North manitou island is part of the national park services sleeping bear national lakeshore. Officially, designated a wilderness, and a part of the national park, is an ideal place for a backpacking. South and north manitou island daytrips only go to sout. Fires are permitted in the community fire rings at the village campground.
My first experiences backpacking for more than a simple overnight trip came during my elementary through high school years i spent attending summer camp in michigan. At south manitou weather station campground view campground map here, sites are tentonly. Be sure to check out things to do on north manitou island as well as things to see on north manitou island backpacking north manitou island. Click here to order a detailed map and a guide to north manitou island. For hikers who want a challenge, a new program has been developed by two. Aug 10, 20 north manitou is the more primitive of the two islands. Manitou lakes share tranquility is a detailed feature that looks at florence lake on south manitou, which is home to just 4 species of fish. North manitou island lies in lake michigan about 12 miles northwest of the small, northern michigan town of leland. North manitou island hiking project hiking trail maps.
With that in mind, visitors often ask, what are the things to do on north manitou island. When it comes to the idea of a dream vacation, most of us imagine ourselves. With one day on north you will not have time to do much hiking nor really get a feel for the island. We passed close to the north manitou shoal lighthouse. Manitou island transit provides regular ferry service to both islands for campers.
Dont do a fire outside of campground also camp at least 300 feet from water as instructed by rangers they literally come around with measuring tape and check it. Jan 17, 2018 the highest point on north manitou, nearly 1,000 feet, is located in the islands rugged northwest corner. Finally, we got to the north manitou island dock at 12. A backcountry permit and fee payment must be completed before camping, you can obtain a map of the island and hiking trails when you obtain your permit. As trekkers, campers have the opportunity to backpack around beautiful north manitou island in lake michigan. North manitou island hipcamp camping on private land.
Located in lake michigan, north manitou is wild, isolated, and remote, qualities that make it the premiere destination for backpackers in michigans lower peninsula. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, nature trips, and backpacking and is best used from may until october. Hiking north manitou island, sights, sounds and history vhs video hesperia, mi 2000. Hollister is the only remaining private residence on north manitou island. Hiking trail near manitou lake on north manitou island regulations. South manitou island lighthouse is located on south manitou island in lake michigan, 16 miles west of leland, michigan. The island is almost entirely covered in forests, but offers incredible views of lake michigan from the shoreline. My destination was south manitou island, one of two islands within sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore.
The michigan portion of the trail is 1,105 miles and begins at pittsford near the. The management works very hard to make sure the community is running the best software. But if you want to go on a backpacking trip go to the north island. Documents provided in digital formats can be viewed using the free software. At mile five, pass the apple orchards and abandoned homes of an 1800s farm town. It was another great, relaxing backpacking trip to the island north manitou island is beginning to become my favorite weekend backpacking destination in michigan and if you have not visited it yet. Print out a map of north manitou island below and plan your hike in. North manitou island hiking high adventure trip 2007 june 12 16, 2007 the high adventure outing for 2007 was a backpacking trip on north manitou island.
North manitou is the more primitive of the two islands. But overall, the terrain is gentle on north manitou and most backpackers will find the hiking is level and easy. Continue south to 300foot shoreline bluffs and, on a clear day, spot the mainlands sleeping bear dunes. About 20 miles west of leland, michigan sit north and south manitou islands.
Visitors enjoy hiking the dune topography, playing in turquoise waves, spying island. After a little over 10 years since my last trip to north manitou island, i recently had the opportunity to return for a 3 day trip with my adventuring partner, my daughter, izzy if youre not familiar, north manitou is one of 2 islands the other beingsouth manitou. As part of the rei coop family, were dedicated to making websites and mobile apps that help outdoor enthusiasts connect, share. Had time for a quick dip to clean up after all hard slog the day before to our campsite. The manitou islands are a part of the sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore. Beginner backpack on north manitou island, michigan.
The weather forecast had improved over the week, and i was looking forward to reaching the island the following day and hiking for the first time since september. Park trails, trailheads, picnic areas, parking areas, and boat launches. As part of the rei coop family, were dedicated to making websites and mobile apps that help outdoor enthusiasts connect, share information and get out into the places they love to play. Easy, well marked, shaded trails where we went on north end of the island. Did a couple of days backpacking on island with my 11 year old. This area of the island is known as the cable box because it apparently is where telephone lines joined an underwater cable that linked the north and south manitou islands to the mainland source. Located 8 miles offshore from lake michigans sleeping bear dunes, north manitou island is a great destination for those looking for a wilderness experience without actually being too distant from civilization. Pathfinder 2020 backpacking on north manitou island june 21 27, 2020.
