Information on Traverse City, Michigan and the surrounding Northwest Michigan area

Manitou Islands

Chippewa Indian legend explains how a mother bear and her two cubs attempted to swim Lake Michigan, leaving Wisconsin because of a forest fire. The mother bear reached the western shore of Michigan and awaited the arrival of her cubs. She waited in vain and the Sleeping Bear Dunes now mark the site where the mother bear remained and the Manitou islands appeared, as commanded by the Great Spirit Manitou, to mark the location were each bear cub succumbed to the waters of Lake Michigan.

Over time numerous ships, much like the bear cubs, have failed to complete their journey across Lake Michigan and have either sunk or run aground in the waters around the islands. One ship, the Francisco Morazon, ran aground off South Manitou during a gale in November, 1960.

"Today, visitors can still view the wreck as it rests along the south shore," said Megan Munoz, co-owner of the Manitou Island Transit Company of Leland. "Visitors can also hike through the oldest growth of cedar forest in the country."

The Manitou Island Transit Company offers guided vehicle tours of South Manitou. Visitors to the rugged North Manitou should plan on staying the night. Overnight campers need both a National Park Entrance Permit and a Backcountry Pass. To learn more go to www.leelanau.com/manitou.

South Manitou: First, get on board the Mishe-Mokwa for an hour-and-a-half cruise to the island. The cruise passes the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and crosses the Manitou Passage shipping lane.

You can spend five hours on the island, either on a guided tour on an open-air vehicle or off on your own, exploring the islands trails and beaches.

Grab a bag lunch at one of Leland's many restaurants before heading out - there is nowhere to buy food on the island.

You can camp in three areas of South Manitou: the Bay, Weather Station and Popple Campgrounds. Pack light, because there is no transportation to or from the campgrounds.

The round trip to the island costs $25 for adults and $14 for kids. Guided tours are $8 for adults and $5 for kids. Call 256-9061 for more information.

North Manitou: This 15,000-acre wilderness will appeal to your inner explorer. An "open camping" system means you choose where to set up your campsite. The cost of transportation to North Manitou is the same as South Manitou.

From May 27-June 15, trips are only on Sunday and Friday. From June 15-June 30, trips are on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. From July 1-mid-Aug., trips are available every day.