Drummond Island

31 August 2013

Today we drove the 50 miles to Drummond Island on the eastern side of the Upper Peninsula. Drummond Island is accessible by a 10 minute/1mile ferry ride from De Tour Village over the St Mary's River. The ferries run every hour at a cost of $7 for auto and driver. Our main purpose for going was to try and find the site of Fort Drummond and to visit the Historic Museum.

DeTour Reef Light

View of DeTour Village from Ferry

Passing Freighter

Ferry Arrival Drummond Island

Drummond Island View from Ferry

Drummond Island is a popular summer destination for birders,hikers,boaters and for those who just want to relax. It has 13 ecosystems and 160 species of birds. It is written that wildlife is abundant with bear,deer,coyote, wolf and moose. Alas, we did not encounter any except in the museum. Accommodations range from tent and RV camping to motels and inns. There is also a large resort with conference center. Winter brings an ice bridge to Canada,80 miles of snowmobile trails and ice fishing. There is an elementary school on the island. For higher grades,the students ferry to Du Tour Village.

In trying to locate the fort site, we met a couple who have a summer vacation cottage and they showed us location of the fort.
Had it not been for their friendliness, would not have found the fort. Due to mosquitoes, I opted to stay in the car rather than hike into the wooded area..good thing. John failed to don his mosquito suit and returned with huge welts. I put ice on them and he rubbed down with the Vicks. We then stopped for lunch and a visit to the museum.

Fort Drummond Plaque

Poisonous Mushroom

Scale Model of Fort

Chimney from Officer Quarters

Museum Exhibit-Ice Fishing Sled

Model of car Ferry-1933

Historic Museum Displays

Hello my Friend

Fort Drummond was built by the British in 1815 after moving from Fort Mackinac and occupied until 1828. This site was selected as an alternate military post after the Treaty of Ghent forced them to evacuate Fort Mackinac. The stronghold was abandoned as Drummond Island was ruled United States territory. This stronghold was chosen for location and as the traditional gathering point of the Indians. It was important for the British to maintain control of the Indians and the Upper Great Lakes fur trade. It is located on the west end of Drummond Island on Whitney Bay at the corner of E and Humms RD. Very little remains of the fort.

On our way back to camp we stopped at the Deer Ranch just down the road from the campground on Hwy 2. Big mistake. I was so disappointed at the site. Think they just want to collect  the entrance fee. Would not recommend this. Feel someone in authority should inspect and vet the deer. They were enclosed in a rocky,muddy area with no grass. There were several fawns in a barn like structure with hay. Guess my ideal situation for animals is grass, plants,trees and love.

Fawn Barn

Mixing Together-Too Many Rocks and Mud

Lazing in the Shade-Grass Would be Better

Wouldn't Pose

Albino Deer

Isn't he Cute

My friend,Carolyn from Salem who was raised in the UP said that we must try Pasties, so we stopped at Suzy's. John got the beef and I the chicken. Really tasty. Pasties originated as a meal for the miners of Cornwall, England and later Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Wives would bake meat and vegetables in a crust and wrap it in many layers of linens or newspaper for their husband's lunch.
They are stuffed with meat,potatoes,onions,rutabaga and baked in a crust. You can have it with gravy ,sour cream or catsup.
Um delicious.

Suzy's

Pastie Dinner