Andrew Pace
Grosse Ile, Michigan's only island township, is a cluster of 12 islands at the southern end of the Detroit River. It is easily accessible by boat from Lake Erie or the Livingstone Channel. The island has a rich history, dating back to when French explorer Cadillac first landed there in 1701. Over the years, Grosse Ile has been associated with prominent figures, including Ransom E. Olds, John Kelsey, Charles and William Fisher, William Knudsen, Henry Ford, and more. The island offers a range of attractions, including gift shops, museums, dining options, and outdoor activities like golf and biking. Visitors can also enjoy events such as outdoor concerts, car shows, and tours. With its scenic beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities, Grosse Ile is a popular destination for boaters and history enthusiasts alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Southern end of the Detroit River, Michigan |
| Accessibility | Easily accessed by boat from Lake Erie or the Livingstone Channel |
| Main Island | Divided into two sections by the Thorofare Canal |
| Islands | Calf Island, Celeron Island, Dynamite Island, Fox Island, Stony Island, Sugar Island, Elba Island, Upper Hickory Island, Hickory Island, and Swan Island |
| Attractions | Bicycle Museum, Old Spokes Home, Tasty Freeze, Perdino's Fine Dining, Lloyd's Bar & Grill, Bishop's Cottage, Ford Yacht Club, Waters Edge Marina |
| History | French explorer Cadillac landed here in 1701, served as a quarantine station for immigrants |
| Notable Residents | Ransom E. Olds, John Kelsey, Harry Bennett, John Karmazin, Jack Telnack |
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What You'll Learn
- Grosse Ile, Michigan: accessible by boat from Lake Erie or the Livingstone Channel
- Grosse Ile, Quebec: a historic site accessible only by boat
- The main island: divided into two sections by the Thorofare Canal
- The 11 other islands: including Sugar Island, once a destination for recreation
- Berthier-sur-Mer: take a tour boat to Grosse Ile from here
Grosse Ile, Michigan: accessible by boat from Lake Erie or the Livingstone Channel
Grosse Ile Township, Michigan's only island township, is tucked away at the southern end of the Detroit River. While it is slightly off the main waterway, it is easily accessible by boat from Lake Erie or the Livingstone Channel.
Guest facilities are best accessed from the south to avoid delays at the two swing bridges that connect Grosse Ile to the mainland. Waters Edge, the public marina, is located just south of the Wayne County bridge. It offers transient berths, a restaurant, restroom facilities, and a public golf course with a driving range. The township is also home to three private clubs offering Inter-Lake Yacht Club and Associated Yacht Club reciprocal privileges.
Grosse Ile has a rich history, dating back to when the French explorer Cadillac landed here with a convoy of canoes in 1701, just days before he founded Fort Pontchartrain, now downtown Detroit. In 1776, the cluster of twelve islands that form Grosse Ile Township was deeded by the native Potowatamis to Alexander and William Macomb. The area has since developed in parallel with the midwestern United States. Over time, Grosse Ile transformed from small family farms and a military outpost to riverside cottages, exclusive waterfront mansions, and a Naval air station. Today, it is a residential community with a rural atmosphere, offering all municipal services and easy access to the redeveloping city of Detroit.
The township is a bicycle-friendly community with a network of bike paths that can take you almost anywhere on the island. For those who prefer not to cycle, GILift, a local ride service, can take you anywhere in the area. Grosse Ile also has numerous gift shops, such as Hawthorne & Vine and Grosse Ile Pet & Garden Center, as well as dining options like Tasty Freeze, Perdino's Fine Dining, and Lloyd's Bar & Grill.
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Grosse Ile, Quebec: a historic site accessible only by boat
Grosse Ile, Quebec, is a historic site that is accessible only by boat. This national historic site was once a witness to the thousands of deaths from typhus and cholera. For many years, it was off-limits to the public, serving as a quarantine station for immigrants for over a century. Today, it is a 35-minute cruise from Quebec City, where visitors can immerse themselves in the dark and captivating history of the island.
The island has three different tour themes: Irish Immigrants, Science, and Life on the Island. The English-speaking tour groups are small, making the experience more personal and intimate. Visitors can expect to witness passionate and captivating stories from the staff, including costumed historical characters. The Parks Canada guides will take you through the history of the island, including the devastation of the typhus and cholera epidemics in the first half of the 19th century.
During this immersive experience, you will have the opportunity to interact with various historical figures, such as the Steward and the schoolteacher. You can even reenact a medical inspection as it would have occurred in 1837. The island is also a great place to learn about the experiences of Irish emigrants, a lesser-known chapter of Canadian history.
Grosse Ile is considered Quebec's best-kept secret and an unforgettable destination. It is a place that should be visited at least once in a lifetime. The island is located in the Chaudière-Appalaches region and is a 7-hour tour, including the boat ride. Visitors are advised to pack a lunch or purchase lunch boxes from the cruise company, as there are no restaurants on the island.
