PAID CONTENT
Start with a beautiful boat ride, then take a guided drive on the northern coast of Beaver Island.
Your island oasis is just a day trip away.
It’s easy to be intrigued by Beaver Island—about 32 miles northwest of Charlevoix, it’s the largest isle in Lake Michigan, with rich history, gorgeous coastline, deep forests, dazzling lakes and 700 year-round islanders. The island’s raw mystique and natural beauty are just a boat ride away. Once on the island, you’ll find well-seasoned local guides ready to offer up a quintessential Beaver Island experience.
Start bright and early at the Beaver Island Boat Company docks in Charlevoix, taking the first ferry to the island on the vessel Emerald Isle. Pure relaxation sets in on the two-hour crossing, shares staffer Claire Kenwabikise, who grew up on the island. “There’s an initial adrenalin rush when the drawbridge opens for the boat, then a warm, calm feeling,” she says. Soak up the lake breezes on the open-air deck or curl up inside with a book. (Pro tip: pack a light jacket/blanket for the boat!)
Upon arrival in the quaint village of St. James, step into the community center to grab a snack (go for a good ol’ popcorn and pop) and then stroll to the tour office directly across from the boat dock to kick off your island adventure—the first excursion of the day is at 11 a.m.
The team at Beaver Island Boat Company is your local liaison to island life for the next hour and a half. Hop in the van, then travel to the island’s northern reaches to see Whiskey Point Lighthouse and Donegal Bay, with stunning views of High, Trout and Garden islands along the way. (On a clear day, you can even spy the Mackinac Bridge!) Equally jaw-dropping is the island’s quirky and storied past. Hear how this Great Lakes outpost was once America’s only kingdom, ruled by Mormon James Jesse Strang, how it evolved into an Irish enclave and legendary fishery, and what modern life is like on a secluded island.
Kenwabikise says while rambling along the island’s rustic roads, you’ll see locals give the trademark island wave.
“Island time is a real thing,” she adds, noting that islanders keep life at a peaceful pace, guided by the enchanting tones of the church bell ringing through town on the hour.
After the tour, day-trippers can lunch and lollygag along Main Street. Bring along a picnic, or Daddy Franks is a family fave for a fast bite, iconic Shamrock Restaurant & Pub brings brilliant bar fare, Harbour Market stacks up deli sandwiches, and Wild Strawberry Café crafts beautiful breakfast, vegan and vegetarian options.
After popping into Beaver Island Historical Society, the Mormon Print Shop Museum and local shops, dip your toes into paradise at the public beach at Jewell Gillespie Park. The clear water here can be almost a tropical blue, Kenwabikise says, and the islanders take pride in protecting the natural beauty. After a chill afternoon, catch the 5:20 p.m. boat back to the mainland. How long you stay on island time—well, that’s up to you.
Tours are available Memorial Day through Labor Day, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Book your trip at bibco.com.
ISLAND TIME ITINERARY
What time is it? Island o’clock! You’ll shift into a relaxed way of life once on Beaver Island—here’s a friendly reference for how the day might unfold.
7:30 a.m.—Check-in at Beaver Island Boat Co. in Charlevoix
8:30 a.m.—Ride the boat to Beaver Island 10:30-10:45 a.m. Disembark in St. James
10:45–11:00 a.m.—Visit Beaver Island Community Center
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.—Tour the island with Beaver Island Tours
12:30–1:30 p.m.—Lunch on the island
1:30–4:50 p.m.—Relax or dip a toe in the lake at Jewell Gillespie Park, explore or shop Main St.
5:20 p.m.—Ride the boat to the mainland
7:20–7:30 p.m.—Disembark in Charlevoix
