Beaver Island

Beaver Island is the largest island in Lake Michigan, about 13 miles long and 6 wide, and the ferry from Charlevoix takes just over 2 hours each way. That crossing is the whole planning question: this is an overnight trip, not an easy day out.

A same-day round trip works only on some dates, and only if you catch the first boat of the morning from Charlevoix. Stay at least a night, check the ferry schedule for your dates, and confirm your return sailing before you board. Crossings are weather permitting, so build in some slack.

Once you are there, the island is for slowing down: beaches, more than 100 miles of trails to hike or bike, kayaking and canoeing along the shore, birding and two lighthouses. In summer, guided van tours leave from across the street from the ferry dock and visit Whiskey Point Lighthouse.

The history is unusual. In 1847 James Jesse Strang brought a band of Mormon followers here, founded the town of St. James and had himself crowned king, the only king ever crowned in the United States, before he was shot in 1856. Irish immigrants settled the island after him, and their descendants still make up most of the population.