There’s something magical about sitting on a tropical island with a warm ocean breeze blowing across your face and waves crashing at your feet. But as a girl living in the Intermountain West, a beach trip isn’t always easy to achieve. Fortunately, I’ve discovered you don’t have to travel to the coast to experience an island getaway.
Across the United States, several inland islands sit on lakes, reservoirs, and rivers, offering an escape typically filled with forests, rocky shorelines, crystal-clear water, and far fewer crowds.
The following are five U.S. islands that prove you can have an island adventure without stepping foot in an ocean.
In this article
Grosse Ile in Michigan
Located just south of Detroit, in the Detroit River, Grosse Ile is an inland island full of history, community, and natural beauty.
This island was first inhabited by the Potawatomi Tribe, was later home to European fur traders, hosted a U.S. Naval Air Station in World War II, and is now home to a community of approximately 10,000 people.
To reach Grosse Ile, there are two bridges you can cross: the Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge and a historic toll bridge. As you explore, you’ll find beautiful parks and open space, a slower pace, and outdoor activities like kayaking and fishing if you desire time by the water.
This is an excellent getaway destination if you desire exploring small towns along with time in the great outdoors.
Middle Island, Ohio River Islands in West Virginia
The Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge is home to 22 islands along 362 miles of the upper Ohio River.
While most of these islands are only accessible by boat or paddling, Middle Island, which is near St. Marys, West Virginia, is reachable by bridge, providing easy accessibility away from any crowds and into nature. This is only one of the few islands on the Ohio River offering bridge access.
Here, you can easily spend a day exploring the 1.5-mile self-guided auto tour that takes you along the western shore of the island or even one of the many hiking trails, including the Middle Island Loop. This loop trail is just over 4 miles, flat, and considered quite easy. It’s also where you can enjoy some of the most scenic views of the island and the wildlife that call this area home, from various bird species to rabbits, deer, and foxes.
While many Ohio River Islands are ideal paddling destinations, for more time on the land, Middle Island must be at the top of the list.
Antelope Island in Utah
Antelope Island is often overshadowed by Utah’s five national parks and well-known state parks, but this inland island deserves just as much attention.
Growing up in Utah, this was a favorite destination to visit for an afternoon to see wildlife, explore trails, and simply get away from the city without making a long drive as it’s less than 20 miles from Layton and 45 miles from downtown Salt Lake City.
As the largest island on the Great Salt Lake, this massive wildlife sanctuary and state park has 360-degree lake views and is also home to nearly 700 free-roaming bison, along with pronghorn, deer, bighorn sheep, and various bird species.
Antelope Island is also an International Dark Sky Park, a place where you can experience some of the darkest skies in the Beehive State. Of course, its ancient geology is just as fascinating: it is home to some of the oldest exposed metamorphic rock in the region, estimated to be 1.7 billion years old.
Sauvie Island in Oregon
Spanning 24,000 acres along the Columbia River, Sauvie Island sits at the meeting point of the Columbia River, Willamette River, and the Multnomah Channel.
It's the largest island in the Columbia River and draws travelers to its scenery, and also for its rich agricultural landscape. Here, you’ll find local farms and orchards that especially come alive in the fall with corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and u-pick orchards.
Sauvie Island is also a popular spot to observe wildlife, such as migrating birds like geese, sandhill cranes, and bald eagles, making it popular for birdwatchers.
If you want to spend some time outdoors, particularly on a warm day, head to one of the island’s many beaches for swimming and paddling in the Columbia River. Don’t forget your hiking boots either, so that you may tackle one of the island’s many trails. Don't miss the easy and scenic trail to the Warrior Rock Lighthouse, one of Oregon’s smallest historic lighthouses.
Knik River Islands in Alaska
If you're looking to get away to some place remote, quiet, and breathtaking, there’s nothing quite like Knik River Islands in Alaska. This 4,800-acre conservation area sits at the meeting point of the Knik and Matanuska Rivers in the upper end of Cook Inlet.
This isn’t a place where you’ll find swarms of people and resorts; rather, it is for wildlife, scenic views, and outdoor activities. Several companies offer guided tours of the area where you can kayak, enjoy a horseback ride, fish, and ice climb, which is one of the best ways to explore this Alaska wilderness area.
You can also explore one of the many trails or simply stop to enjoy the solitude found in this remote wilderness area, something that’s not always easy to find in many outdoor areas.
The Shortcut
Inland islands provide an alternative to pricey coastal destinations with beautiful landscapes that include historic sites and remote wilderness. Antelope Island on the Great Salt Lake stands out as an International Dark Sky Park with abundant wildlife.
Sauvie Island is a year-round outdoor playground, however, in autumn, agriculture shines with many orchards, pumpkin patches, and harvesting opportunities.
Knik River is best for those who want outdoor adventures and solitude, though it’s best explored with a local tour company.