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The main island: divided into two sections by the Thorofare Canal
The main island of Grosse Ile Township, also known as "The Island" to residents, is the largest island on the Detroit River. It is divided into two sections by the Thorofare Canal, which connects the main channel of the Detroit River to the Trenton Channel. The north end of the Island is called Hennepin Point, named after Catholic priest and missionary Father Louis Hennepin, who is believed to have visited the island in 1679 alongside a French exploration party.
The island has a rich history, with the Macomb Brothers purchasing it from the Potawatomi Tribe in 1776. Westcroft Gardens is still operated by the Macomb family today. In the 1800s, Grosse Ile became a popular destination for recreational boating, with Sugar Island attracting many visitors with its amusement park, dance pavilion, and bathing beach. The island was also a crossing point for bootleggers during Prohibition, with some arriving by small speedboat and others attempting to drive across the frozen river.
The Thorofare Canal itself is an important feature, providing a direct connection between the two main channels of the Detroit River and facilitating navigation for boats travelling between the upper and lower sections of the main island. The canal also offers a scenic view of the island, with the opportunity to observe the local wildlife and natural surroundings.
Today, Grosse Ile Township is a vibrant community, offering a range of attractions for visitors. The island is bicycle-friendly, with a network of bike paths that can take you almost anywhere. For those without bikes, the local ride service, GILift, can provide transportation around the island. The township also boasts numerous gift shops, including Hawthorne & Vine for floral and eclectic items, and the Grosse Ile Pet & Garden Center, which offers a general store experience.
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The 11 other islands: including Sugar Island, once a destination for recreation
Grosse Ile Township is made up of twelve islands, with the main island, also known as "The Island", being the largest. The other inhabited islands are Calf Island, Celeron Island, Dynamite Island, Fox Island, Stony Island, and Sugar Island.
Sugar Island was a popular recreational destination in the late 1800s, featuring an amusement park, a dance pavilion, and a bathing beach. Large excursion boats, including the Riverside, the Wyandotte, the Greyhound, and the Tashmoo, made regular trips to the island.
Elba Island, part of the two main islands of Grosse Ile, was once home to a magnificent estate built by Ransom E. Olds, the founder of the Olds Motor Vehicle Company, which later became Oldsmobile.
Swan Island, the other main island, is also worth mentioning. John Kelsey, the founder and president of the Kelsey Wheel Company, was a prominent figure on Grosse Ile. He not only purchased a summer home on the main island but also founded the Grosse Ile Golf Club and Country Club.
Calf Island, Celeron Island, Dynamite Island, and Fox Island are also part of the twelve islands that make up Grosse Ile Township. These islands contribute to the unique character and history of the area.
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Berthier-sur-Mer: take a tour boat to Grosse Ile from here
Berthier-sur-Mer is a great place to start your boat tour to Grosse-Ile. This island, just 30 to 35 minutes from Québec City, was once a quarantine station and transit point for immigrants. Now, you can uncover its mysteries with the help of Parks Canada guides.
To get to Grosse-Ile, you can board the Lachance III or the Vent des Îles at the Berthier-sur-Mer Marina, located at 110 Rue de la Marina. The captains of these boats will take you on a journey back in time to when Grosse-Ile was Canada's gateway for millions of immigrants.
When planning your trip, keep in mind that Grosse-Ile is best accessed from the south to avoid delays at the two swing bridges connecting the island to the mainland. If you're bringing your boat, the Waters Edge marina offers transient berths, restroom facilities, and a public golf course.
During your visit to Grosse-Ile, you can explore the island's rich history, including its time as a military outpost and naval air station. The island is also known for its charming gift shops, such as Hawthorne & Vine, and the Grosse Ile Pet & Garden Center. Foodies will delight in the dining options, including Tasty Freeze for ice cream and Perdino's Fine Dining for a more upscale experience.
Grosse-Ile is a bicycle-friendly community, so bring your bikes or take advantage of the local ride service, GILift, to explore the island's network of bike paths. With so much to offer, a boat tour to Grosse-Ile from Berthier-sur-Mer is a unique and immersive experience you won't want to miss.
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Frequently asked questions
Grosse Ile Township, Michigan's only island township, is located at the southern end of the Detroit River. It is easily accessible by boat from Lake Erie or the Livingstone Channel. The township is made up of twelve islands, with the main island being the largest on the Detroit River.
Grosse Ile offers a variety of attractions and activities, including gift shops, the Old Spokes Home bicycle museum, and dining options such as Tasty Freeze and Perdino's Fine Dining. The island also has a public marina, Waters Edge, which provides transient berths, a restaurant, and restroom facilities.
Yes, Bishop's Cottage is a historic bed and breakfast that offers music and light fare on Thursday evenings during the summer.