North manitou island is located eight miles off the coast of the sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore. North manitou island is managed as wilderness with the exception of a 27 acre 11 hectare area around the village. More than just transportation, the 11mile ferry ride from leland sets the mood for visitors arriving at the north manitou island. There youll find pristine beaches, gigantic sand dunes, moderate hiking trails, and inland lakes full of fish. Hiking at north manitou island and sleeping bear dunes. It is nearly eight miles long and over four miles 6 km wide, with 20 miles 32 km of shoreline. Print out a map of north manitou island below and plan your hike in advance. North manitou island map sleeping bear dunes national. North manitou island is entirely backcountry camping. North manitou island village campground, sleeping bear dunes. Weekend backpacking in michigan north manitou island in.
A beginners guide to backpacking michigans manitou. He was probably involved in land speculation, being employed as a land looker according to a report in an 1868 issue of the traverse city herald, appraising land in antrim and charlevoix counties, but there is no record of his ever having been on north manitou island. Cruise to south manitou island and explore and experience the island s beauty and history. There is a limit of two tents and four people per site. How to survive alone in the wilderness for 1 week eastern woodlands duration. If youre looking for an exciting hiking trip or vacation, look no further than north manitou island and leland, michigan. Jul 18, 2011 my first solo backpacking trip was hastily planned and threatened by a forbidding, thunderstormy forecast. This summer, come have a real wilderness adventure with us on north manitou island.
The red outline on the map below identifies the boundaries of the north manitou island topo map. Visitors enjoy hiking the dune topography, playing in turquoise waves, spying island flora and fauna, exploring the village and ghost towns, seeking out inland lakes, hearing the stories of its people, and learning the island s history. The highest point on north manitou, nearly 1,000 feet, is located in the island s rugged northwest corner. In the 1970s, bobs father and two brothers had attempted to cross the manitou passage. The 15,000 acres of north manitou island are managed as a wilderness area, with the exception of the village. About 100 miles of island trails one two separate islands. The north manitou island trail map 300 kb shows the campgrounds, trails, and points of interest across the island radiating out from the village dock. Camping on north manitou island offers solitude and a wild beauty and nights listening to lapping waves. I was slightly nervous and my pack was ridiculously heavy for such a short trip.
My point of view, personal memoir of a north manitou lightkeepers stepson. Aug 12, 2017 a 4day backpacking trip on north manitou island. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, bird watching, and backpacking. North manitou island between sunrise and sunset, book crafters, 1991. A beginners guide to backpacking michigans manitou islands as a lifelong michigan resident ive enjoyed my share of memorable camping trips, but it wasnt until i spent a weekend on north manitou island that i realized there was a side to camping i never knew existed. Northern michigan hiking, backpacking, and kayaking novi. There are several important rules you have to follow while backcountry camping on north manitou island. The hewitt cottage was built in 1895 or 1896 and was sold a few years later to the rhoades family, who built this. North manitou island is located in lake michigan, approximately 12 miles 19 km westnorthwest of leland, michigan. Manitou island transit offers you a variety of ways to experience the beauty of the manitou passage.
Lake manitou is located near the center of the island and is roughly one mile long from north to south and of a mile wide. Jul 24, 2012 sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore. If you venture to north manitou island, plan to camp overnight. Mar 08, 2018 north manitou island is a very unique place. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and backpacking. Located only few hours drive from detroit and chicago, is almost completely devoid and isolated from civilization. Feb 08, 2017 at mile three, sidehike to the islands highpoint 1,001 feet. And its downright tropical in high summer, raves backpacker map contributor stuart peck. North manitou island offers 15,000 acres of wilderness with a visitor use concept that emphasizes solitude, selfreliance and a sense of exploration. Hiking north manitou island and visiting leland the. Visiting the island is a primitive experience emphasizing solitude, a feeling of selfreliance and a sense of exploration. Download free north manitou island mi usgs topo maps.
South manitou island the weather station campground, sleeping. North manitou island is an island in lake michigan about 12 miles off the shore from leland, mi. Camping on north manitou island offers solitude and a wild beauty to those who venture across lake michigan to its austere shores. We will discuss a number of issues that are germane to this area. The island swallows backpackers with plenty of room to spread out.
We could also see south manitou island in the distance. Cdac programs help build self confidence and self esteem, promote teamwork and develop leadership. Know before you come planning your trip packing list nmi backcountry regulations. North manitou island, part of sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore, offers a remote and unforgettable multiday backpacking trip. Most of the entire area is available for hiking, camping and exploration. Their hike took so much longer than planned that bobs mother called the coast guard in panic. The primary visitor activities include hiking, swimming, backcountry camping and backpacking.
