Great Lakes Islands Bucket List
Late last winter I wrote a post about winter mindsets. I feel like I have explored and found a framework for making peace with, and even enjoying, winter. But you know what? Sometimes you just need a little summer dreaming pick-me-up.
And I need that this week! Holy smokes. It has been an abrupt and deep plunge into winter here in Cleveland. Winter made herself known early with a snow the evening of November 9th. That melted fairly quickly, but she decided to move in to stay on Thanksgiving. Since then it has been cold, snowy, and given the calendar, dark.
With that in mind, I’m sitting by the fire and thinking about some Great Lakes islands that are on my bucket list.
Pelee Island, Lake Erie
Pronounced Pee-lee Island, this is the largest island in Lake Erie and is the southernmost populated landmass in Canada. The island is 42 square miles with only a couple hundred year round residents. It does swell some in the summer, but by all accounts seems like a pretty chill place where expectations should be walking, biking, swimming and wildlife gazing.
The draw for me: Less can be more. I found a Lake Erie Living magazine article with the following quote from Mayor Cathy Miller of Pelee, “It it’s less you’re after, we have more of it. We’re loved for what we’re not.” This marketing messaging works for me. I look forward to heading to Sandusky, OH sometime to catch the ferry there (between April and early October).
Beaver Island, Lake Michigan
Beaver Island is the largest island in Lake Michigan at 55.8 square miles. Most visitors take a ferry from Charlevoix to the island (2 hours), but it can also be reached by small plane. It’s a great destination for kayakers or bikers. There is a new Beaver Island water trail for kayakers that circles the island.
The draw for me: The island is an international dark sky sanctuary. As defined by DarkSky International: A dark sky sanctuary consists of public or private land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural or educational value, it’s cultural heritage and/or public enjoyment. Bring on the stars.
Manitoulin Island, Lake Huron
I have written some about Manitoulin before. It is the largest lake island in the world. At over 1,000 square miles, it so large that it has over 100 inner lakes itself. It anchors the northern end of the Georgian Bay region which I’m excited to explore sometime. There are two incorporated towns and eight townships but overall, the island remains sparsely populated and attracts visitors for hiking and fishing.
The draw for me: The island has significant history and cultural importance to several First Nations ancestral groups. The island name is and English and French translation of an Ojibwe word that means “spirit island”. It is home to many indigenous artists.
Isle Royale, Lake Superior
My post on Isle Royale in 2023 probably generated the greatest number of emails I have received from readers. A number of folks were excited to reengage with a topic from their science classes of the past where the famed moose and wolf ecological experiment had been discussed. Others who are devoted to US National Parks had it on their lists for a visit.
The draw for me: The utter remoteness of it. Ontario sits 15 miles away and Michigan 56 miles. It’s out there in the inland sea of Lake Superior.
Mackinac Island, Lake Huron
I am curious about Mackinac Island, but it probably sits lower on my list of destinations. This despite the fact that it is potentially the most famous island in the Great Lakes. It definitely gets some mainstream media and social media traction with images of its iconic Victorian-era Grand Hotel. I remember a reference to it in the first episode of the Netflix show Emily in Paris. She tells a Parisian she’s never been anywhere other than visiting Mackinac Island for some fudge one time.
The draw: The island is car-free and offers transportation in horse-drawn carts and carriages, golf carts, and bicycles.
Just taking time to read and write about these places lets me know there are things to look forward it. It’s always good to have something, big or small, actual or imagined, to look forward to.
