Drummond Island Live Cam
A civil township of Chippewa County
History
Drummond Island is an island in the northern part of Lake Huron, in the United States. The island has a rich history, dating back thousands of years to the time of the Anishinaabe people.
The Anishinaabe people, also known as the Ojibwe, were the original inhabitants of the island. They lived on the island for thousands of years, fishing and hunting, and trading with other tribes.
In the late 17th century, the French arrived in the area and began trading with the Anishinaabe people. The French established a trading post on the island, which was used to trade furs with the Anishinaabe people.
In the late 18th century, the British took control of the island and established a fort, Fort St. Joseph, to protect their interests in the fur trade. The fort was later abandoned, and the island was given to the United States in the Treaty of Ghent in 1815, which ended the War of 1812.
In the mid-19th century, the island was opened up for settlement, and many people moved to the island to farm and fish. The island became known for its rich fishing grounds, and fishing became the primary industry on the island.
During World War II, the island was used as a training ground for the United States Army, and many military buildings were constructed on the island. Today, the island is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. It is also home to a small year-round population, who continue to fish and farm on the island.
Top Tourist Attractions
Drummond Island has a variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the top tourist attractions on the island:
- Fossil Ledges: The Fossil Ledges are a unique geological formation on the island that are over 400 million years old. Visitors can hike along the ledges and see fossils embedded in the rock.
- Marblehead Preserve: The Marblehead Preserve is a 2,200-acre nature preserve that offers hiking trails, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Drummond Island Historical Museum: The Drummond Island Historical Museum showcases the island's rich history, including displays on the Anishinaabe people, the fur trade, and early settlers.
- Drummond Island Yacht Haven: The Drummond Island Yacht Haven is a marina that offers boat rentals, fishing charters, and guided tours of the surrounding waterways.
- Jeep the Mac: Jeep the Mac is an annual event held on Drummond Island that brings together Jeep enthusiasts from around the country for a weekend of off-road adventure.
- The Drummond Island Trail System: The Drummond Island Trail System offers over 100 miles of off-road trails for hiking, biking, and ATV riding.
- Drummond Island Township Park: The Drummond Island Township Park is a waterfront park that offers swimming, boating, and picnicking facilities.
- Drummond Island Ferry: The Drummond Island Ferry is a unique way to access the island, offering stunning views of Lake Huron during the 15-minute crossing.
- The Drummond Island Tall Ships: The Drummond Island Tall Ships is an annual event that brings historic sailing vessels to the island for visitors to tour and sail on.
- North Shore Scenic Drive: The North Shore Scenic Drive is a scenic drive that takes visitors along the northern shore of the island, offering stunning views of Lake Huron and the surrounding islands.
Climate
Drummond Island has a humid continental climate, which is characterized by four distinct seasons with moderate to high precipitation throughout the year.
During the summer months (June to August), temperatures on the island typically range from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (18-24°C), with occasional heat waves reaching into the 80s°F (27-32°C). Summer is also the wettest season, with frequent thunderstorms and an average rainfall of about 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) per month.
Fall (September to November) is characterized by cooler temperatures, with average highs in the 50s°F (10-15°C) and lows in the 40s°F (5-10°C). Fall foliage in the area is quite spectacular, with vibrant colors of yellow, orange, and red throughout the forests.
Winter (December to February) on Drummond Island is cold and snowy, with average highs in the 20s to 30s°F (-7 to -1°C) and lows in the single digits and teens (-13 to -8°C). The island receives an average of 100 inches (254 cm) of snowfall each winter season, which allows for winter sports activities like snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing.
Spring (March to May) on the island is characterized by chilly temperatures that gradually warm up, with average highs in the 40s to 50s°F (4-10°C) and lows in the 20s to 30s°F (-7 to -1°C). Spring is also a wet season, with rainfall totals similar to those of the summer months.
Geography
The island is approximately 87 square miles (225 square kilometers) in size, with a length of 16 miles (26 kilometers) and a width of 8 miles (13 kilometers).
The island is largely forested, with a mix of hardwood and conifer trees. The northern part of the island is dominated by rugged terrain and rocky cliffs, while the southern part is flatter and has more wetlands.
There are several inland lakes on Drummond Island, including Maxton Plains, Whitney Bay, and Scotts Bay. The island is also surrounded by a number of smaller islands, including Harbor Island, Rutland Island, and Pelee Island, which is across the international border in Canada.
The island is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and a variety of migratory birds. The waters surrounding the island are home to a number of fish species, including lake trout, walleye, and smallmouth bass. Drummond Island can be accessed via a ferry service that runs year-round from DeTour Village, Michigan. The island is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, and off-road vehicle (ORV) riding.