Beaver Island is the largest island in Lake Michigan and the third largest island in Michigan. There are two named communities on the island, both located in the north.
The unincorporated community of Beaver Island is in the northern portion of the island, while the unincorporated community and census-designated place known as St. James is on the northeastern coast of the island. Both of these communities are in St. James Township, which occupies only the northern portion of Beaver Island, while most of the island is in Peaine Township.
Although this section of the directory typically includes unincorporated communities, census-designated places, villages, and cities, the Beaver Island post office provides mail delivery throughout the island, and there are no named communities in the part of the island within Peaine Township, so this category will be used to cover the entire island.
Today, the island is known for its beaches, recreational harbors, forests, and secluded areas but, in the late 1840s and 50s, it was home to a Mormon religious colony, a theocratic monarchy ruled by a self-appointed king.
Upon the death of LDS founder Joseph Smith, most Mormons looked to Brigham Young as his successor, but some followed James Jesse Strang, who opposed Young's policies on polygamy. Strang moved his group of followers from Salt Lake City, Utah to Racine, Wisconsin in 1845. In 1847, he came to Beaver Island. At the time of their arrival, the island was inhabited only by a small number of Irish immigrants.
Known as the Strangites, this Mormon group did well on Beaver Island, and Strang quickly became a political power. They founded the village of St. James, which was named for Strang, and they constructed Kings Highway that continues to be one of the island's main roads leading to the interior of the island.
In 1850, Strang declared himself king, not of the island, but of the Church, which included most of the residents of the island.
Strang faced conflict with non-church members on the island, who accused him of forcibly seizing their property. Opposition came also from nearby Mackinac Island, and from President Millard Fillmore, who had Strang and other members of his group arrested in 1852. Acquitted on the grounds religious toleration, Strang returned to Beaver Island and turned his attention to politics. He was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1853, and again in 1855. He founded the first newspaper in Northern Michigan. In the November elections, he delivered the entire Mormon vote to the Democrat Party. As a reward, the Democratic legislature established Manitou County, which included several islands on Lake Michigan, with its seat at St. James, although the county was abolished in 1895.
In the end, Strang was brought down by a group of dissenting Mormons, from his own group, who assassinated him in June of 1856. Upon his death, a mob from Mackinac Island arrived, looting homes and businesses, raping women, seizing farm equipment and livestock, burning the Strangite church, and driving all of the Mormons from the island.
The Strangites were quickly replaced by Irish fishermen and new immigrants from Ireland. Fishing, farming, and logging were the chief industries on the island.
Currently, the island's economy is driven by recreational tourism, governmental services, and service industries. Much of the island is part of a state forest, and Central Michigan University operates a research facility on the island, hosting classes and workshops for students and researchers.
The island is served by two small airlines: Island Airways and Fresh Air Aviation, operating small propeller plans carrying from six to ten passengers. The Beaver Island Boat Company operates a scheduled ferry service from Charlevoix during most of the year, with two ferry boats in service.
There are two lighthouses on the island: Beaver Island Harbor Light, on the northern part of the island, which continues to be in operation, and Beaver Island Head Lighthouse, on the southern part of the island, which was deactivated in 1961.
The focus of resources listed in this category may include anything relating to the island, to the unincorporated communities of Beaver Island or St. James, or to any businesses, industries, transportation services, schools, churches, organizations, attractions, or events on the island. Topics related to the history of the island would also be appropriate for this category.
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@Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite)Places to Stay | Things to Do & Places to Go |
Recommended Resources
Published from August 2002 to November 2014 was a monthly magazine in which regular columnists and reporters provided coverage of important news and events for Beaver Island residents and visitors. Archived copies are available for viewing in PDF format. The site also highlights Beaver Island, a hardcover book of life in the Beaver Island Archipelago, which is available for purchase. A calendar of events and a directory of island businesses and services are included.
https://www.beaverbeacon.com/
Beaver Island is the center island of the Beaver Island Archipelago, offering nature and solitude, although it also offers the basic conveniences of life, including access either by airplane or ferry, grocery stores, hardware store, Internet access, a community center, museums, a yacht dock, and marina, gift shops, music festival, art galleries, and several events, particularly during the summer season. The site includes a guide to Beaver Island places of interest and events.
https://www.beaverisland.net/
The BIS is a membership organization that represents the interests of its membership on issues that affect the character of the island, including providing a forum for discussion of the governance of the island, acting as a liaison with the town government, supporting the preservation of island resources, and collaborating with tribes, environmental organizations, schools, and government agencies, and sponsoring environmental education programs and presentations.
https://www.beaverislandassociation.org/
Beaver Island is a stopover site for migratory birds flying up the lake on their way north to their breeding grounds, while other birds stay to nest on the island. The BIBT encompasses more than twelve thousand acres of state and township land. and four Little Traverse Conservancy preserves. A profile of the island is featured, including a map showing birding hot spots, and information about conservation and various issues facing birds. A calendar of events is included.
