The largest island in Lake Michigan, Beaver Island hosts many activities for nature lovers. The year round population is around 600 - a large percentage of Irish descent. Time slows down here, offering a serene, relaxed way of life. Tour the Island by bicycle, or bring your car over on the ferry or rent a car to circle the Island in an afternoon.
Find a wealth of natural resources, including nature preserves and abundant state land for walking, exploring, or just relaxing. Summer means beach walking, enjoying a sunset, exploring the trails, walking the docks and watching the boats sail in.
Protar's house, the Marine Museum or the Old Morman Print Shop museum are an open door into the island’s rich history. Home to two lighthouses: the St. James Harbor Light on the north end of the island on Paradise Bay and the fully restored Beaver Head Light Station on the south end of the island (where visitors can climb the tower and view a Fresnel lens for free), Beaver Island is the access point to boat and plane tours to nearly a dozen remote lights such as Squaw Island, St. Helena Island and the Fox Islands.
Trail Map for biking and hiking
Beaver Island sees a seasonal influx of numerous bird species, as it lies on a bird migratory path through Lake Michigan. Tour the island to 35 recommended birding locations to spot hundreds of different species. See the map below and visit BeaverIslandBirdingTrail.org for more info.
Hunting
Whitetail deer, turkey and duck hunting are all popular sport on Beaver Island.
Fishing
Fly fishing along the shallow water flats in Lake Michigan for carp brings folks from around the world to Beaver Island. You can also fish for small pan fish in the inland lakes.
Beaver Island is rich in unique history. Visit Beaver Island Historical Society site for more info.