Annual Manitou Island Day Trip – 2024
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to explore South Manitou Island with the Leelanau Historical Society! This exclusive day trip offers a rare chance to delve into the island’s rich history, guided by the museum staff and local history experts. Enjoy a ride through the Manitou Passage on Lake Michigan aboard the Mishe Mokwa ferry. This year we will be partnering with Mammoth Distilling to showcase a special project they have undertaken, the “Rebirth of Rosen Rye” on South Manitou Island.
Date: September 9th, 2024 (Rain Date: September 10th, 2024)
Location: South Manitou Island
Seats still available!
South Manitou Island: Nestled within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, South Manitou Island is a hidden gem brimming with historical and natural wonders. From historic farmsteads and the iconic South Manitou Island Lighthouse, the island served as a vital harbor of refuge for ships in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Seize this unique opportunity to uncover the hidden stories and natural splendor of South Manitou Island. Register early to ensure your place on this captivating journey with the Leelanau Historical Society! Seating is limited.
Trip Details:
First and foremost, please be aware that although scheduled for Monday, September 9th, this trip will be determined by the weather. High wind or heavy rain (among other conditions!) will cause us to travel on Tuesday, September 10th. The boat captain makes this decision the morning of the trip. We will inform registrants of the change via the email provided when registering.
This exclusive day trip, hosted by the Leelanau Historical Society, offers a rare chance to delve into the island’s rich history, guided by the museum staff and local experts. Enjoy a ride through the Manitou Passage on Lake Michigan aboard the Mishe-Mokwa ferry.
- Cost: $85 for LHS Members, $115 for Non LHS Members
- Cancellation Fee: 50% within 15 days of the trip
- Amenities: Primitive (flushing toilets, a source of drinking water, picnic tables, trash receptacles)
- Water: In an effort to reduce waste we will no longer provide bottled water. Bring your own reusable water bottle. A potable source of drinking water is available near the dock to fill up.
- Lunch: Pack your own lunch/sandwich. Beverages (soft drinks), snacks, and sweets will be provided. A cash bar and additional snacks are available for purchase on the ferry.
- Dress: Good walking shoes/boots, dress in layers, light jacket, hat, backpack. (bug spray, sunscreen, walking sticks, binoculars, and a watch are also recommended.)
Presenters/Tour Options:
Our presenters are local experts and historians volunteering their time to share their knowledge of South Manitou Island. We are pleased to have in attendance, Laura Quackenbush, former NPS museum technician, who researched and designed the current exhibits in the Island’s museum. We will also have Collin Gaudard, head distiller at Mammoth Distilling doing a special tour of the farming location for the “Rebirth of Rosen Rye“.
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. We will have interesting guides and interpreters volunteering their time who will share their knowledge of South Manitou Island.
Questions: please call Kim or Elizabeth at the Leelanau Historical Society at 231-256-7475.
Photo Gallery from Past Trips on North and South Manitou Island.
