The Les Cheneaux Islands Antique Wooden Boat Show returns to the waterfront in Hessel, Michigan, on August 8, 2026 to celebrate its 48th year. This year’s show will honor “A Century of Centuries,” recognizing the 100th anniversary of Century Boats, an iconic boat builder founded in Michigan in 1926.
“Every one of these boats carries a story — not only about the people who built it, but about the families who cared for it and the memories made aboard it,” says Ryan Hinnen, vice president of the Les Cheneaux Historical Association and co-chair of the Boat Show. “Celebrating 100 years of Century Boats gives us another opportunity to honor Michigan’s remarkable boat-building heritage while introducing new generations to the beauty of classic boating.”
The show will feature nearly 150 antique and classic boats, including a number of Century boats from throughout the company’s history. The juried Festival of Arts will display 65 artists’ work, and Dockside Traders will offer maritime and “Up North” merch. Visitors to the show can experience the Les Cheneaux Islands from the water aboard a scenic channel cruise.
Proceeds from the show, hosted by the Les Cheneaux Historical Association in cooperation with E.J. Mertaugh Boat Works, the Hessel Harbor Association and its members and the Hessel/Clark Township Marina, support the Les Cheneaux Historical Association and its work to preserve local traditions and maritime heritage through the Les Cheneaux Historical Museum and Maritime Museum in nearby Cedarville.
To learn more, visit lchistorical.org.