http://www.beaverislandbirdingtrail.org/
Established in 1984, the Beaver Island Boat Company was formed to return control of the ferry service to those who lived or owned property on Beaver Island, in Lake Michigan. Stock sales were discouraged to people who were not connected with the island or Charlevoix, and ownership of large blocks of stock was also discouraged. Its history, ferry schedules, rates, parking information, pet policies, luggage and freight policies, vehicle reservations, and contacts are posted.
https://www.bibco.com/
Beaver Island Christian Church
The multi-denominational Christian congregation meets at its facilities on Kenwabikise Lane on the island known as America’s Emerald Isle, otherwise called Beaver Island. Located just north of the Ferry Dock, the church is convenient to many of the island’s lodging locations. Service schedules and a schedule of visiting pastors are put forth, along with the congregation’s core beliefs and values, membership policies, leadership, congregational and outreach activities.
http://bichristianchurch.com/
Beaver Island Community School
The PK-12th-grade public school system serves Beaver Island in northern Lake Michigan, following a community-defined plan, music and art programs, and access to technology, and intramural and interscholastic sports. Student registration data, school closure announcements, and volunteer opportunities are posted to the site, which also highlights the district’s athletics program, clubs, activities, and traditions. Board policies, budget reports, and a school calendar are included.
https://www.beaverisland.k12.mi.us/
Offering prehospital medical care and transport on Beaver Island, Beaver Island EMS staffs a paramedic and an EMT on call 24 hours a day, as well as several volunteers who respond to emergencies when they are available. Its coverage extends beyond the island, as they offer emergency response to the surrounding waters and some of the outer islands of the Beaver Island Archipelago. Its services, capabilities, and training are highlighted, along with community services.
http://biems.org/
Powered by a phpBB forum script, the online discussion forum provides a venue for island residents and others with an interest in the island to discuss any number of topics, such as local events, business openings, job postings, lost and found notices, and general conversation and discussion, as well as another section for items for sale, trade, or free on the island. While discussions may be viewed without a login, participation requires a member account.
http://www.beaverislandforum.com/
Beaver Island Massage Therapy & Spa Services
Previously known as East Wind, the spa service is operated by a fully licensed massage therapist, a 17-year resident of Beaver Island, an Emergency Medical Technician, and a state-certified massage therapist and cosmetologist. The site discusses the benefits of massage therapy and a description of the services provided, which include traditional Swedish massage, Beaver Island basalt stone therapy, sports massage, chair massage, and on-site massage services.
https://www.beaverislandmassage.com/
Beaver Island Transportation Authority
The BITA is the owner of the M/V Emerald Isle, which is operated by the Beaver Island Boat Company (BIBCO), offering scheduled fixed-route ferry service to and from Charlevoix, Michigan to Beaver Island, Michigan. The M/V Beaver Islander is owned by BIBCO and also used for scheduled fixed-route service. Formed in 1993, BITA policies and notices are posted, along with boat information, schedules, and telephone numbers, meeting dates, and board members.
https://www.beaverislandtransportationauthority.com/
More than seventy years ago, the BIWC was organized for charitable, scientific, and educational purposes, and particularly to preserve fish and wildlife throughout the Beaver Island Archipelago. Membership information and a membership form are published, along with a newsletter, photo gallery, calendar of events, and reports on various projects. Tournaments, hunter’s safety courses, and other events sponsored by the organization are highlighted.
http://www.beaverislandwildlifeclub.org/
Highlighting Beaver Island, the largest island on Lake Michigan, also known as America’s Emerald Isle, the website highlights things to do on the island, including special events, transportation options, and a map of the island, as well as a guide to visiting the island, a business directory, a directory of island artists, and a calendar of events. Also included are an introduction to the Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce, membership types, and costs.
https://www.beaverisland.org/
The Beaver Island, Michigan realtor has been selling homes and lots on the island for more than forty years. Located on Back Highway, the real estate office hours and contacts are published to the site, and the real estate team is introduced. Available properties are listed by property type, including waterfront homes, Lake Michigan frontage, inland homes, and cottages, lake view lots and homes, inland acreage, business, and land properties. An informational FAQ is included.
https://www.edwojanrealty.com/
Offering daily flights from Charlevoix to Beaver Island, Michigan, a fare schedule is published to the site, and its policies on parking, luggage, and transporting pets are put forth, and reservations may be made online. The airline also offers regular flights to Mackinac Island and Bois Blanc Island, as well as lighthouse tours and charter flights, all of which are highlighted here, along with employment opportunities. Text and email alerts on weather and flights are available.
