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Looking for an off-the-grid escape filled with natural beauty and quirky history? Visit Beaver Island! Located in the northern part of Lake Michigan, Beaver Island is the largest island in the lake and offers serene beaches, forests, starry skies, and fascinating stories. It’s a perfect destination for those seeking peace, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Beaver Island is from late spring through early fall (May–October). Summer brings warm weather, great swimming, boating, and biking, while fall features stunning foliage and quieter island roads. Winters are peaceful but more limited due to ferry closures and weather-dependent flights.

How to Get There

  • By Ferry: The Beaver Island Boat Company operates passenger and vehicle ferries from Charlevoix, Michigan (seasonal, late April to October).
  • By Plane: Island Airways and Fresh Air Aviation offer daily flights year-round from Charlevoix to Beaver Island Airport (BIV), about 30 minutes in the air.
  • By Private Boat: Visitors can dock at the Beaver Island Municipal Marina in St. James Harbor.

Where to Stay

  • Beaver Island Lodge – Upscale lakeside accommodations with on-site dining and sunset views over Lake Michigan.
  • The Harbor View Motel – Family-friendly lodging in St. James with easy walking access to shops, beaches, and the marina.
  • Camping at Bill Wagner Campground – Rustic beachside camping on the island’s east side with fire pits, vault toilets, and lake views.
  • Beaver Island Retreat offers upscale glamping accommodations for those seeking a luxurious outdoor experience.
  • If you enjoy walking, consider staying at the Emerald Isle Inn, which is located close to restaurants and museums.

Top Attractions

1. Unplug and Explore Nature’s Quiet Beauty on Beaver Island

Unplug and Explore Nature’s Quiet Beauty on Beaver Island

© Nina/stock.adobe.com

  • Where is Beaver Island located?
    • Beaver Island is an island on the waters of northern Lake Michigan, located within the state of Michigan.
  • How large is Beaver Island?
    • The island covers 55.8 square miles, making it the largest island in Lake Michigan and the third largest in Michigan after Drummond Island and Isle Royale.
  • How can visitors reach Beaver Island?
    • The island is now a popular tourist destination and can be reached by ferry from Charlevoix, Michigan, which is about a 32-mile trip across Lake Michigan waters.
  • What is unique about Beaver Island's history?
    • One fascinating part of the island’s history is that it was once home to a unique religious colony ruled by the Strangite Mormon Church leader, who appointed himself as "King Strang".

37970 Michigan Ave, Beaver Island, MI 49782, Phone: 231-448-2480, Map, website

2. Delight in Nostalgia at the Beaver Island Toy Museum

Delight in Nostalgia at the Beaver Island Toy Museum

© Dmitry Berg/stock.adobe.com

  • What is the Toy Museum?
    • The Toy Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum located in Beaver Island, Michigan, run by multifaceted artist Mary Scholl.
  • Where is the Toy Museum located?
    • The museum is situated near Whiskey Point, overlooking the Harbor, and nestled within a beautiful birch grove.
  • Who designed the Toy Museum?
    • The museum was designed by Mary Scholl, who has been running it for many years.
  • What types of toys can visitors find at the museum?
    • The museum features an expansive collection of toys, including Disney figurines, candy jars, Star Wars cards, stencils, rubber figures, polished stones, paper dolls, trolls, and cowboys.
  • What vintage toy collections are available?
    • The museum boasts more than fifty metal trucks and cars from the 1920s and 1930s, making it a haven for collectors.

Toy Museum , 37970 Michigan Ave, Beaver Island, MI 49782, Phone: 231-448-2480

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

3. Climb the Tower and Take in the Views at Beaver Head Lighthouse

Climb the Tower and Take in the Views at Beaver Head Lighthouse

© mino21/stock.adobe.com

  • What is the Beaver Head Lighthouse?
    • The Beaver Head Lighthouse is located high up on a bluff at the south end of Beaver Island at Beaver Head and was originally constructed in 1858.
  • When was the lighthouse decommissioned?
    • The lighthouse was later decommissioned in 1962 and now serves as a site for tourists and locals to explore and enjoy.
  • Can visitors climb the lighthouse?
    • Throughout the summer season, visitors can climb the Beaver Head Lighthouse and take in panoramic views from the decagonal lantern room overlooking the lake waters below.
  • How tall is the Beaver Head Lighthouse?
    • The 46-foot tall Beaver Head Lighthouse is considered a treasured mid-1800s lighthouse of the Great Lakes.

