This is a beautiful, 1900 square foot vacation home with beds for 6 adults and a pull out queen sofa in the lower level. Most people coming to Beaver Island look forward to its abundant nature and solitude. We love to wake up early, watch the sun rise and listen to the peace and quiet. On a clear day, you can even see the Mackinac Bridge from the cottage. We also love to just sit out at the beach house in the evening to watch the wildlife. It can be a very tranquil and quiet place.
The property sits on 10 grassy and wooded acres on Lake Michigan. We are secluded, you won't see another house from the cottage, but we're located just 5-6 miles from town. Not too close, yet not too far away.
Summers are pretty lazy and carefree. This is a great place for a family (or a few families) to reconnect. Sit around by the water, play games, read a good book (or 2), or enjoy 'smores over an evening campfire. Although located on 10 acres of Lake Michigan waterfront, this is not a great swimming beach. There are some nice sandy beaches on the Island for swimming.
St. James beach is a short trip from the cottage. You can buzz into town for a coffee. ice cream cone or a drink without draining your wallet. You can also go for a swim or spend the afternoon at the beach. There is always something going on. Take a trip to the bottom of the island and set out on a beach hike or just enjoy the beach. If you are looking for relaxation or a little adventure, this Island has it all.
Most people don't know this but September is a wonderful time to come to Beaver Island. The weather is perfect and the colors are spectacular!
The cottage features 3 bedrooms plus a hide-a-bed. One of the bedrooms is on the first floor. The cottage has 2 full bathrooms, there is a nice family area and kitchen with stainless steel appliances. We have a fire pit and a beach house. There is a nice deck with a picnic table that seats about 10. The cottage comes with plenty of fans if you need them but if you open the windows you will be treated to a very nice breeze that keeps the house very comfortable in the summer.
Beaver Island is the most remote inhabited island in the Great Lakes, located in Lake Michigan about 30 miles north of Charlevoix.
There are fine museums, gift shops, art galleries, a golf course and tennis courts, Island tours, house parties, classes at CMU, and dances and plays at the Hall. Much of what the island offers is free: beachcombing, bird watching, biking, camping, hunting, fishing, x-c skiing, or exploring the other islands. There are over 100 miles of scenic roads, and too many old trails to count.
You may come to the island by ferry service from Charlevoix, charter boat, or airplane.
Getting to the Island:
Two businesses provide regular air transportation between Charlevoix and the island. The trip takes about 15 minutes each way, and both carriers make several trips daily, based on passenger reservations.
Fresh Air Aviation - (231)237-9482 or (888)359-7448. Island Airways (231)547-2141 (Charlevoix).
Beaver Island Boat Company, Charlevoix - (231)547-2311 or (888)446-4095. A 2-hour ferry ride to the island from Charlevoix. Call them for prices. Bicycles cost extra. Ferries run daily from June to Mid-September (usually one crossing per day, but up to four times on peak travel days), with a reduced schedule (at least M/W/F) beginning in April and ending in mid-December. The vessel, Emerald Isle, is used for most journeys and is wheelchair accessible.
Car ferry service from Charlevoix is available from Beaver Island Boat Company (see above). Prices vary. You must make reservations to ensure a spot on the boat for your vehicle. Number to call is (231)547-2311.
You can also rent a car while on the Island:
Beaver Island Car Rentals (231)448-2300
Gordon's Auto Rentals (231)448-2438