https://www.freshairaviation.net/
Part of the Diocese of Gaylord, the Roman Catholic church serves the Catholic community of Beaver Island, Michigan. Its parish, church, and Convent vacation rental and retreat facilities are described, including a photo gallery, mass schedules, and a calendar of congregational and community events. Business sponsors are acknowledged, and contact information is put forth. A guide to transportation options to and from the island are included.
https://holycrossbeaverisland.com/
Based in Charlevoix, the airline has provided daily air passenger service from the Charlevoix Airport to Welke Airport on Beaver Island for more than seventy years. Its site features information about its aircraft, destinations, and pricing, including pet charges. An interactive map depicts the places that the airline serves. Other resources include airport and weather data, a gallery of photographs, live webcams, media reports, and other online Beaver Island links.
http://www.islandairways.com/
State licensed, insured, and certified in lead safety and weatherization, the Beaver Island, Michigan construction company offers a variety of services, residential and commercial, including new construction, remodels, additions, garages, cottages, cabins, excavation, and insurance claims, as well as spray foam insulation, and property management services. Its office location, hours, and telephone numbers are posted, and consultations may be scheduled online.
https://mcdonoughconstructioninc.com/
Beaver Island, Michigan’s only newspaper is published monthly, offering news, feature stories, photographs, editorials, and other articles depicting life on Beaver Island, as well as supplement pages recording historic articles from the archives of the Beaver Beacon. Its advertising policies and rates are published, along with information about the Beaver Island Chamber, a guide to island transportation options, business directory, and calendar of events.
https://www.northern-islander.com/
Located entirely on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan, Peaine Township makes up all but a small northern section of the island, which is part of St. James Township. There are no named communities within the civil township. With its offices in Beaver Island, Michigan, township government offices and departments are listed, with office hours and contacts, a township calendar, community events, news, announcements, and a brief history and profile of the township.
http://www.peainetwp.org/
Formed in the late 1960s, the PSJA began as a summer residential subdivision of just over a thousand individual properties on Beaver Island, although some of its members have built year-round homes in the Association, while others have chosen to retire to become permanent island residents. The PSJA manages a community controlled by protective covenants that specify the uses for which a property may be put, including the type of buildings permissible.
http://www.theportofstjamesassociation.org/
Richards Rental Management Services
RRMS is a property management service, managing the accounts of cottage, cabin, and home rental property, including online bookings on Beaver Island, Michigan. Its services to property owners are outlined, and available properties are listed on the site, including vacation rental homes, short stays, pet-friendly vacation rentals, year-round rentals, and winter rentals. A map of the island showing available properties is displayed, and client testimonies are posted to the site.
http://beaver-island-rentals.com/
Featuring handcrafted cherry wood products, made on Beaver Island, Michigan, including strip wood canoes and dingys, longboards, stand-up paddle boats, paddles, push sticks, treasure boxes, buckets, and bowls, as well as custom products, many of which are highlighted on its site, which also sells apparel and other items. Also featured are vacation rentals and auto rentals on the island, which may be booked through Airbnb or VRBO.
http://www.stjamesboatshop.com/
Headquartered in the community of St. James, Michigan, on Beaver Island, St. James consists entirely of islands. Those with a permanent population include Beaver Island, Garden Island, Gull Island, High Island, Hog Island, Squaw Island, Trout Island, and Whiskey Island, although most of its population is in St. James, at the northeastern end of Beaver Island. The official township site includes a township calendar, election information, and a guide to local services.
http://www.stjamestwp.org/
Stoney Acre Grill & Donegal Danny’s Pub
Built in 1947 as a dairy barn, Stoney Acre Grill opened as a family restaurant in the mid-1980s, and Donegal Danny’s, a traditional Irish pub, was added in 2005, its bar coming from a former upscale Toledo hotel. The history of the building is featured on the site, along with its address, its location on a map, and its opening hours. The restaurant’s menu is published to the site, including special offers and events, and a gallery of photographs.
https://www.stoneyacre-donegaldannys.com/
For more than twenty years, Tara’s Meadow has hosted retreats, sojourns, and educational events on Beaver Island, networking between individuals, groups, and organizations, and offering classes, workshops, and seasonal gatherings for college students, school groups, and organizations. Its personal care sessions, body prayers, and meditation, workshops, classes, weddings, and ceremonies are discussed, with rates, fees, photos, and testimonials.
http://www.tarasmeadow.com/
Broadcasting from St. James, Michigan, on Beaver Island, WVBI-LP is a variety formatted radio station licensed to Beaver Island, Michigan, and owned and operated by the Preservation Association of Beaver Island, which also operates the Beaver Island Community Center. With some exceptions, the station airs what it refers to as the Cottage Mix, which consists of Pop, Oldies, Country, Celtic, Jazz, and other Beaver Island favorites. Program schedules are posted.
https://wvbi.biccenter.org/