This and lake manitou were our water sources for 27 people. Mar 21, 2018 the feeling of exploring a remote island, far away from crowds, makes hiking on the manitou islands in lake michigan a hikers paradise. North manitou island hiking sleeping bear dunes national. To get to the island, you will need to book tickets and take the ferry run by manitou. North manitou island 34 day backpacking trip advice reddit. Having been settled in the early 20th century, the island still has several remnants of its old villages. The highest point on the island is in the northwest corner and is 1,001 feet 305 m above sea level or 421 feet 128 m above lake michigan. Our newest waterproof map this map covers north and south manitou, a pair of lake michigan islands that are part of sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore and reached by ferry service from leland.
I hikedin and stayed at a campsite on a bluff overlooking the lake near the old crescent dock which is basically now just two old posts in the water there was a beautiful beach all along this side of the island. Hiking to north manitou island andrew pritchard roads. The smaller south manitou island lies to its southwest. Isle royale information, trip journals and backpacking links. North manitou island, part of the sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore, is approximately eight miles long, four miles wide, and boasts 20 miles of lakeshore. A beginners guide to backpacking michigans manitou islands as a lifelong michigan resident ive enjoyed my share of memorable camping trips, but it wasnt until i spent a weekend on north manitou island that i realized there was a side to camping. Officially, designated a wilderness, and a part of the national park, is an ideal place for a backpacking trip. North manitou island sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore. North manitou island, michigan topographic map and nearby trails. It is part of sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore and is accessible by a ferry. Backpacking michigans north manitou island actionhub. Camping is allowed almost anywhere on the island except within 300 feet of the. More than just transportation, the 11mile ferry ride from leland sets the mood for visitors. May 24, 20 michigans north manitou island offers visitors the ability to hike, backpack, camp, and swim, including backwoods camping not available on south manitou island.
The ferry only runs certain times, so some planning is necessary. Weekend backpacking trips include the porcupine mountains, pictured rocks, manistee river trail, jordan valley trail, north manitou island, north. This is a great remote location for a for a short weekend backpacking. Judsons connection to north manitou island is not known. Catch the ferry boat to the south and north manitou islands, both part of sleeping bear. They left the shore in glen arbor early one morning to attempt the crossing, but were cut off by open water a mile from north manitou island. A short time later we came to a path that headed west toward lake manitou. North manitou island 34 day backpacking trip advice. It is a special area because it is designated backcountry.
Fifteen thousand acres of wilderness floating in the sparkling waters of lake michigan, north manitou island offers visitors a primitive experience emphasizing solitude, a feeling of selfreliance, and a sense of exploration. Thats your trip to south manitou island weather station campground in a nutshell. Backpacking north manitou island great lakes explorer. Hey boys n gals, some friends and i want to plan a 34 night backpacking trip on north manitou island.
Jul 27, 2015 hollister is the only remaining private residence on north manitou island. The small village campground contains eight designated campsites, two fire rings and one outhouse. Both part of the sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore they attracted thousands of visitors a year. The feeling of exploring a remote island, far away from crowds, makes hiking on the manitou islands in lake michigan a hikers paradise. These fees can be paid upon checkin in the manitou island transit ticket office before you get on the boat. Camping on north manitou island sleeping bear dunes. Visitors enjoy hiking the dune topography, playing in turquoise waves, spying island flora and fauna, exploring the. North or south manitou island empire forum tripadvisor. Once youre settled in, soak in the sights lake michigan from the bluffs on the south side of the island. My suggestion to you is to plan your visit to north. Circumnavigate a wilderness island on this 15mile loop on north manitou island. Things to do on north manitou island solitude sports. Weekend backpacking in michigan north manitou island in the.
To get there requires a ferry ride, an overnight stay, and planning. We will talk about the efforts to keep quality habitat for the piping plover, an endangered shorebird that nests on the sandy beaches of north manitou island. The island is almost entirely covered in forests but offers. South manitou island trail map and guide classic trails of michigan map series part of sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore, south manitou island is located 18 miles west of leland and is the southernmost island of a lake michigan archipelago that stretches northeast to the straits of mackinac and includes north manitou island and beaver. More than half of the people disembarked on south manitou, and we only took few new passengers from there. North manitou island outer loop michigan alltrails. Rosterman, christine j, pesano, john and rusco, rita h. North manitou island wilderness camping realest nature. I was curious to ask those who have been there, whats the best way to go about backpacking and seeing the most the island has to offer. Overnight ymca summer camps for girls seventh eighth graders. North manitou island is part of the sleeping bear national lakeshore. Park trails, trailheads, picnic areas, parking areas, and boat launches closed.
326 1117 526 977 597 753 1245 1406 729 310 1015 703 436 1184 56 114 814 225 871 113 1478 158 597 646 718 1165 225 1252 682 736 721 1049 1459 289 771 1218 1139 1383