By Hayley Babbitt and Luke Baum
Luke boarding the Mishe-Mokwa transport ferry from North Manitou Island to Leelanau, Lake Michigan. 2022 by Hayley Babbitt
Topographical Map of North Manitou Island in the Ranger Station on the island. 2022 by Hayley Babbitt
Have you ever wondered what life on a deserted island would be like? Well, you can get a glimpse for yourself by visiting North Manitou Island in Lake Michigan. Although not "deserted", the remote island can offer you a similar experience. Being roughly 17 miles from the shores of Michigan, the 1.5-2 hour ferry ride to get to the island in itself will give you a sense of being "out there".
In this guide, we will be exploring a handful of landmarks on the island as well as providing our personal itinerary and review on our 3 day backpacking trip on North Manitou. With just over 22 square miles of land to explore, there's a lot of ground to be covered for a desolate island backpacking trip.
South-western point of North Manitou Island from the Mishe-Mokwa ferry, Lake Michigan. 2022 by Hayley Babbitt
Preparation
Because the island lacks most resources, it is important to plan ahead. From the ferry trip to and from the island to the food you pack, it is essential to be prepared before heading to North Manitou Island. First and foremost, you will need your Manitou Island Ferry Transit tickets as well as parking and camping permits as well as a Sleeping Bear Dunes Park Pass, which may be acquired at the visitor center, campground offices, or at Leland dock.
- Parking permit
Packing List
Plan what gear to bring, most importantly the hiking pack, food, and shelter. Below, we've listed our recommended specs. as well as links to our personal recommendations for gear online. Adjust your list based on how you'd like to explore this island; the possibilities are endless!
2. Jetboil Stash or Campstove:
- Spork
- Food
- (optional: fire-starter)
5. Lavatory Needs:
- Shovel
- Toilet Paper
- Hygiene Products
6. Illumination
7. Seasonal Protection:
- Bug-Net Pants: (optional for Black Fly-hatching season)
- Bug Repellent
- Tick Removal Tool
- Poison Ivy Ointment
- Sunblock
- Hat
8. Clothes
Hayley preparing our lunch, North Manitou Island. 2022 by Luke Baum
Safety Hazard in the Wild: Black Flies
Every year for 7-9 days at the end of the summer, the black flies hatch on the beaches of North Manitou Island. Attracted to the warmth and exposure to the sun, the flies live their days out near the fly-hatcheries, which happen to be on the sandy-beached lakeshore of the island. This may prove problematic for any backpackers thirsty for the water from Lake Michigan. Coming in swarms of 30-50+, if you plan visit at the peak of the fly season be prepared to fight off these black flies if you hope to spend any time on the beach. With that being said, even though it might be rare to find yourself in this scenario, unexpected danger must always be accounted for as an independent variable; quick-thinking on your toes and using your gear as multi-functional is essential!
Though the bugs were unavoidable, we could have gone in-land on the northern part of the island and found water there instead of being bitten through our pants by the never-ending black flies in our quest for water on the southern lakeshore of the island.
Bottom Line: DO YOUR RESEARCH AND PLAN AHEAD FOR THE WILDLIFE IN THE AREA BEFORE YOU EMBARK ON YOUR JOURNEY… because the guides and rangers won’t always tell you about the hazards beforehand, and the wildlife in the area is something that has the potential to strongly impact your time in god’s great beautiful country and turn life into a nightmare.
Black Flies Hitching a Ride on Hayley's pull-over as we escape the beach, North Manitou Island. 2022 by Luke Baum
Point of Interest: The South-Western Shore
Be sure to hike your way roughly 7 miles south from the village dock on the island to the south-western shore of the island, especially before sunset! Because the island is 7 3/4 miles long x 4 1/4 miles wide, you can catch a panoramic view from the shore in any cardinal direction on a given day. Take this unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of the sun rising over Lake Michigan on the eastern side of the island in the morning as well the sun setting over Lake Michigan on the south-western shore with South Manitou island visible off into the distance.
Luke enjoying the last light from the sunset and the warm lake water on the South-western shore of North Manitou Island, Lake Michigan. 2022 by Hayley Babbitt
Hayley preparing to disembark from North Manitou Island via the Mishe-Mokwa, Lake Michigan. 2022 by Luke Baum
Summary
Getting away to an island to essentially be all on your own is an exciting adventure we now recommend to everyone! Located on a vast body fresh water, North and South Manitou islands are an ideal location to stretch your legs and your mind for backpackers of any skill-level or experience. With plenty of water to drink and a relatively safe environment to explore, cut yourself loose on the island and have fun! (Just don't forget to bring your food!)
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