Michigan is home to plenty of well-known islands, from Mackinac to the Manitou Islands. While these gorgeous destinations are favorites for tourists and longtime Michiganders alike, nothing compares to the magic of exploring a largely untouched island in the midst of our Great Lakes. There’s one island here in Michigan that few have heard of — and you’ll want to see it for yourself.
Charity Island is a limestone outcropping located within Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay.
This stunning destination is comprised of 222 acres and dates back more than 350 million years — talk about a long and utterly fascinating history!
For approximately 2,000 years, the island was inhabited by Native Americans, many of whom used it as a vital location for sculpting stone tools.
Following colonization by both the French and the British, Charity Island was ultimately declared an official United States territory in 1805.
For years, the Charity Island Light played a key role in shipping on the Great Lakes. While the original lighthouse was eventually put out of service by the construction of the Gravelly Shoals light, both still stand.
So, how can one visit and explore this largely forested natural wonderland? For a fee, curious Michiganders can take a boat to the island and even enjoy a dinner cruise.
Guided boat departures to the island are available from both Caseville and Au Gres, so you’ll need to park at one of these two ports before beginning your journey.
For an incredibly unique experience, purchase tickets for the 1857 Lighthouse Dining Adventure Cruise, which is just as wonderful as it sounds.
Guests on this cruise will have the chance to stroll through the woods, learn about the island’s history, and enjoy a delicious dinner at the Charity Island Light.
The schedule is even carefully planned so guests will be able to catch a sunset during the return journey — can you imagine anything more breathtaking?
As if that weren’t enough, Charity Island can even be rented out for weddings. It’s tough to imagine a more whimsical destination for a Great Lakes State ceremony.
So, what are you waiting for? Boat cruises continue through the first half of October, so there’s still time to enjoy a Charity Island journey this year.
This is one magical excursion here in Michigan that you’ll certainly never forget.
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For details about tickets, schedules, departure locations, and the island itself, click here. Have you had a chance to visit Charity Island? We’d love to hear your stories and see your photos in the comments!
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