Beaver Island, MI 49782, Phone: 888-446-4095, Map, website

4. Learn Island History at the Mormon Print Shop Museum

Learn Island History at the Mormon Print Shop Museum

© Charlevoix County Community Foundation

  • What is the Mormon Print Shop Museum?
    • The Mormon Print Shop Museum was originally built by the followers of James Jesse Strang in 1850 and served as the local community’s Print Shop.
  • What was published at the print shop?
    • The first newspaper in Northern Michigan was published at this print shop, along with Strang’s Mormon doctrines and religious tracts.
  • Why did Strang and his followers come to Beaver Island?
    • James Jesse Strang led his followers to Beaver Island, Michigan, describing it to them as “paradise.”
  • What happened to James Jesse Strang?
    • Strang was crowned as King and later mortally wounded in 1856 by two of his former followers.
  • What is the building used for today?
    • The building is now home to the Beaver Island Historical Society’s museum, which features a room dedicated to Strang and the story of his followers.

Mormon Print Shop Museum, 26275 Main St, Beaver Island, MI 49782, Phone: 231-448-2254

5. Dive into Maritime Traditions at the Beaver Island Marine Museum

Dive into Maritime Traditions at the Beaver Island Marine Museum

© M-Production/stock.adobe.com

  • What is the Marine Museum on Beaver Island?
    • The Marine Museum on Beaver Island is a fascinating destination for maritime history enthusiasts, established by the Historical Society in a renovated authentic 1906 net shed.
  • What can visitors learn at the museum?
    • Visitors can explore the museum's growing collection of memorabilia, telling the stories of Beaver Island’s fishing fleets and commercial boats.
  • What historical events does the museum highlight?
    • The museum showcases information about shipwrecks, rescue dramas, salvage and diving operations, and other dilemmas that early mariners faced.
  • What are some of the highlights of the museum's collection?
    • Highlights include a hand-crafted Bill Freese wooden boat and a restored gill-net boat, which provide a glimpse into the island's maritime heritage.

Beaver Island Marine Museum, 38105 Michigan Ave, Beaver Island, MI 49782, 231 448 2479, Map

Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:

  • Beaver Island Historical Society Museums – Learn about the island’s unique past, including its brief monarchy and Mormon settlement.
  • Donegal Bay – Ideal spot for sunset views, beachcombing, and swimming in shallow, clear water.
  • Iron Ore Bay – Remote southern beach with driftwood, dunes, and a rugged, peaceful shoreline.
  • St. James Township Campground & Trails – Explore hiking paths, forest walks, and picnic areas near town.
  • Beaver Head Lighthouse – Visit this historic lighthouse and maritime museum with breathtaking bluffside views.

Where to Eat

  • Circle M – Cozy and eclectic eatery offering homemade entrées, craft beer, and wine.
  • Daddy Frank’s – Local favorite for burgers, ice cream, and casual bites—perfect after a beach day.
  • Dalwhinnie Bakery & Deli – Stop here for fresh pastries, hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, and coffee.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Beaver Island Music Festival (July) – Live music under the stars with camping, food, and island vibes.
  • Independence Day Celebration – Small-town Fourth of July with a parade, beach games, music, and fireworks over the harbor.
  • Emerald Isle Irish Féile (September) – Celebrate Irish culture and heritage with music, dance, and traditional food.

If you are looking for unique day trips and experiences on Beaver Island, Michigan:

  • Bike the island – Rent a bike and ride the quiet roads from St. James to scenic coves, beaches, and inland forests.
  • Kayaking & Paddleboarding – Paddle the calm waters of St. James Bay or explore hidden coves along the shoreline.
  • Fishing & Boating – Charter a fishing trip on Lake Michigan or enjoy a leisurely day cruising the harbor.
  • Birdwatching – Spot bald eagles, herons, loons, and warblers in the island’s woodlands and wetlands.
  • Star Gazing – With little light pollution, the island is perfect for Milky Way spotting and meteor shower watching.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Where is Beaver Island located?
    • Beaver Island is the most remote and largest inhabited island on Lake Michigan, offering fascinating history and unique museums.
  • How far is Beaver Island from Charlevoix?
    • The island is approximately a 32-mile trip across the open water from Charlevoix, making it worth the journey.
  • What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy on Beaver Island?
    • Visitors can bike or hike more than 100 miles of beautiful trails and swim, canoe, or kayak along the island's beaches.
  • What is the population of Beaver Island?
    • With a population of around 600 people year-round, the remote island boasts a relaxed, peaceful way of life, where time slows down.
  • What are some unique ways to explore the island?

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Plan Your Trip