Just off of Michigan's west coast are two isolated islands in the middle of Lake Michigan. The North and South Manitou Islands are part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, but most people visiting the park never make it to the shores, because these island escapes are only accessible by ferry.
Together the islands feature sand dunes, miles of freshwater beaches, ghost towns, shipwrecks, and an old growth cedar forest—a remote playground for hiking, camping, or paddling.
I've been lucky enough to visit, and one of my favorite features is how the beaches are quiet and secluded. Many times, you may be the only one on the beach, giving you a chance to relax and swim.
Where Are North Manitou and South Manitou Island?
Getty Images, Michael Deemer
North and South Manitou are located off the west side of Michigan's lower peninsula in the middle of Lake Michigan.
The closest airport is in Traverse City, Michigan, about 45 minutes drive away from the boat dock in Leland, Michigan. Leland is also about a five-hour drive from Chicago and a four-and-a-half hour drive from Detroit.
As mentioned, both islands are only accessible by ferry or boat.
Lore of the Manitou Islands
North Manitou Island and South Manitou Island are part of a local Anishinaabe Indian oral tradition as the two bear cubs in the following story.
"Once, long ago, in the land called Wisconsin across the great lake, there was terrible hunger and many people died. A bear and two little cubs were trying to leave that place and come around the lake where there would be more food.
They walked for many days on the beach together, but after a while the two little cubs began to whimper with hunger, and so the bear decided to swim across the rest of the lake.
They waded into the water, one cub on each side of the bear, and they swam off into the lake a long way. After a while the cubs began to get very tired, and so the bear said, "Try hard, the land is not very far." And very soon they did come in sight of land.
But gradually the cubs got weaker, and only 10 miles away, one cub sank into the water. Soon after, the other also drowned.
The bear's heart was broken, but she could do nothing. She waded ashore and lay down, looking out on the water where her cubs had died. Eventually, both of them came to the surface as two little islands, and so the bear still lies there atop the dunes, looking after her children."
Reservations, Hours, and Entry Fees
Leland Chamber of Commerce
You may take a ferry or private boat to North and South Manitou Island through the Manitou Passage. The Manitou Island Transit Ferry operates seasonally during the summer, starting Memorial Day (or thereabouts) through the first weekend in October, and current round-trip rates are $45 for adults, and $23 for kids 12 and under. There is also a $3 per day parking fee if you need a place to leave your car while you are exploring the islands.
On South Manitou Island, you have the option to make it a day trip or stay overnight, while the ferry for North Manitou Island only offers service for overnight camping stays.
Where to Stay on or Near the Manitou Islands
Getty Images, Anucha Ruenin
If you wish to camp on either Manitou island, both offer a hike-in camping experience. On both islands, the price for small group permits are $10 a night for four people/two tents.
On the south island, you can only camp in the designated campgrounds. However, you don't need a reservation, unless you are with a large group. When I visited, we had a reserved site and it was fun for our entire crew to be able to camp together. Even with designated campsites, all gear has to be hiked into the area. Luckily, the campground isn't very far from the boat dock and is a great place to set up a basecamp and go for day hikes without carrying all your overnight gear. If you have a small group and don't have a reservation, permits can be paid for when you check in at the ferry. The north island is a backcountry backpacking experience with camping available all throughout the island and not necessarily at designated sites. One of my favorite experiences on North Manitou was camping close enough to the beach to fall asleep listening to the crashing waves and eating breakfast in the sand in the morning. If you don't wish to stay on the islands, the town of Leland has several hotels near the ferry, or you may stay in the nearby larger town of Traverse City. You may also opt for car camping on the mainland at the Platte Campground or D.H. Day Campground.
Things to Do on the Manitou Islands
Getty Images, Michael Deemer
Both South and North Manitou Islands offer hiking and paddling as well as sand dunes and ghost towns to explore.
South Manitou Island
National Park Service
The Manitou Island Transit company offers two different tours on South Manitou Island. The "Farm and Schoolhouse Tour" takes you to the abandoned ghost town on the island. There, you'll explore two farms and an old cemetery where your tour guide will entertain you with ghost stories from past island inhabitants. The "Cedar and Shipwreck Tour" explores old-growth cedar trees and offers glimpses of the ship Francisco Morazan, shipwrecked off the coast of the island.
If your group plans on exploring the island on your own, pick uo a hiking trail map from the ranger station when you arrive.
North Manitou Island
National Park Service
North Manitou Island is only available for overnight visits, so gather your backpacking gear! Backcountry camping is allowed on the island, or the Village Campground has sites on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping permits can be purchased at the Manitou Island transit office when you arrive. Pick up a hiking trail map and check your planned route with the rangers before setting off. While on the island, don't miss the cemetery and the inland lake called Lake Manitou, where folks sometimes fish.
Paddling
Kayaks are not available for rent, but the Manitou Island Transit Ferry will transport your kayak for $35 roundtrip if it's under 13 feet long, $65 roundtrip if over 13 feet. However, kayaking to the islands from the mainland is highly discouraged.
North Manitou has an inland lake to paddle, if you're willing to haul your kayak a few miles to the center of the island. Some folks also paddle directly on Lake Michigan. Make sure to check the conditions before heading out as the big lake can have some rough waters.
Swimming
Each island features miles of picturesque coastline with secluded beaches. Lake Michigan is one of the world's largest freshwater bodies and it's wonderful to submerge yourself in the beautiful blue water. One of the best parts of a Manitou Island visit is diving in the cool lake after a long, hot day of hiking with a heavy pack.
Other Activities Near the Manitou Islands
Lauren Loria-Corbat for Wide Open Spaces
Leland, Michigan
The small town where you embark the Manitou Island ferry service is filled with shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and an old fishing village called "Fishtown." Stop by all the artisan shops and local fishmonger for fun gifts and delicious treats.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
North and South Manitou Island are part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. On the mainland, a large section of dunes and bluffs are very popular for visitors. These dunes are much more crowded than the islands as they can be accessed by car, and areas for car campers are also available.
When's the Best Time to Visit the Manitou Islands?
The ferry to both islands typically runs from May through early October, making summer the best (and only) time to visit. Come fall, it becomes too cold for a swim in the lake anyway, and to get the most out of a visit to the Manitous, you'll want to fully enjoy the beach.
Are Pets Allowed on the Manitou Islands?
No, pets aren't permitted on either island, though you may bring dogs to specific areas of the mainland Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore park.
READ MORE: Michigan Waterfall Hikes: Our 8 Favorites in the Upper Peninsula
