As its name suggests, Sugar Island Township is comprised completely of an island in the St. Marys River in Chippewa County. The Township measures a total of 76.4 square miles, with 49.3 squares miles of land and 27.1 of water. It features large, undeveloped areas and a multitude of bays and inlets perfect for casting a fishing line. Bay Mills Indian Community owns some reservation land on the island and Native Americans comprise one-third of the island’s population. The island is home to a small number of commercial enterprises, fishing resorts, rental cabins, and residential properties – both seasonal and year-round.

Sugar Island connects to the Upper Peninsula mainland via ferry service from Sault Ste. Marie. The island’s natural environment was a particular favorite of Chase Osborn, Michigan’s only governor hailing from the Upper Peninsula. The Governor gifted 3,000 acres to the University of Michigan in 1929. Today, the site on the southeastern shore is home to the Chase Osborn Preserve, managed by the University.