Photo by Kelcie Herald on Unsplash.com
Beaver Island- Offshore of Charlevoix
Beaver Island is located 32 miles offshore of Charlevoix. It is the largest island in Lake Michigan and is one of several in the Beaver Island archipelago. It can be reached by boat or airplane.
The Beaver Island Boat Company operates ferries between downtown Charlevoix and Beaver Island. The ferries carry more than 40,000 passengers to the island yearly. The 13 by 6-mile island can be seen from M-119 north of Harbor Springs.
The island’s history is interesting. James Strange, considered to be a successor to Morman founder Joseph Smith, settled with his followers on Beaver Island in 1848. The branch of the Mormon church that he created was named after him. The Strangites, as they were called, became a political power in the region. The Strangite founded the town of St. James (named after Strange), and constructed the “King’s Highway” as the main island road.
Strange declared himself King of his faith in 1850. He was murdered in 1856 and the island’s nearly 6,000 Strangites were forced to leave.
Today, Beaver Island is a tourist destination. Beautiful beaches and hiking trails are found on the island. Approximately 600 year ’round residents live on Beaver Island. With many residents coming from Irish descent, the Emerald Isle is a beautiful spot in Lake Michigan.
For more information on Beaver Island, please contact:
Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce
26215 Main St., Beaver Island, MI, 49782
(231) 448-2505
Destinations Up North
Activities & Attractions in Northern Michigan

Northern Michigan Lighthouses
In Northern Michigan, you’ll find lighthouses where lighthouse keepers once lived and worked that have been restored and are open to visitors.

Thorne Swift Nature Preserve in Harbor Springs
Wildlife sanctuary Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is located 3 1/2 miles north of Harbor Springs, between Lower Shore Drive and Lake Michigan.

Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum
Built during World War II to haul heavy materials during the winter, the Icebreaker Mackinaw was in service for 62 years then became a museum.

Heritage Village Celebrates Mackinaw’s History
Mackinaw City’s Heritage Village lets visitors explore life in the Straits of Mackinac as it was during the era of 1880-1917.

Antiques
Shop Northern Michigan antiques shops, art galleries, and furniture stores for home furnishings that are unique and affordable.

Harris Gardens at North Central Michigan College
Harris Gardens at North Central Michigan College is a spectacular sculpture garden filled with 26 pieces of vibrant art.

The Trillium Up North are a Beautiful Site
Acres and acres of Northern Michigan are abloom with trillium during May, only adding to the beauty of spring Up North!

Cruise the Inland Waterway from Near Lake Michigan to Lake Huron
This Inland Waterway covers 38.2 miles from outside of Petoskey to Cheboygan. Find state parks, fishing, swimming, and more along the way.

Little Traverse History Museum in Petoskey
Within the historic Chicago/West Michigan railroad depot in Petoskey, the Little Traverse History Museum is a history filled gem.

Northern Michigan Beaches
Summer’s not summer without a day at the beach and Northern Michigan offers some of the best beaches anywhere.

The Little Traverse Wheelway
Bicyclists, walkers, and roller bladers can go from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix on the 26-mile long Little Traverse Wheelway.

Wilderness State Park on Lake Michigan
Wilderness State Park’s 2,582 acres of natural area and 4,492 acres of wilderness area make this a great place to explore all year ’round.

Arch Rock – A Natural Wonder on Mackinac Island
Arch Rock is a geologic wonder on Mackinac Island and stands 146′ over the Lake Huron shoreline- nearly 15 stories tall.

Charlevoix’s History Museums
The Harsha House and the Charlevoix Depot Museum, run by the Charlevoix Historical Society, preserve much of Charlevoix’s rich history.

Harbor Springs History Museum
The Harbor Springs History Museum offers a unique look at the history of the community, starting with the first Catholic missionaries.