There’s an interesting human interest story about Beaver Island, Michigan making the rounds via the Associated Press, “Technology a blessing, a curse for remote island.” I mention it both because it’s an interesting narrative and because I’m one of very few people who’ve actually visited Beaver Island. If you care to know more about that journey you can stop by my permanent travel site.
Most of you probably already know about Beaver Island because you’re map aficionados (map). It’s the largest island in Lake Michigan but it’s not the easiest place to reach. People generally get back-and-forth using a ferry that takes about two hours. Very limited air service exists either.
Not the Popular One
If the general public knows anything about islands within the state of Michigan, which in itself is doubtful, they’d probably think of Mackinac. Beaver Island is the anti-Mackinac. It’s 180° diametrically opposed to anything even resembling Mackinac. It’s a pristine tourist-free zone. When I visited, the residents kept saying, “please, please don’t tell anybody about this place.”
Eh, I’m not so worried about mentioning it on Twelve Mile Circle though. It’s only us geo-geeks here.
Remaining Obscure
You don’t read about Beaver Island in the tourist magazines. There aren’t really any amenities an average tourist would enjoy other than the natural beauty of the island itself. I thought the island-on-an-island was particularly interesting but would that resonate with the general public? In other words, I loved it.
I went because I saw the dotted line of a ferry extending from mainland Michigan and decided I needed to take a ride. What can I say?: I have an odd affinity for ferry rides. Fortunately the destination proved as remarkable as the journey.
First Tangier Island and now Beaver Island. The mainstream media continues to expose my favorite island escapes!
12MC Loves Footnotes!
PS – don’t get too used to me posting an article every day. There’s been a lot of quality weirdness going on this week.
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