Drummond Island Maxton Plains Wildlife Loop
Limestone prairie wilderness on Michigan's remote island
Drummond Island’s Maxton Plains trail cuts through rare Great Lakes alvar — exposed limestone prairie that looks more like moonscape than Michigan. This 12-mile loop accesses abandoned limestone quarries, seasonal wetlands, and the island’s interior grasslands where elk roam freely. The route follows old quarry roads and two-tracks past Sturgeon Bay overlooks and through stands of ancient white cedar that somehow took root in cracks of bedrock.
Easy to moderate difficulty with a few rocky sections where limestone bedrock creates natural steps. Any stock SUV handles it, though clearance helps in the wetter sections near Duck Lake. Best from May through October when ferry service runs regularly — you’ll need to haul everything over on the ferry from DeTour Village. No permits needed, but dispersed camping requires landowner permission. The payoff is solitude on one of the Great Lakes’ most unique ecosystems, plus some of the clearest night skies in the lower peninsula.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 740 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock SUV |
| Nearest town | DeTour Village, Michigan |
| Land manager | Michigan DNR and Private |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | michigan.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock SUV handle the Maxton Plains loop, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock SUV is genuinely fine here — the trail is rated moderate with mixed surfaces including two-track and limestone bedrock. Decent ground clearance helps on rough sections, but this isn't a flex-your-lockers kind of trail.
When does Drummond Island become accessible and is there a shoulder-season window worth hitting?
The trail runs best May through October. Spring can leave low sections muddy after snowmelt, and the ferry from DeTour Village operates year-round but ice conditions can disrupt crossings in deep winter — call ahead if you're pushing the shoulder.
Do I need a permit or pay any fees to drive the Maxton Plains loop?
No permit is required for the loop itself. The ferry crossing from DeTour Village to Drummond Island costs a few dollars per vehicle — check current rates with the Drummond Island Ferry since pricing changes. Some sections cross private land so stay on the designated route.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The roughest stretches run across exposed limestone bedrock pavement — it's uneven and can be slick when wet but nothing technical. The challenge is more about pace and protecting your skid plates than any gnarly obstacle.
Is there any place to refuel or resupply on Drummond Island, or do I need to come fully loaded?
There is a gas station in Drummond Island Township near the ferry landing, but don't count on it being open late or on holidays — top off in DeTour Village before you board. Cell service is essentially nonexistent on the island, so download offline maps before you cross.
Trail track
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