Things To Do

BEAVER ISLAND

Beaver Island is the largest island in the Beaver Island Archipelago of islands. In fact, at approximately 54 square miles, it’s the largest island in Lake Michigan. Located about 32 miles off the coast of Charlevoix, Michigan, although you can fly in, most people reach the island via the Beaver Island Boat Company’s ferry. While Beaver Island has outdoor activities like hiking, biking, birding, and stargazing, history buffs will find the area a wealth of exciting stories. Here are some of the best things to do on the island.

Van Tour

Beaver Island Boat Company offers 90-minute van tours that provide an overview of Beaver Island. The knowledgeable guides clue you in on the island’s fascinating history. The tour covers six areas on the north end of the island.

Self-Guided Walking Tour

If you’d like to take a free self-guided walking tour, the Beaver Island Historical Society created one that covers 17 sites over 2.5 miles. It will guide you through downtown, the cemeteries, and various museums.

The Mormon Print Shop Museum

Beaver Island has a diverse history, and the Mormon Print Shop Museum takes you on a journey through that history. The museum tells the story of Native American life not only on Beaver Island but on the other islands in the archipelago. It showcases the history of Irish families who settled on Beaver Island after leaving Ireland during the 1840s to escape the famine. Finally, it tells the saga of James Strang and his Mormon followers, who formed a kingdom on Beaver Island during the 1850s.

Feodor Protar’s Home

Before coming to Beaver Island in 1893, Feodor was an actor and newspaper editor. Born in Estonia, he went to the island on a

spiritual quest, where he wanted to become self-sufficient. To that end, he bought a cabin and 200 acres on Sloptown Road. Although he never studied medicine and had no intention of practicing it, the island didn’t have a full-time doctor. So, using skills he learned to treat his animals, Protar began dispensing medicines that would treat ailments such as the common cold, arthritis, and rashes. Pain relievers and the medication he dispensed didn’t require a prescription because many didn’t become restricted drugs until 1915. Many others he produced himself in his kitchen. Knowing his limitations, he didn’t oversee severe illnesses or childbirth. So, throughout his time on Beaver Island, Protar helped over 2,000 people, all without charge. Since Protar’s home doesn’t have regular open hours, you can plan a visit through the Mormon Print Shop Museum to check out the cabin’s interior.

The Toy Museum

Off the road, hidden in a forest of birch trees, you’ll find the Beaver Island Toy Museum & Store. The museum, open seasonally from Memorial Day through early fall, will bring back childhood memories, even for those in our 60s. The Toy Museum features vintage toy airplanes hanging from the rafters and shelves of toys clear to the ceiling. You’ll find over 50 retro metal toys that kids from the 20s and 30s used to sit in and pedal to make them go. The beams above display a variety of tin robots, bikes, and ships. In addition to the items on display, they have a store that features small children’s toys for a dime a piece. At these prices, you can be generous with the grandchildren. Be sure to look at the art gallery area in the back, where local artists display their work. The museum’s owner, Mary Scholl, also sells her artwork in various forms in the gallery store. Beaver Island sits in the flight path for many migratory birds heading north to their breeding grounds. Since it is the largest island in Lake Michigan, it makes the island a vital resting point for migratory birds. In addition, the island has the Beaver Island Birding Trail to assist visitors in their birding quest. The island has over 12,000 acres of preserved land, supporting a variety of habitats. The Birding Trail offers 35 suggested locations for prime viewing. You’ll see the widest variety of species in the spring and autumn. During spring migration, flocks of warblers and thrushes feed along the coast. The island serves as a summer breeding ground for waterbirds and shorebirds. The Piping Plover, an endangered species, breeds on sandy beaches. The inland lakes are great places to spot common loons, bald eagles, and osprey. In the winter, you’ll spot handsome creatures, such as snowy owls and snow buntings.

Stargazing On Beaver Island

Since its location is in the center of northern Lake Michigan, Beaver Island’s skies are some of the darkest. Sky Quality Measurements (SQM) rate on a scale from 16 to 22, with 22 being the darkest. On Beaver Island, the ratings are consistently 21SQ. The best opportunity for stargazing on Beaver Island is along the shoreline. Check out the Beaver Island Trail map for some of the best places for watching the night sky. The Beaver Island sky features incredible Milky Way views and dazzling Northern Lights displays. Meteor showers are another exciting sight for those who enjoy the dark sky.