Situated on Hessel Bay on Lake Huron, Hessel is an unincorporated community in the southeastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Hessel is in the central-western portion of Clark Township, in southeastern Mackinac County, north of Marquette Island. As Hessel is not a census-designated place, it is without defined boundaries, although it is concentrated south of M-34 and its intersection with 3 Mile Road, including the peninsula along Hessel Point Road.
The village of Detour, more than twenty miles to the east, is the nearest incorporated municipality, while the cities of St. Ignace and Sault Ste. Marie about thirty miles to the southwest and north, respectively. Unincorporated communities within ten miles of Hessel include Patrick Landing, Cedarville, and Port Dolomite.
Tourism and water recreation on Lake Huron and the Les Cheneaux Islands are the most significant aspect of the community's economy. The many channels, and sheltered bays and coves are ideal for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing. There are also several golf courses within minutes of Hessel, as well as ATV and snowmobiling trails.
Hessel was founded as a fishing village, and salmon, walleye, pike, perch, and other species can still be caught in area waters. Weekly vacation rentals are available in and around the community, and on nearby islands.
The community was founded in 1885 by two Swedes and a Norwegian, John and Carley Hessel, and John A. Johnson. A post office was established in a store operated by John Hessel on September 13, 1888, with Mr. Hessel as the first postmaster. John Hessel also operated a sawmill in the area where Hessel Bay Sunset Cabins is now located.
Joseph Fenlon clerked for John Hessel in his original store until Joseph and his brother, James, opened their own general store. Besides the store, the Fenlon family acquired several parcels of timber, which they harvested. Another member of the family, Edward P. Fenlon, opened the E.P. Fenlon Saloon on Lake Street, which later became a VFW Hall. Another early saloon was McFees, which also had a soda fountain, catering to adults and children.
Still in operation, Hessel Grocery was founded by Leonard and Dorothy Rye, who ran the store for more than twenty-five years.
The focus of this guide is on the community known as Hessel, Michigan. Online resources pertaining to the community itself, or to any businesses, schools, churches, organizations, attractions, events, and recreational opportunities are appropriate here.
Recommended Resources
Founded by Gene Mertaugh in 1925 when he built the first boathouse out of scrap lumber, later becoming the first Chris-Craft dealership in the world. Headquartered in Hessel, Michigan, the company offers heated storage and cold indoor storage for powerboats and sailboats, launching and hauling services, boat repairs, and towing services, and serving as a licensed Evinrude and Yamaha outboard dealership. Restored boats are offered for sale, with details of each available boat featured here.
https://www.ejmertaughboatworks.com/
Offering a variety of rental cottages in Hessel, Michigan, the gateway to the Les Cheneaux Islands, each of its cottages is described individually, with photographs, a list of available features and amenities, maximum occupancy, pet policies, and seasonal rates, as well as a map showing the location of the cottage. Also included are several promotional videos on the Les Cheneaux Island region, a telephone number, and a contact form. Fishing boat and pontoon rentals are also available.
http://www.hesselonthelake.com/
The 18-hole golf course is situated on a ridge above the community of Hessel, Michigan. Its tree-lined boundaries offer a park-like setting, and the course itself is designed for golfers of all skill levels. Each of its greens is highlighted, its location in the course is defined, and several photographs are included. Course schedules, seasonal rates, golf specials, and tee time contacts are set forth, along with directions, contacts, a contact form, and links to other online resources.
https://hesselridge.com/
Operated by the Hessel School House Corporation, the Hessel School House is home to the Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, which receives funding from the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. Its writer's program, online nature programs, and other programs are defined, including registration, information on the Aldo Leopold Festival. The history of the building and organization is set forth, and its advisory board and staff are identified.
https://www.hesselschoolhouse.net/
Les Cheneaux Antique and Wooden Boat Show
Begun in 1978, the annual event is sponsored by the Les Cheneaux Historical Association in cooperation with Mertaugh Boat Works, Hessel Harbor Association, and Hessel Marina. Although specific activities and events may differ from year to year, the show brings in more than a hundred antique and classic boats. Sponsorships, admission prices, and its location and directions are given, along with an event schedule, brochure, online registration, and a photo gallery.
https://www.lciboatshow.com/
