Sleeping Bear Dunes Michigan's Manitou Islands
I saved the best for last in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. After hiking the area for months I finally visited the Manitou Islands! After months of exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes I made the trek with Manitou Island Transit out to South Manitou Island for the day, it was incredible! In this article I give you a “Manitou Buffet” of details if you want to go visit. Come to Sleeping Bear Michigan’s Manitou Islands with me!
What to know before visiting Sleeping Bear Michigan’s Manitou Islands:
Unless you have your own watercraft you will be going with Manitou Island Transit. Our ferry left at 10am sharp and arrived back exactly at 530pm per the ticket reservation!
Ferry leaves from Leland, Michigan: Fishtown!
Ferry runs daily Memorial Day to Labor Day. Off and on services happens in May/September/October.
Day trips to the South Island. Overnight trips only to the North Island.
You must secure a backcountry permit in advance from the NPS. Likewise a ferry ticket!
What I did on South Manitou Island in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore:
I filled up my water bottle, used the restroom, and explored the lighthouse region upon arrival.
It’s all pack in/pack out so I enjoyed my lunch on Lake Michigan at one of the old settlements still scattered about the island.
I hiked to the top of the island on the Dunes Trail, then through the Old Growth Cedars, and finally to the Morazan Shipwreck. I’m a volunteer for Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes and this article gives some details on the shipwrecks scattered around the islands. It was about 11 miles in total!
Finished off by taking a swim in Lake Michigan to cool down before heading back on the ferry.
A few other items you could do is take a wagon tour of the island, explore the cemeteries and school houses, or even just lounge on a very quiet beach!
The Old Growth Cedar Loop is amazing.
What else should you know about Sleeping Bear Michigan’s Manitou Islands?
Poison Ivy is abundant! Pets are not allowed…unfortunately…but I understand why!
The ferries run on time, don’t be late and hike too far away!
If you like camping…staying overnight on the island would be a magical experience and I plan on doing it soon.
You can support Sleeping Bear and its preservation HERE.
The North and South Manitou Islands were occupied by Native Americans at least by 1,000 B.C.E. and possibly as early as 11,000 to 8,000 B.C.E. North Manitou Island is one of the richest sources of archaeological discovery in the Lakeshore, especially along the bluffs on the north end of the island. Per NPS.
I loved having a whole day to just hike, explore, and be in nature. While I saw many other people I also had miles to myself. The South Manitou Island is quiet even on a busy day.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was dubbed by Good Morning America once as the “Prettiest place in America” and after living next to it for several months I would say it’s definitely in the running if I had to choose. Fortunately for me I’m not on a syndicated talk show and have to pick!
Of all the wildly amazing parts of Sleeping Bear though, the Manitou Islands might be my favorite. If you have the chance I highly recommend a visit!
Thanks for reading y’all. Comment with questions or your experience going there.
Because Adventure Feeds the Soul,
Mike
South Manitou Island Shoreline on Lake Michigan.