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South Manitou Island

Before my wife and I settled in Northern Michigan we would haunt the Sleeping Bear Dunes area during our summer vacations. The entire area offers a wealth of things to see and do. We camped in the Platte River Campground and hiked the many trails in and around the dunes area. Whether we were on Pierce Stocking Drive, standing on the overlook or doing the dune climb, our eyes would always gaze out to the Manitou Islands. For some reason, we never felt that we had the time to go out there to see what they were all about. Instead we read about them and took pictures from afar.


These gems of Lake Michigan are a treasure that now are part of the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. Today they are a destination for day visitors, campers, boaters, and fisherman but in the 1840’s permanent settlements were established and they became a safe harbor and fueling station for mariners as they plied the waters from Chicago to the Straits of Mackinaw. Back in those days, the steamers burned wood instead of coal and oil and the islands had an abundant supply along with a natural harbor offering protection from the ravages of the gale force winds common to the big waters.
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This past fall, we had the opportunity to visit South Manitou while hosting a visit from my sister and brother-in-law who are always eager for a new adventure. The trusty crew of the Mishe-Mokwa, of the Manitou Island Transit Company, safely escorted us on the 17 mile, 1 ½ hour voyage from Leland’s famous Fishtown to the island. Once there we treated ourselves to a guided tour in an open aired vehicle, which was driven by none other than the captain of our ship. We were able to poke around the 8 square mile island and tried to imagine what life was like for those early European immigrants trying to scratch out a living on their farms and orchards. We visited the old one room schoolhouse and the cemetery where many of the early inhabitants are buried.

From 1871 to 1958 the South Manitou lighthouse was in operation guiding the ships through the passage. Today this restored lighthouse is open to the public and a Ranger will guide ambitious climbers up the 117 steps to enjoy a breathtaking view from the top. In spite of the lighthouse’s beacon, the islands are surrounded by over 50 documented shipwreck sites, which today are popular with diving enthusiasts. The waters of the passage were so treacherous that in 1901 a Lifesaving Service Station was established on the Island to rescue sailors in harms way.

Today, the islands are no longer permanently inhabited. Coal replaced wood as a fuel for the steamers and ships no longer stopped at the islands. What was once a thriving community became a ghost town. The cost of shipping supplies to the islands became too expensive and the families living there eventually abandoned their farms and moved to the mainland.

South Manitou is just one of hundreds of adventure destinations waiting to be explored in Northern Michigan. This next summer, stuff your daypack with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, some hiking boots, your camera and spend a day island hopping right here in Michigan.
 
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