South Manitou Island Backpacking Retreat Labor Day Weekend Friday, September 4- Mon. Upon arriving at the island, a park ranger will meet you at the dock to complete camper registration and to help you plan your visit. After about 20 minutes of information and Q&A from the two national park rangers stationed on the island, our permits were officially registered and information was recorded pertaining to each hiker's destination. The fee for group camping does not include transportation to the island. Food should be stored in hard containers or hung from a line to thwart chipmunks. Despite this, it was a huge success. After having researched many Michigan backpacking destinations, I settled on a trip to North Manitou Island. Manitou Island Transit is located in downtown Leland and offers several times and varying schedules to get you out to North and South Manitou Islands. We wake up sluggishly in the overcast, but not yet rainy, weather and packed up our tent, foods, and battled the South Island camp chipmunks one last time. Awesome videos, thanks for sharing these with us. Over the last two decades, I have been a frequent visitor to South Manitou Island. As a lifelong Michigan resident I’ve enjoyed my share of memorable camping trips, but it wasn’t until I spent a weekend on North Manitou Island that I realized there was a side to camping I never knew existed. Save Event. Don't take firewood to the islands! Reservations for group campsites at Bay and Weather Station campgrounds can be made (up to one year in advance) on-line and over the phone through Recreation.gov: South Manitou Island group sites online reservation If you’re an experienced kayaker, then it is also possible to paddle your way across the open waters of Lake Michigan. 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. Map: National Park Service. This site and its health-related information resources are not meant to be the practice of medicine, the practice of nursing, or to carry out any professional health care advice or service in the state where you live. Aug 21, 2015 at 5:49 am #2222210. Park passes and permits are available at the Fishtown dock in Leland during the summer months. A park ranger will be there to sign you in and brief you on the backpacking regulations for the island. Pictured Rocks Backpacking Trip: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi7JF5TWttNW6B6-dzC9MO2h6pdav46bY. Soon, we were on our way to the north island. This picks up where the last post left off: North Manitou . Check out our Plan your trip to the islands page for information on ferry reservations and other considerations for your trip. The pests can spread to the trees and forest at the campground and begin to destroy those trees and forests. There were only few people with heavy camping gear, that gave them away as most likely going to the south i… About 100 miles of island trails one two separate islands are protected as part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (nps.gov) in Michigan. Getting to the island: The island is only accessible via ferry. Campers must purchase a Backcountry Use Permit before camping (. Michigan's North Manitou Island offers visitors the ability to hike, backpack, camp, and swim, including backwoods camping not available on South Manitou Island. → Chipmunks & Ticks on North Manitou Island. Personally I have not. By Jim … South Manitou Island includes a … If you have questions, please call the park at 231-326-4700. Awesome, Neal! The morning we departed for our backpacking trip to South Manitou Island in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore proved to be a bit of a scramble. To be honest, you can't make a bad choice on either island. Presented by Moxie Wild This picks up where the last post left off: North Manitou. Starting out bright and early, with backpacks filled with lunch goodies, we boarded the ferry for the quick ride to South Manitou Island. I have met other campers who claim to have seen or felt otherworldly spirits. Getting to north or south Manitou Island involves about a one-hour ferry ride. It's taken a while to post the update on Manitou Islands backpacking trip. Sep 14, 2017 - A hiking and travel blog with detailed trip reports and photos. Visitors are made up of either day trippers, campers, or backpackers. South Manitou Island Avoid eroding sensitive dune ecosystems by walking on them (unlike the knuckleheads in this photo). On Friday morning, we left the campground at 6:45AM and drove to Leland. South Manitou Island group sites online reservation. There is no transportation for camp gear so you must pack it in (travel light). I live in Traverse City and I visit North Manitou several times each season! We arrived at South Manitou Island at 11:30 a.m., and those who were staying for more than the afternoon gathered for orientation at the nearby boathouse. The trail loops through this area, so you can get a good appreciation for the size and number of trees. Some say that these trees were spared because their bark is infused with wind-blown … We had plenty of time to have