carved out of the islands natural limestone and provides unparalleled enjoyment for anyone brave enough to experience it!  
​For details call: 800.999.6343 or 906.493.1000

Where to Stay on Drummond Island


There are numerous lodging options on Drummond Island.  Generally, lodging is 1 or 2 star, rustic style.  

Papin's Resort-31240 S Maxton Rd, Drummond, MI 49726

Log Cabin style lodging with an outside picnic table and view of the water.  The rustic cabins have private bathrooms, TV's with satellite channels and kitchens with stoves, fridges and microwaves.

Enjoy the outdoor fire pits and a fish cleaning shed on-site.  Papin's offers a fishing boat and kayak rentals. Wi-Fi access is offered in the office and RV parking is available.  For booking, click here

Drummond Island Hotel-OPEN YEAR ROUND, 34834 South Townline Road, Drummond Island MI 49726

For vacancy and reservation information contact them at:
906-493-6799. 
Situated off Route 134, this functional budget lodging is 0.7 miles from Drummond Island Airport and 1.8 miles from Drummond Island Historical Museum. 

The rooms have mini-fridges and coffee makers, as well as TV's with cable channels. Some also have microwaves. There is a picnic area with a firepit and a charcoal grill on-site, as well as free Wi-Fi and guest parking.

Other Lodging: Birch Tree Resort, Mack Haven Resort and Vechell's Cedar View Resort. 


How to Get To Drummond Island

BRING CASH OR CHECKS!  Visa is not accepted.

The Drummond Island Ferry runs year round.  

It is one mile ferry ride across the St. Mary's River. The ferry's capacity is 36 cars and it crosses the river hourly bringing cars, passengers, trucks, and semi trucks across to the Island.

There are no advance ticket sales.  

Vehicles line up in DeTour waiting to board the ferry. Theround trip ferry fare is collected by the deck hand once you are safely on board.
​Over 100,000 round-trip vehicle tickets and nearly 200,000 round-trip passenger tickets are purchased each year. The efforts and safety records of the boats and crews are a testament to the quality of service they provide.   

Click here for more information.


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About the Lead Author | Sherry Trautman

Thanks for stopping by!

Our Words of Wisdom: “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path, then by all means follow that path.”

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We're Sherry and Chris the founders of one of Michigan's most comprehensive and Top Travel Blogs!

    Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander, Sherry's journey began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan led her to St. Joseph during her formative years, and further to Kalamazoo for her higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and Fine Art from Western Michigan University. Her career initially blossomed in Battle Creek, where she contributed significantly to aviation, marketing, and the art industry.

    In 2018, Sherry, alongside her husband Chris, embarked on a passionate endeavor with the inception of Travel-MI.com. This venture was not just a business but a full-time commitment to exploring and celebrating the diverse landscapes and communities of Michigan. Together, they tirelessly traverse the state, curating unique experiences, capturing stunning visuals, and weaving engaging narratives that showcase Michigan's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. From her early experiences in different Michigander locales to her extensive professional background, Sherry's life and work epitomize a deep-rooted expertise in Michigan travel, making her an authoritative voice in this niche.

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