Beaver Island Trip - Lake Michigan

[bigblockcutlass]

We visited Beaver Island a few years ago on a trip to Mackinac. It's a quiet place to be certain. There were two marinas, a municipal and private. The private marina offered more services (and is where you can rent a vehicle) but access crossed shallow water so don't know how bad that might be now. The municipal marina has fixed docks and offers basic dockage. That is where we slipped. We enjoyed our overnight there, but really don't have a strong desire to return. We were there on a Sunday when many of the island businesses were closed, not that there are many to begin with. There were boats near your class in the marina so you definately wouldn't be the first.

Our cruise last year included a stop in the Charlevoix area. Because the Charlevoix Municipal (and Leland for that matter) has decided through their price schedule that they are a "premium" marina, we opted to cruise on to Boyne City for a three day stay and slipped at Harborage Marina. I can't recommend that place enough. The facilities are awesome, floating docks, bath suites, clean and spacious grounds, it's just a bit away from the downtown buzz, and close enough to easily walk to restaurants. Much more relaxed and laid back than the zoo at Charlevoix for half the cost. It's a condo-marina but they maintain transient slips. I"d give the restaurants in Boyne City the edge to anything in Charlevoix as well. Cafe Sante was particularly pleasing to our tastes with a stop next door at the ice cream parlor for some Michigan made Moomers Ice Cream for dessert. We had an outstanding two week trip, and this port was near the top.

How much is it to stay at Leeland? was $40 a night two seasons ago. I stayed three nights, it was nice.

 

[sbw1]

How much is it to stay at Leeland? was $40 a night two seasons ago. I stayed three nights, it was nice.

You can Google Leland harbor and you will find an email address. Russ is the harbor master. Emails are answered. Not sure what the dock prices are now, but they raised them and the price of gas/diesel two years ago due to the need for dredging each year. Money collected by various governments through fuel taxes was spent on other things and Leland had to come up with local funds to open. Great harbor and good places to eat nearby. We have started to fuel up and pump out in nearby ports because the Leland prices are high and we feel that we are being taken advantage of. We still do go there and support local businesses. Great spot.

 

[play dough]

Agreed, Leland is a nice stop and I have nothing but good things to say about the harbor renovation. But transient slip fees rival those of a resort marina with much more in amenities. It cost me $2/foot in July 2012. $60/night for my 30' DA and with fuel prices there usually on the high side, I'll try to plan around that port for future cruises. In contrast all my other dockage (state, municipal, and private) were $35/night or less over the 5 ports visited in NW Michigan last summer.

 

[pchanson8]

Spent some time in Leland, Charlevoix, Boyne city and Bay Harbor in 2010. I agree with Play dough. Boyne city was a big surprise. We spent nights at the Muni and a private marina in Charlevoix but had the best time in Boyne City. Even prices for ice cream and dinner were more reasonable than anywhere we had been. We lucked out, at least I think we did, there was a block party going on the night we were there and I was buying craft beers for $1.95 from a little deli and everyone was on the street dancing with a band and every store front was making and selling BBQ. I even rescued a sinking boat (baffles were blown out) that night by towing it to the lift pocket so they could get it out. They had the fire rescue there pumping it out as they waited for the lift operator to get there and the boats own pump could not keep up.

 

[surfinjoe]

Thanks for all the feedback. I will check out Boyne City for sure! So far, I have planned (3) days in Grand Haven, (1) day at Traverse City, maybe 1-2 days in Boyne City/Charlevoix, and possibly (1) day in Chicago at the playpen.

 

[sbw1]

I just got an email from Russ who is the harbor master in Leland. He said the Harbor Commission just voted to reduce the slip fees from $2.00 a foot the $1.60 a foot for 2013. Nice to see some response to the push back they must have received during the past two seasons. Another reason to keep Leland on the list of places to visit.

 

[play dough]

I just got an email from Russ who is the harbor master in Leland. He said the Harbor Commission just voted to reduce the slip fees from $2.00 a foot the $1.60 a foot for 2013. Nice to see some response to the push back they must have received during the past two seasons. Another reason to keep Leland on the list of places to visit.

Well, that's certainly good news. They're still getting a premium rate based on my cruise experience last year but at least it's in the ballpark. Like I said, the harbor renovation was nicely done and it's a real nice place to take an overnight slip if cruising the coast. Kudos to them for adjusting to market demand.

 

[bigblockcutlass]

I thought $40 a night was a lot, Even at a $1.60 a foot is more than $40 a night for me. Good thing I didn't go last year then. I am planning a trip this year, but would like to stay at the south island, just have to figure out were to park the truck and trailer.