breakfast at Early Bird, register and get ready for our 10:00AM ferry ride. Share your tips and favorite memories with us by leaving a comment below. They will both an … Camping on South Manitou Island is only permitted at three following locations: Low impact camping is the rule to minimize human impact on the fragile natural resources. Located only few hours’ drive from Detroit and Chicago, is almost completely devoid and isolated from civilization. Go with an experienced guide. Pic Rock Yo-Yo Madness! Video journal of our weekend hiking and backpacking trip to South Manitou Island, Michigan. Campers must purchase a Backcountry Use Permit before camping (camping fees). It was hard to tell who was going where. This is a remarkable step back in time, with many original buildings still stand. @kenlarson. Backpacking, hiking, camping, travel, Isle Royale, Kenai Fjords, Badlands, etc. Officially, designated a wilderness, and a part of the national park, is an ideal place for a backpacking trip. That being said, there is a campground at the very north end of the south island that almost no one treks to that are extremely isolated. Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed health care provider. Your email address will not be published. South Manitou Island Loop is a 8.4 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Glen Arbor Township, Michigan that features a lake and is rated as moderate. For Memorial Day weekend, I was looking to go backpacking for my first time as well as try out some gear. For me it is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places that I have been. Nothing in this Web site is to be used for medical or nursing diagnosis or professional treatment. You might like to share Things to See on North Manitou Island – https://solitudesports.com/things-to-see-north-manitou-island/, As well as Things to do on North Manitou Island – https://solitudesports.com/things-to-do-on-north-manitou-island/. The fee for group camping does not include transportation to the island. My first solo backpacking trip was hastily planned and threatened by a forbidding, thunderstormy forecast. Located 8 miles offshore from Lake Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes, North Manitou Island is a great destination for those looking for a wilderness experience without actually being too distant from civilization. My destination was South Manitou Island, one of two islands within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Best wishes on your future Michigan adventures! Features: Ghost Towns, Dunes, Beaches, Shipwrecks, Old Growth Cedars, Remnant Farms. The islands offer breathtaking views and a true backcountry (also known as “really roughing it”) camping experience. Upon our arrival we were welcomed to the island by a park ranger who gave us a quick rundown of the different campsites, points of interest, plants and animals to watch out for, and what our action plan should be … South Manitou Island group sites online reservation Phone reservations: Reservation Center at 1-877-444-6777. Sept. 7, 2015 Explore your relationship with God and one another in the midst of nature...on an island in Lake Michigan. Mar 8, 2013 - Text, images and tables comparing backcountry camping in Michigan's national lakeshores I was looking for something different, off the beaten path, not another park the car, hike in and hike out experience. Locale: Western Michigan. It's taken a while to post the update on Manitou Islands backpacking trip. This summer I took my younger brother, Steven, on his first backpacking trip. The south island is the smaller of the two and is (in my experience) much more populated. The island swallows backpackers with plenty of room to spread out. Your email address will not be published. comprehensive packing list available here, Best Summer Ever: Explore Michigan Art, History, Adventure and More, Adventure Seekers Take Note: Tips for Hiking Solo, https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi7JF5TWttNW6B6-dzC9MO2h6pdav46bY, https://solitudesports.com/things-to-see-north-manitou-island/, https://solitudesports.com/things-to-do-on-north-manitou-island/, Hiking in Michigan: Where to Go and How to Start, Run for Your Dinner: Sign Up for Michigan Turkey Day Races. North Manitou Island is entirely backcountry camping. South Manitou is designed for back-country camping and does not allow vehicles or motorized transportation onshore. Community (shared) fire rings are provided in the Bay and Weather Station campgrounds only. Recently the new Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness was officially designated but Jim DuFresne wonders in the latest MichiganTrailMaps.com Trail Talk blog; can a place that has been extensively logged and farmed, that is crisscrossed with new roads and old two-tracks, that was once … Once the … Pets are not allowed on the island due to disturbance of visitors and wildlife. These trees are over twice as large as the average size white cedar. Distance: 12 Miles. https://greatlakesexplorer.com/backpacking-north-manitou-island Ken Larson. The