Your First Visit to Beaver Island
Getting to Beaver Island by Boat or Plane
By Ferry :
BEAVER ISLAND BOAT COMPANY
For 30 years, Beaver Island Boat Company’s ferry service has been providing the most affordable travel for passengers, vehicles and freight between Charlevoix and Beaver Island. Ride the Boat, forget your watch and begin to get acquainted to “Island Time”. Feel yourself start to relax the moment you board one of our ferry vessels. Soak up the sun and cool lake breezes of Lake Michigan on our open air deck, or curl up with a good book and loved one in our comfortable passenger cabins. A trip aboard one of our ferries is a must for those who believe the journey should be just as wonderful as the destination.
Experience the rich history and natural beauty of America’s Emerald Isle on one of our Beaver Island Tours, available daily from Memorial Day-Labor Day. For more information please call us! 888-446-4095 or (231) 547-2311. View Web Site E-mail
By Plane :
FRESH AIR AVIATION
Air Service to Beaver Island from the Charlevoix Airport. Charter flights to the destination of your choice. Welcome to Fresh Air Aviation where getting to Beaver Island has never been easier or more enjoyable. As your committed aviation service provider we take our mission seriously. We use modern, well-appointed and comfortable aircraft piloted by experienced aviation professionals. Come experience the difference. Reservations can be made online at www.freshairaviation.net
or call 1-888-FLY-RGHT (359-7448) or (231) 237-9482. View Web Site E-mail
ISLAND AIRWAYS
For more than 70 years we have been both Charlevoix and Beaver Island’s committed aviation service provider. At Island Airways, you are more than just a passenger, you are part of our family. Our operation is based in the main Airport Terminal located on the Charlevoix Airport. With our friendly staff and our history of safe, comfortable, and competitively priced flights, we’re ready to serve all your aviation needs. We offer charter flights to a multitude of locations in the United States, as well as freight and passenger services to Beaver Island and Charlevoix. We are also the certified carrier of the U.S. Mail, UPS, and FedEx. In addition, we are certified to ship hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) to Beaver Island. Our Beaver Island-Welke airport services include maintenance, free wireless internet, rental cars, and much more. We are here to accommodate all of your aviation needs! Contact us today (800) 524-6895 Website
Most Frequently Asked Questions by First Time Visitors
Beaver Island has a modern 14,000 square foot Spartan store and two handy convenience stores. There are two gas stations, a hardware and building supply store, a spa and many gift stores and recreational businesses. Restaurants range from family fast food to outstanding casual dinning.
Beaver Island has a modern well equipped Rural Health Center staffed by two experienced Nurse Practitioners who have 24 hour access to emergency physicians on the mainland. Physicians visit monthly. Care is available 24/7. We also have an outstanding Emergency Medical Service (EMS) and Fire Department. The EMS response time is faster than in most cities. In the case of serious illness or injury charter flights to the mainland are available including an Air Ambulance. In a worst case weather scenario the United States Coast Guard can send a helicopter from Traverse City. Excellent hospitals are located in Charlevoix, Petoskey, and Traverse City.
The Island is about 13 miles long and 6 miles wide, about 54 square miles in area. There is a lot to see and enjoy. You can get a taste of Beaver Island in a day. The Boat Company offers tours, and a flight from Charlevoix will get you to the Island in only 15 minutes. If you plan a couple of days or a week you will not be disappointed. You can bring your car or bike on the ferry. Both cars and bikes can be rented here. The Harbor and village are at the north end of the Island and some beautiful beaches and woodlands are at the south end. Bikes are great but if you really want to “see it all” bring your car or rent.
The Island has several miles of paved roads and a one mile paved non-motorized path. Most of the roads are clay – gravel. The ideal Beaver Island bike is an off road type. There are many miles of “logging” forest roads that are ideal for enjoying nature on an off road type bike.
Beaver Island is NOT expensive. A comfortable room for the night can be had for under $100 even in the summer. Homes for rent start at $600 per week. Places on Lake Michigan start at about $1,000. Lodging is less expensive than comparable vacation locations in other Northern Michigan communities. Food and fuel is a little higher because of transportation costs. Beaver Island has historically been a great middle-class family vacation destination, and it still is.
Summer is the most popular time to visit and when most families chose to come. But many locals and regular visitors consider spring and fall their favorite. Beaver Island’s fall colors are spectacular and occur a little later than on the mainland because of the temperature moderation brought about by Lake Michigan. The big lake remains warm enough for swimming well into September. Some lodging “bargains” are available in the spring and fall.
The Beaver Island insect population isn’t significantly different than any other destination with a similar environment and climate. Flies vary by location and time of day based on numerous factors. There is no “fly season” like in some parts of Canada. The population of insects and others animals on Beaver Island is much like other locations in northern lower Michigan of about the same latitude.
It depends on your service provider. Many cell phones work very well. Others offer little or low levels of service. AT&T and Verizon have invested in antennas serving Beaver Island. Service continues to improve and Island wide coverage is coming soon. Beaver Island is located about 30 miles north of Charlevoix MI and the zip code is 49782. Your cell service provider should be able to answer your service questions.
Currently free wireless internet is available right across from the ferry dock at the Community Center. They also have public computers. You can connect at the Public Library and they also have some public computers. On Main Street the Shamrock, Beachcomber and Harbour Market coffee shop offer free Wi-Fi and the Chamber of Commerce broadcasts a free connection on Main Street as well from the office on the Municipal Marina property. Some accommodations providers also offer service with more coming on board all the time. Check their listings found in the left column on the home page.
Yes you can. They are subject to the same Michigan laws as on the mainland. Beaver Island is in Charlevoix County, and pursuant to state statute and county ordinance ORV’s may be operated on the far right of the maintained portion of county roads. The Island community asks that ORV’s not be used for regular transportation on Main Street in the “downtown” area. They may be operated on private property only with owner’s permission, and may not be operated on beaches, dunes or other public property. There are no designated public ORV trails on Beaver Island.
In general Beaver Island is pet friendly for well mannered pets. The boat company and both air carriers will make transportation arrangements for pets.
Some rental property owners allow pets. You should check with them during the reservations process.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce and we will do our best to answer.
Chamber@BeaverIsland.org 231.448.2505
Car Rentals:
BURTONS CAR RENTAL
Burton Car & E-Bike Rentals – Conveniently located right down town Beaver Island. Drop-off and Pick-up Available to Island Airways, Fresh Air Aviation, and the Beaver Island Boat Company. Visit our for rental pricing and details. Call 231-838-2883 to schedule a car or E-Bike for your visit. Your Year Around Beaver Island Rental Service.
(231) 838-2883 View Web Site
DUFFY’S AUTO RENTAL & SERVICE
Duffy’s Rentals has been providing Beaver Island visitors with reliable car service for years. Our primary goal is to provide the best customer service possible so you can simply enjoy the island and worry less about the details. As the largest car rental on the island and the only car rental that has a private service shop onsite, we provide the best rental maintenance on the island!
(231) 448-3132 View Web Site E-mail
Taxi Service:
B’S TAXI AND DELIVERY SERVICES
Seasonal taxi service to anywhere on Island. Friendly and knowledgeable. Give me a call! (989) 239-9292.