One Michigan School District Gets Days off Due to ‘Rough Seas’

Growing up was there ever two more sweet words than 'snow day.' Every school district in Michigan deals with winter weather making the travel to and from school too treacherous for students and teachers.

But there may be only one school district that cancels classes for 'rough seas.' It's the school district that serves Drummond Island in the Eastern Upper Peninsula.

The district posed on social media today (April 12, 2024):

Due to high winds and rough seas, and the expectation of increasingly higher winds DeTour Area Schools will be Closed today Friday 12 April 2024

Because many students take a ferry from Drummond Island to the school in DeTour Village on the mainland, choppy waters are a concern.

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The Drummond Island ferry runs year-round making a daily trip between the mainland and island across the St Mary's River hourly between 5am and midnight. For a passenger car, it's a $20 round trip for the 0.98 mile trip across the river.

The ferry updated on Facebook that conditions were worsening at their docks as a windy weather system moved through and they may need to cease operations until conditions approve.

READ MORE: 24 Bridges to Enter the Upper Peninsula of Michigan that Aren't the Mackinac Bridge

Here's a look at the passage to the island through the eyes and words of a deckhand on the ferry, captured by area TV station 9&10 News

If and when you can make it to Drummond Island, check out this spectacular golfer's paradise.