ferry stops at South Manitou Island first on the way out there. It was about 2.5 hours until we reached the dock. Do you love backpacking in Michigan? It’s best to head over to their … There is no shortage of activities on South Manitou Island. Participants should pair up … This blog will serve as the quick and dirty of what you need to know if you are considering visiting this beautiful island for your next backpacking excursion! PART 1. Backpacking South Manitou Island. This Web site provides general educational information on health-related issues and provides access to health-related resources for the convenience of our users. The lake was fairly quiet. Transporting firewood when camping on the islands means you risk carrying tree-killing insects and diseases inside the firewood. Time: 3 Days. Always consult your health care provider before beginning any new treatment, or if you have any questions regarding a health condition. North Manitou Island is my favorite backpacking trail in Michigan and after going there for a second time I wanted to jot down everything I learned and share this place with as many people as possible. We wake up sluggishly in the overcast, but not yet rainy, weather and packed up our tent, foods, and battled the South Island camp chipmunks one last time. South Manitou Island is located off the coast of the Leelanau Peninsula and is part of the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. But if you want to go on a backpacking trip go to the North island. 3. We were anxious to get out and on the trail. Happy hiking! We spent 3 days and 2 nights on South Manitou Island (located in Leland, MI). If you enjoyed this post, you might also like: Photo credit: Angela Loyd, A Healthier Michigan, My daughter and I loved our 4 day hike across Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Island campers may collect dead and down wood found on the island for personal use during their visit; however, unused wood must remain on the island. Get Directions. The island is roughly three miles in diameter, with 10 miles of shoreline varying from tall sand dunes and rocky shores to tranquil white-sand beaches. Group Campsites BPL Member. Hi Brandy, thanks so much for reading and sharing your family’s experience! The notion that I had to take a boat to the island was intriguing. It was Memorial Day weekend, and there was quite large number of people going to South and North Mantiou Islands. For those who are considering a Michigan backpacking trip, here are a few tips to make your trip to North Manitou Island comfortable and enjoyable: Check out some photos from my trip to Manitou Island below. Jun 9, 2016 - A hiking and travel blog with detailed trip reports and photos. Add To Calendar. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, bird watching, and backpacking. Backpacking Trip | South Manitou Island | July 2013 . There are three group campsites at Bay Campground and three group campsites at Weather Station Campground, each designed to hold from 9 to 20 campers (maximum of 10 tents). Having been a long time visitor to the Traverse City area and having camped in the Individual Campsites Since everyone’s trip had been shortened by one day, the campers who had originally planned to backpack North Manitou Island now only had the option to visit the south island. My first solo backpacking trip was hastily planned and threatened by a forbidding, thunderstormy forecast. The Valley of the Giants - The Southwestern corner of South Manitou Island is home to some of the largest white cedars in Michigan. During the off-season, you can contact the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire for permits. MORE STUFF TO READ: Friday the 13th Camping at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. More than half of the people disembarked on South Manitou, and we only took few new passengers from there. In this guide I'll cover: A brief intro to the island and what makes it so unique; How to get to Manitou Island; The difference between North and South Manitou (big difference!) The center is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. eastern time. Moxie Wild - Backpacking 101 on South Manitou Island Fri Sep 14 - Sun Sep 16, 2018 Leland, MI Event Website. Editor’s Note: This is Jim DuFresne’s third Trail Talk blog in a series from the Manitou Islands in Lake Michigan, where he was working recently on a mapping project for MichiganTrailMaps.com. Help slow the spread of pests by gathering dead and down wood on the islands for firewood. I love backpacking and exploring the island. South Manitou Island is usually recommended for your first visit, since there are three established campgrounds. South Manitou Island provides a very scenic hiking destination. Part Three: Backpacking South Manitou Island; Part Four: Pretzels and Beer . You should not disregard medical advice, or delay seeking medical advice, because of something you read in this site. Individual sites are limited to 4 persons and 2 tents. Backpacking the Manitou Islands would be the ultimate backpacking trip