South Manitou Island Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Island

Facts and practical information

South Manitou Island, located in the beautiful Leelanau County of Michigan, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. This island is a part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and is known for its pristine beaches, lush forests, and rich history.

One of the most popular attractions on the island is the South Manitou Island Lighthouse. This historic lighthouse was built in 1871 and served as a guiding light for ships navigating the waters of Lake Michigan. Visitors can take a guided tour of the lighthouse and learn about its fascinating past, as well as enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape from the top.

Nature enthusiasts will be in paradise on South Manitou Island, as it offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Hiking trails wind through the island's forests, leading to beautiful overlooks and secluded beaches. The island is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a wide array of bird species, making it a perfect destination for birdwatching and wildlife photography.

For those interested in history, the island boasts several historic sites, including a cemetery dating back to the 1800s and the remains of an old shipwreck. Visitors can also explore the island's ghost town, which was once a bustling community of farmers and loggers.

In addition to its natural and historical attractions, South Manitou Island offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visitors can relax on the sandy shores of the island's beaches, go for a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan, or simply take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Alternative names: Area: 8.28 mi²Maximum elevation: 610 ftCoordinates: 45°1'22"N, 86°6'52"W

Location

MichiganUnited States

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South Manitou Island Top Attractions

South Manitou Island Attractions - What to See and Explore

South Manitou Island offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: South Manitou Island Lighthouse, Hutzler's Barn, George Conrad Hutzler Farm. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Lighthouse • Vernacular architecture
South Manitou Island Lighthouse
South Manitou Island Lighthouse is located on South Manitou Island in Lake Michigan, 16 miles west of Leland, Michigan. It is in Leelanau County in western Northern Michigan.
45°2'16"N • 86°6'52"W
Hutzler's Barn
Hutzler's Barn is an agricultural building located north of the cemetery on South Manitou Island. It is the oldest remaining portion of George Johann Hutzler's homestead, and is significant for its role in the development of prize-winning Rosen rye and Michelite seeds.
Neighbourhood
George Conrad Hutzler Farm
The George Conrad Hutzler Farm, also known as the Conrad Hutzler Farm, is a historic farmstead located on South Manitou Island in Lake Michigan.

Day trips

South Manitou Island – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of South Manitou Island, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Turtle Creek Stadium (Traverse City), Pottawatomie Light (Rock Island), Cana Island Lighthouse (Baileys Harbor).

32 milesSE
Arenas and stadiums, Baseball, Sport venue
Turtle Creek Stadium, Traverse City
Turtle Creek Stadium is a 4,660-seat multi-use entertainment facility in Blair Township, Michigan, in the United States that hosted its first regular season baseball game on May 24, 2006, as the tenants of the facility, the Traverse City Beach Bums, took on the Kalamazoo Kings.
45 milesNW
Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Pottawatomie Light, Rock Island
Pottawatomie Lighthouse, also known as the Rock Island Light, is located in Rock Island State Park, on Rock Island in Door County, Wisconsin. Lit in 1836, it is the oldest light station in Wisconsin and on Lake Michigan.
46 milesW
Lighthouse
Cana Island Lighthouse, Baileys Harbor
The Cana Island lighthouse is a lighthouse located just north of Baileys Harbor in Door County, Wisconsin, United States. Along with the Baileys Harbor Range Lights, the lighthouse was built to replace the Baileys Harbor Lighthouse in 1869 and was first lit in 1870.
30 milesNE
Specialty museum, Museum, Lighthouse
Grand Traverse Light, Leelanau State Park
Grand Traverse Light is a lighthouse in the U.S. state of Michigan, located at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, which separates Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. It marks the Manitou passage, where Lake Michigan elides into Grand Traverse Bay. In 1858, the present light was built, replacing a separate round tower built in 1852.
24 milesS
View point, Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Point Betsie Light, Frankfort
Point Betsie Light is located on the northeast shore of Lake Michigan — at the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage — north of Frankfort in Benzie County in Northern Michigan. Construction began in 1854, but it was not completed until 1858, and began service in the shipping season of 1859. The lighthouse cost $5,000 to build.