North Manitou Island Day Trip – 2021
***Registration is CLOSED – Tickets are sold out for 2021***
(Join us September 2022 for this annual event!)
Register Now
North Manitou Island – Monday, September 13th, 2021
$75 for members or $100 for non-members
The cancellation fee is 50% within 15 days of the trip.
Pack your own lunch. Cold beverages and snacks will be provided
This event is hosted by the Leelanau Historical Society showcasing the unique history of the Manitou Islands. Amenities on the island are primitive, this includes pit toilets and one source of potable water. Unforeseen circumstances do occur that cause us to alter our plans, we kindly ask for your patience and flexibility if we need to change our agenda while on the island. We promise you will have a unique historical experience.
The North Manitou Island site tours will focus on the history of Cottage Row, the Life-saving Station, the lumber industry, history of rural agriculture and other aspects of island life. We will have interesting guides and interpreters volunteering their time who will share their knowledge of North Manitou Island.
There will be 3 designated time slots for the Site Tours of your choice. There will be 6 Site Tour options to choose from. There is no need to sign up for specific tours in advance. You can pick which ones that are of interest to you on the day of the trip. Specific Site Tours and Speakers to be announced. A walking guide and map will be provided the day of the trip. The schedule is designed to allow for time to walk between historic sites and, if you choose to, simply enjoy the beach and charm of North Manitou.
General Schedule:
8:00am – 8:45 Check-In at the Dock at the Leland Harbor
8:45am Board the Boat (Mishe-Mokwa)
9:00am Depart for North Manitou Island
10:00am Arrive on North Manitou Island
10:00am-10:30am Disembark, bathroom break before tours begins
10:30am-12:00pm Morning Site Tours
10:45am TOUR CHOICE #1 (Duration 30 minutes)
11:30am TOUR CHOICE #2 (Duration 30 minutes)
12:00 -1:30pm Lunch break in the village
(Pack your own lunch. Cold beverages and snacks will be provided)
1:30pm-3:00pm Afternoon Sites Tour and/or enjoy the beach and charm of North Manitou
1:45pm TOUR CHOICE #3 (Duration 30 minutes)
3:00pm Board boat
3:30pm Boat departs to circle the North Manitou Shoal Lighthouse, “The Crib” (Weather permitting)
We should return to Leland no later than 5:30pm (if not earlier)
First and foremost, please be aware that although scheduled for Monday, September 13th, this trip will be determined by the weather. High wind or heavy rain (among other conditions!) will cause us to travel on Tuesday, September 14th. The boat captain makes this decision the morning of the trip. We will be riding aboard the MISHE- MOKWA, so definitely bring a jacket and hat if you plan to sit on the top deck!
Dress: Good walking shoes/boots are essential; dress in layers and include a light jacket, depending on the weather. Hats, backpacks, bug spray, sunscreen, or bags come in handy. A watch is recommended.
Food: Remember that you must bring your own sandwich. We will provide beverages (water and soft drinks), snacks and cookies. This eases the process in case of cancellation or using the rain date. Cash bar and additional snacks are available for purchase on the boat. If you like, you can contact the Village Cheese Shanty ahead of time to order a sandwich and they will have it ready for you in the morning for pick up. www.villagecheeseshanty.com. 231-256-9141. They have requested that you place your order prior to 3pm the day before the trip.
Parking: You may park in the Leelanau Historical Society lot (and nearby) at 203 E. Cedar Street, which is behind the Old Art Building and next to the Leland Library. (A couple of blocks walk to the dock.) There may be spaces available near the dock. To find the Manitou Island Transit dock at Leland Harbor, cross the bridge and turn left at W. River Street, immediately after the Leland Mercantile. You will see signs for Fishtown and the ferry.
If you have questions, please call Kim or Elizabeth at the Leelanau Historical Society at 231-256-7475.
Photo Gallery from Past Trips:
- Discover more history behind North Manitou Island prior to your trip. Check out the historically detailed Map & Book in our gift shop created by Rita Hadra Rusco, the last person to live on the island before it became part of the National Park.