Round Island Wilderness

All of Round Island has been designated Wilderness except one acre on the northern tip, a sand and cobblestone spit where the lighthouse stands. There has been no logging on the island since the turn of the century. There are no docks, roads, or developed hiking trails. Access is by boat in the summer and over ice in the winter, and heavy seas make travel to Round Island treacherous at times. Several historic and prehistoric sites exist on the island; visitors are reminded that these sites are protected and that it is unlawful to possess any island artifacts. Leave what you find. The "Michigan rattler," the massasauga, has been rumored to reside on the island. You may see whitetail deer, raccoon, red squirrel, fox, rabbit, and an occasional black bear, as well as a variety of songbirds and waterfowl. Trout, pike, salmon, and other freshwater fish are found in the lake waters around the island. While the island is removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is close enough that you can see busy Mackinac Island and the mainland lights. Heavy boat traffic from Lake Huron freighters, commercial ferries, and pleasure craft can be heard throughout the island.