Related Beaver Island Websites

Beaver Island Historical Society
www.beaverisland.net/history

Beaver Island Boat Company
www.bibco.com

Inland Seas School of Kayaking
www.inlandseaskayaking.com

Beaver Beacon
(Local magazine)
www.beaverbeacon.com

Beaver Island Chamber
of Commerce
www.beaverisland.org

Fresh Air Aviation www.freshairaviation.net

Island Airways www.islandairways.com

Beaver Island Marina www.beaverislandmarina.com

Beaver Island Golf Course www.beaverislandgolf.com

Beaver Island Municipal Dock
231-448-2252

Lakesports & Paradise Bay
Gifts 231-448-2166

Paradise Bay Dive Shop
www.paradisebaydiveshop.com

Beaver Island
Rural Health Center
www.birhc.org

Beaver Island Ecotours
www.beaverislandecotours.com

Bonadeo Boat Charters jbonadeo@biip.net

Charlevoix Lodging
Weathervane Terrace
Inn & Suites
www.weathervane-chx.com

Island Events

Golden Beaver Bash – June
Fourth of July Parade - July
Museum Week - July
Baroque on Beaver - July
Beaver Island Music Festival – July
Homecoming - August
Celtic Games - September
Bite of Beaver Island – October

A bit about America’s Emerald Isle...

Beaver Island, a mere 58 square miles in area, is the largest and only inhabited island in a Great Lakes archipelago consisting of 8 islands. A 2 hour ferry ride or a 15 minute flight from mainland Charlevoix is the lifeline to this unspoiled and unhurried island. Unmatched in natural beauty, Beaver Island is steeped in rich Native American, Mormon and Irish history.

History
Early settlements of white traders, fishermen, and lumbermen were established in the 1830s followed by Irish immigrants in the 1840s. By the 1850s, Mormons were the primary inhabitants after dispelling all non-Mormons. James Jesse Strang, the Mormon leader, proclaimed himself king and ruled until 1856 when he was assassinated. Afterwards, the Irish returned and reestablished permanent Irish settlements that still exist today and represent the majority of today’s year-round population of an estimated 550 people.

Another colorful, historic character was Fedore Protar, an Estonian immigrant who served as the resident island “doctor” for 32 years until his death in 1925. His home and grave site still stand.

The economic base today is tourism and construction. Commercial fishing is minimal with only native Americans legally able to fish northern Lake Michigan waters.

Nature
The air is fresh and clean and the night skies repeatedly amaze you. There are gulls on the beaches, eagles over head, swans in the harbor and loons on the lakes and deer just about everywhere. The sunsets are a watercolor wash nearly every night, and the pine, birch and hardwood forests are deep and lush. There are marshlands and swamps and meadows that explode with wildflowers. Serveral hiking trails and beach areas provide the best island nature viewing access.

There are 7 inland lakes offering quiet retreats for boating, fishing and nature watching. These include Fox, Font, Barney's and Geneserath.

Recreation
Boating, hiking, golfing, fishing, hunting, kayaking, tennis, biking and swimming are a few of the best ways to enjoy the island. The library, museums, art galleries and gift shops are all worth a visit. Live island music is often available in the evenings at the local pubs, Donegal Danny’s, the Beachcomber and the Shamrock. If you are lucky enough to be here at the right time, there are many special island events throughout the season. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce (www.beaverisland.org) for exact dates and details.

Getting Around
Even if you don’t bring a car to the island, Geo Trackers and minvans are for rent (www.beaverislandmarina.com). Bikes and scooters are also available. (Lakesports & Paradise Bay Gifts 231-448-2166)

Island tours and shuttle service are available through Beaver Island Boat Company (www.bibco.com).

Sites to See There are many sites to see on the island, some requiring transportation, others just a stroll around the harbor.
	1. Donegal Bay for sunsets 2. Whiskey Point Lighthouse in the harbor 3. Beaver Head Lighthouse 4. Iron Ore Bay 5. Barney’s Lake & Nature Preserve 6. The Big Rock on Fox Lake Road 7. The Big Birch on Fox Lake Road 8. Miller’s Marsh 9. Toy Museum & Store 10. Marine Museum 11. Mormon Print Shop 12. Protar’s Home & Gravesite
If you a feeling adventuresome, Paradise Bay Dive Shop (www.paradisebaydiveshop.com) and Bonadeo Boat Charters (jbonadeo@biip.net) provide cruises around Beaver Island or visits to other islands in the Great Lakes archipelago.