7 Unmissable Highlights Of The Les Cheneaux Islands Antique Wooden Boat Show 2025
The Les Cheneaux Islands Antique Wooden Boat Show, affectionately known as the "Boat Sheaux," is officially set to return for its 47th annual celebration, promising an unforgettable weekend for classic boat enthusiasts. As of late December 2025, the highly anticipated event remains the largest show of its kind in the world, drawing thousands of visitors to the charming Upper Peninsula town of Hessel, Michigan, to witness a breathtaking collection of maritime history. This guide provides the most current, essential information for attending the 2025 show, from the confirmed date to the hidden gems you absolutely cannot miss.
Mark your calendars: The 47th Annual Les Cheneaux Islands Antique Wooden Boat Show will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025. The show is a cherished tradition, always taking place on the second Saturday in August, and is hosted by the dedicated Les Cheneaux Historical Association (LCHA) in cooperation with E.J. Mertaugh Boat Works and Hessel Harbor. It’s more than just a boat show; it’s a nostalgic journey back to the Golden Age of Boating, set against the stunning backdrop of the Les Cheneaux Islands archipelago on Lake Huron.
Les Cheneaux Islands Boat Show 2025: Key Information and Schedule
The 2025 show is expected to feature over 150 meticulously restored antique wooden boats, ranging from sleek runabouts and launches to larger cruisers and utility boats. The core event takes place at the Hessel Marina, but the entire Les Cheneaux area comes alive with related activities that span the weekend.
Official Event Details for the 47th Annual Show
- Official Name: Les Cheneaux Islands Antique Wooden Boat Show & Festival of Arts
- 2025 Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
- Location: Hessel Marina and E.J. Mertaugh Boat Works, Hessel, Michigan
- Host: Les Cheneaux Historical Association (LCHA)
- Admission: Ticket information will be finalized by the LCHA, but general admission typically includes access to the main boat displays, the Festival of Arts, and the Les Cheneaux Historical Museum and Maritime Museum.
The Essential Weekend Schedule: Beyond the Boats
While the main boat show is on Saturday, the full experience begins the day before. Planning to arrive on Friday is highly recommended to participate in the auxiliary events that truly capture the community spirit and provide unique opportunities for collectors and enthusiasts.
Friday, August 8, 2025 (Anticipated Events):
- Classic Car Show: A display of vintage automobiles that complements the classic boat theme, often held in the town center.
- Antique & Classic Boat Corral & Auction: This is a must-attend for serious collectors. The Corral offers a chance to buy and sell classic wooden boats, and the auction provides an exciting opportunity to bid on rare vessels and maritime memorabilia.
- Traditional Dinner: A community-focused whitefish and chicken dinner is a perennial favorite, offering a taste of local Upper Peninsula cuisine.
Saturday, August 9, 2025 (Main Event):
- Antique Wooden Boat Show: The main event, featuring the judged competition and a spectacular display of boats in the water and on land.
- Festival of Arts: Held concurrently with the boat show, this festival showcases local and regional artists, offering unique crafts, paintings, and maritime-themed works.
The Golden Age of Boating: Must-See Builders and Boat Types
The Hessel Boat Show is a living museum, celebrating a bygone era of craftsmanship. The centerpiece of the show is the incredible variety of antique wooden boats, showcasing the work of legendary American boat builders. Visitors can expect to see beautifully preserved examples of these iconic marques.
Iconic Wooden Boat Builders to Look For
Michigan was the epicenter of wooden boat manufacturing, and the Les Cheneaux Islands show is the perfect place to see these storied vessels up close. The following builders are perennial favorites and key entities of the show:
- Chris-Craft: Arguably the most famous name in pleasure boating, their sleek mahogany runabouts and utilities are the stars of the show. A 1928 Chris-Craft “Sally Ann” was delivered new to E.J. Mertaugh Boat Works in Hessel, underscoring the deep local connection to the brand.
- Gar Wood: Known for their high-performance, elegant designs, Gar Wood boats represent the pinnacle of luxury and speed from the 1920s and 1930s.
- Hacker-Craft: Famous for their distinctive "Hacker-Craft" style, these boats are celebrated for their exceptional handling and timeless design.
- Century: Offering a wide range of models, from small utilities to large cruisers, Century boats are a staple of the classic boat scene.
- Lyman: While often associated with lapstrake hulls, Lyman boats are a frequent sight, representing a different but equally important segment of classic boating history.
The show also includes a "Classic Glass" category, acknowledging the transition to early fiberglass boats that are now considered classics in their own right. This inclusion ensures a broader appeal and a more comprehensive timeline of maritime history.
Exploring the Les Cheneaux Islands: A Regional Treasure
The "Boat Sheaux" derives its unique character from its location in the Les Cheneaux Islands, an archipelago of 36 small islands nestled along 12 miles of the Lake Huron shoreline in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.). The name itself is French for "The Channels," referring to the protected, calm waters between the islands that make it an ideal boating destination.
Topical Authority: Why the Location Matters
The Les Cheneaux region is steeped in a rich history of exploration, trade, and tourism, making it the perfect setting for an antique boat show. The area’s unique geography—protected channels and charming, old-timey cottages—creates an atmosphere of nostalgic maritime heritage that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Must-Visit Local Entities
For visitors spending the weekend, two historical entities are essential to understanding the area and the show’s origins:
- Les Cheneaux Historical Museum: Dedicated to preserving the area's rich local history, the museum offers a glimpse into the life of early settlers and the development of the region.
- Les Cheneaux Maritime Museum: Located adjacent to the Historical Museum, this entity specifically focuses on the area’s boating heritage, featuring vintage wooden boats, antique outboard motors, and engaging exhibits that provide a deeper context for the show.
Beyond the museums, the islands offer numerous recreational activities, including kayaking, fishing, and golf, making the trip an excellent summer vacation for the entire family.
Tips for Attending the Hessel Boat Show 2025
With up to 10,000 visitors expected, planning your trip to the Les Cheneaux Islands is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Book Accommodations Early: The Hessel area is a small community, and accommodations—including local hotels, B&Bs, and rental cottages—book up months in advance for the second weekend of August. Secure your lodging as soon as possible after the New Year.
Arrive Friday: To get the most out of the weekend, plan to arrive on Friday to attend the Antique & Classic Boat Corral & Auction and the Classic Car Show. This allows you to avoid the Saturday morning rush and immerse yourself in the pre-show excitement.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The show spans the Hessel Marina and surrounding areas, requiring a good amount of walking to see all the displays, the Festival of Arts, and the two museums.
The 47th Annual Les Cheneaux Islands Antique Wooden Boat Show is set to continue its tradition as the world’s premier celebration of antique maritime craftsmanship. Whether you are a dedicated collector searching for a Chris-Craft or Gar Wood, a history buff interested in the Les Cheneaux Islands’ heritage, or simply a family looking for a unique summer event in the beautiful Upper Peninsula, the "Boat Sheaux" on August 9, 2025, promises a truly memorable experience.
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