When you think of island hopping, your mind turns to swaying palm trees, seaside tiki huts, and white sand beaches.

However, with over 35,000 islands, the salt- and shark-free Great Lakes offer some of the most inviting and unique chances for island exploration anywhere in the world. Some of these magnificent island destinations are only accessible by boat or floatplane, while others offer regularly scheduled ferry services. Here are the choice island destinations above and beyond Michigan’s famous Mackinac Island.

A production of Thumbwind Publications