Last week, I had the privilege of traveling to South Manitou Island with a group from the Leelanau Historical Society. This trip had been on my bucket list ever since I moved to the Leelanau Peninsula in 2021.
I can only imagine what it was like to live on the island during the boom of the 1900s, and the eventual decline during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The boat ride to the island was smooth as glass, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect day. Sailing aboard the Mishe-Mokwa with their incredible crew was an experience in itself. The first-class service from the National Park rangers as we disembarked was amazing. Stepping off the boat, I felt like I had entered paradise at the Coast Guard station.
The first thing that caught my eye was the lighthouse. I immediately geared up and began the short trek to the iconic whitewashed South Manitou Lighthouse.
The lighthouse has guided mariners since 1871. It played a crucial role in navigating the treacherous Manitou Passage during the height of transportation across Lake Michigan. The 104-foot tower raised the focal plane of the light to 100 feet, and the new Third Order Fresnel Lens projected the light 17.4 miles, according to the National Park Service.
The walk up to the lighthouse was breathtaking, but first, we stopped at the unique visitor center, which is packed with information. You could easily spend a morning there, immersing yourself in the history of South Manitou Island.
After learning about the island’s history, it was time to check the lighthouse off my list. Volunteers greeted us with stories about the lighthouse, enhancing the experience. Climbing the tight, spiraling staircase was a highlight for me — there’s something fascinating about that ascent.
The view from the top was mesmerizing. It’s not an easy climb, especially if you have trouble with stairs, but there’s a sturdy handrail, and assistance is available for those who need it.
After exploring the lighthouse, we broke for lunch and listened to Patty Kelly talk about life on the island. Her family has roots on South Manitou, and it was incredible to hear her insights, stories, and detailed knowledge of the island’s history.
Next, we boarded a tractor trailer for a tour of part of the island, including some of its iconic farms. Mammoth Distilling shared the history of Rosen Rye, which played a significant role in the island’s farming boom in the first half of the 1900s.
We visited a few more farms before it was time to head back to the mainland. I was at a loss for words about the place — the air just feels different over there.
I’ll have to return and camp on South Manitou.
Thank you to the Leelanau Historical Society and Manitou Transit for hosting this trip. If you haven’t been, go. Whether it’s a day trip or camping, you won’t regret it.
