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 Strang), and constructed the "King's Highway" as the main island road.
Stang declared himself King of his faith in 1850. He was murdered in 1856 and the island's nearly 6,000 Stangites were forced to leave.
Today, Beaver Island is a tourist destination. Beautiful beaches and hiking trails are 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.
Harbor Springs, Michigan -- Harbor Springs is the place to try new things! Rent a bike or a kayak, go snow tubing, attend a concert or an art fair, or play a round of golf with friends.
Petoskey -- There's so much to do in Petoskey from the Bear River Valley Recreation Area, to Petoskey State Park, to biking, golfing, hiking, and more.
Charlevoix, Michigan -- Visiting Charlevoix in Northern Michigan is a fun-filled vacation with great beaches, boating, skiing, fishing and year 'round family fun.
Things to Do in Boyne City, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like Boyne City in Northern Michigan with camping, boating, skiing, year 'round outdoor activities, and of course, the morel mushroom!
Lots of Activities in Mackinaw City, Michigan -- Explore Mackinaw City in Northern Michigan for history, the International Dark Sky Park, and outdoor activities.
Mackinac Island -- Take a step back in time and find lots of things to do when you visit Mackinac Island by horseback or bike--no cars allowed!
Northern Michigan Activities & Things to Do -- Northern Michigan offers many fun things to do for the entire family whatever the season, whatever the reason!
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 Strang), and constructed the "King's Highway" as the main island road.
Stang declared himself King of his faith in 1850. He was murdered in 1856 and the island's nearly 6,000 Stangites were forced to leave.
Today, Beaver Island is a tourist destination. Beautiful beaches and hiking trails are 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.
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Uniquely Charlevoix...
- Charlevoix Michigan Travel Information
- Cross Country Skiing in Charlevoix & Boyne City
- Charlevoix--A Year 'Round Destination
- Earl Young's Unique Mushroom Houses in Charlevoix
- Celebrate at Historic Castle Farms in Charlevoix
- Charlevoix's Rich History as a Summer Resort
- Charlevoix's Two History Museums Offer A Glimpse of the Past
- Charlevoix Circle of Arts
- Charlevoix's Four Beaches
- Charlevoix is Lined with Petunias!
More Northern Michigan Outdoors Info...
- Discover the Lighthouses of Northern Michigan
- Parks Aplenty in the Petoskey Area
- Petoskey State Park
- Petoskey's Bear River Valley Recreation Area
- Petoskey's Bear River Whitewater Park
- Explore the Dark Sky Park Discovery Trail Near Mackinaw City
- Kid's Fishing Pond in Petoskey
- Searching for Petoskey Stones in Northern Michigan
- Disc Golf Up North in Michigan
- Bike the Little Traverse Wheelway from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix
For more activities & attractions, check out these additional links for Things to Do in Northern Michigan:
Harbor Springs, Michigan -- Harbor Springs is the place to try new things! Rent a bike or a kayak, go snow tubing, attend a concert or an art fair, or play a round of golf with friends.
Petoskey -- There's so much to do in Petoskey from the Bear River Valley Recreation Area, to Petoskey State Park, to biking, golfing, hiking, and more.
Charlevoix, Michigan -- Visiting Charlevoix in Northern Michigan is a fun-filled vacation with great beaches, boating, skiing, fishing and year 'round family fun.
Things to Do in Boyne City, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like Boyne City in Northern Michigan with camping, boating, skiing, year 'round outdoor activities, and of course, the morel mushroom!
Lots of Activities in Mackinaw City, Michigan -- Explore Mackinaw City in Northern Michigan for history, the International Dark Sky Park, and outdoor activities.
Mackinac Island -- Take a step back in time and find lots of things to do when you visit Mackinac Island by horseback or bike--no cars allowed!
Northern Michigan Activities & Things to Do -- Northern Michigan offers many fun things to do for the entire family whatever the season, whatever the reason!