Les Cheneaux Area: Cedarville Bay / Hill Island Causeway

Directions
​Head East on M-134. At the yellow blinking light in the town of Cedarville turn right (south) onto S. Meridian Street. A short way down the road you will reach a stop sign, there turn left (east) onto E Hodeck Street. 100 feet along this street you will reach a parking area at a small park with a gazebo, public dock, and picnic tables. Birding from the gazebo and docks is the best way to see the bay. Public restrooms are accessible on the backside of the township building on the northwest  corner of Hodeck and Meridian Street during regular business hours.
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Black Tern
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Photo by Paul Rossi
Birding Opportunities
​This is one of the easiest places to view the State threatened species: Black Tern. These elegant birds can often be seen feeding over the bay as they dip and dive for small fish or insects. If the birds are not present at this location try the nearby Hill Island Causeway, a bridge that is just  a few short miles east on M-134, then less than half a mile south on Hill Island Road. In addition to Black Turns, one can also find Caspian Tern, Pied-billed Grebe and Osprey over the bay. Lucky individuals or those visiting the site early in the morning may also be able to catch a glimpse of secretive marsh species such as Sora, Virginia Rail, and American Bittern. It should be noted that there is a boat launch at this site and during high traffic times you may be more likely to see birds at the Hill Island Causeway. This boat launch is also a great place to launch a boat to explore the many hidden bays and islands of the Les Cheneaux.
Other Exciting Features
Cedarville Bay overlooks a number of the Lex Cheneaux Islands which once had more than 8 large hotels that accommodated some of America’s wealthiest families. There was even a ferry that traveled directly from Mackinac City to this bay.  An informational kiosk can be found near the gazebo and the nearby historical museum offers a wealth of fascinating knowledge on the history of the area. Pro-tip: The Ice Cream Shoppe across from the gazebo offers a delicious sundae called the Heavenly Hill, which will go a long way to fuel your day of birding. ​