in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. There are … The ferry was first going to the South Manitou Island. Then it will head over to North Manitou and drop you off at the village dock just south of the village campground on the east side of the Island. Camping can be done at one of three campgrounds. View Cart. North Manitou Island is a very unique place! We passed close to the North Manitou Shoal Lighthouse. There are three group campsites at Bay Campground and three group campsites at Weather Station Campground, each designed to hold from 9 to 20 campers (maximum of 10 tents). The path there was pretty overgrown last time I went but there are some cool run down farms in the way. Leave: Friday, September 4 at 4:00p.m. Posted on September 22, 2012 by michigantrailmaps. 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. That being said, there is a campground at the very north end of the south island that almost no one treks to that are extremely isolated. Phone reservations: Reservation Center at 1-877-444-6777. Backpacking, hiking, camping, travel, Isle Royale, Kenai Fjords, Badlands, etc. Thanks for reading and sharing your insights here. When you are looking to escape the peninsula, an island is the next best thing. Jan 29, 2018 - Wed, Jul 15, 2015, 10:00 AM: You will need backpacking gear. I just returned from my first-ever visit to North Manitou Island, one of two islands in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakehore.I’m enamored with mainland Sleeping Bear Dunes, so I knew before we departed that I would love this further removed branch of the park.. We—6 women including me—planned a 2-night backpacking trip running clockwise around the island from the village dock. Despite this, it was a huge success. In order to get to the island you have to take a ferry out of the small lake town in Leland. ← The Cosmopolitan World of South Manitou Island. Phone reservations: Reservation Center at 1-877-444-6777. Posts about South Manitou Island written by michigantrailmaps. You’ll take a ferry from Leland MI to get to the Manitou Islands. The only buildings are for the park rangers who live there, and there are only two water sources available on the entire island. Dog Friendly: No . This site and its health-related information and resources are not a substitute for professional medical advice or for the care that patients receive from their physicians or other health care providers. South Manitou Island, located in Lake Michigan about 16 miles west of Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan's lower peninsula, provides an easy, scenic setting for a few days of backpacking or a whirlwind day hike. Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Individual sites are limited to 4 persons and 2 tents. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. The path there was pretty overgrown last time I went but there are some cool run down farms in the way. The center is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. eastern time. Chippewa legend says that long ago, a great fire broke out in the land that is now Wisconsin. Here is the beginning of a series of 3 videos about my most recent backpacking trip to South Manitou Island! If you have questions, please call the park at 231-326-4700. While hiking miles are limited, there is an abundance of scenery including an historic lighthouse, pristine beaches, shipwrecks, giant cedars, towering dunes, and historic buildings. Michigan – South or North Manitou Island? You will need to purchase your ferry tickets in advance to ensure you can get on and off the island according to your scheduled plans. It is a mystical walk. Also, the Manitou Island Transit Co. (the ferry company) goes back forth to South Manitou more often, so you can spend the day there. The south island is the smaller of the two and is (in my experience) much more populated. Required fields are marked *, CATEGORY: Categories CommunityTAGS: Tags Goal Setting, Northern Michigan, A Healthier Michigan is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Great article! One time, when I was of only a few campers in the island, I heard voices in the forest that didn't … Awesome place. Group sites are available by reservation only. The Manitou Islands are a set of islands along Michigan’s National Lakeshore near the Sleeping Bear Dunes. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/michigan/south-manitou-island-loop You’ll also need to purchase a park entrance pass and camping permit through the National Park Service. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/michigan/north-manitou-island-loop Group sites are available by reservation only. Visitors can hike around the 10-mile perimeter of the island via Introduction. An overnight adventure will be sufficient for many to see and experience the island. South Manitou Island Backpacking Trip (Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore) Prologue: Trip Plans and Fishtown. … Event Menu; Register; Event Notes; Location & Contact; Who's Registered?
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