Deborah I Gouin

Hessel, Cedarville, and the Les Cheneaux Islands Deborah I Gouin

In the clear water of northern Lake Huron, skirting the southeastern shore of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, is the archipelago known as Les Cheneaux. Native Americans, fur traders, and missionaries sought protection from storms amidst the islands and channels in the Les Cheneaux. Fishermen cast their nets for abundant harvests of fish the channels produced. Lumbermen sought their fortunes by timbering the land. Pioneers established their homes in the rugged area that became the communities of Hessel and Cedarville. Steamships brought visitors to the area in search of leisure space. Hotels were built on the Snows Channel and the islands. Families established vacation homes and have passed them on through multiple generations. The resplendent beauty and serenity of the area is why generations of families call it home and visitors still seek out the Les Cheneaux area for vacations.