Beaver Island
Beaver Island, the largest island in Lake Michigan, is a place of rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Known for its tight-knit community and remote charm, the island offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, ecological diversity, and cultural heritage. Beaver Island was called "amikwag-endaad" by the Ojibwe, meaning "where the beavers live." Today it is often nicknamed the "Emerald Isle" for its lush green foliage that covers much of the island.
This page brings together resources to help you explore, learn about, and connect with Beaver Island, whether you’re planning a visit, researching its history, or discovering ways to get involved in island life.
The comprehensive Beaver Island website is a production of the Beaver Island Chamber of Commcerce and is focused on visitor experiences, hotels, and recreation.
Quick facts
Population: 616 (2020 Census)
Total Area: 55.8 sq mi (145 sq km)
Lake: Michigan
Distance to mainland: 32 Miles
Country: USA
State: Michigan
County: Charlevoix
Townships: St. James Township, Peaine Township
Transportation
Ferry
Ferry Line · Passenger and car service, operates mid-April to mid-December.
Air Transit
Airlines · Passenger and freight service
Airports
Marina & Docks
Public Marias · Beaver Island has two public marinas operated by Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The South Marina is most often used by the general public and can be booked online with the DNR marina booking tool. Slips are available May 1st until October 1st
On-island Transportation
Car Rentals
Taxi Service · Seasonal taxi service is available to anywhere on Island from B's Taxi and Delivery Service. Taxis can be arranged by calling (989) 239-9292.
Island Life
Tourism
Chamber of Commerce · Comprehensive information about Beaver Island businesses and more.
Municipal
Townships · There are two townships on Beaver Island.
Community Resources
Community Foundation · Grants for local projects and nonprofit organizations.
Community Organizations & Information
Housing
Senior Housing
Workforce housing
Traditional Real Estate
Short Term Rentals · There are a wide variety of homes or cottages for rent on Beaver Island. Properties are roughly divided into three different areas, Harbor, East, and West. Beaver Island also has a variety of hotels and motels.
Essential Services
Education
Public School · K-12
Higher Education
Healthcare & Human Services
Hospital & Health Center
Emergency Services
Environment & Conservation
Natural Resources & Organizations
Conservancies, Parks, etc.
Culture & Lifestyle
Festivals & Events
Discover Beaver Island · Provides a calendar of annual and other events
Recreation
Trails & Parks, etc.
Township Parks & Recreation · Locations and resources for leisure and outdoor activities
News & Media
Traditional Newspaper Media · The Northern Islander newspaper is the oldest newspaper in Northern Michigan
Beaver Beacon · Annual magazine publication
Arts & Culture
Historical Society
Library
Arts & Culture Organizations
COMING SOON
Great Lakes Islands Navigator
The Great Lakes Islands Navigator is a physical print and electronic document publication that provides single-page layout information and graphics on each island in a concise, easy-to-read format. It's a great way to share information about islands. Navigator pages can be easily downloaded to print at home and/or publish online.
See anything that should be added, updated, or corrected? Reach out to us!
Contact Philip Rice, Communications Specialist, to submit changes, corrections, and suggestions for the resource directory. price@stewardshipnetwork.org