An Aviator’s Adventure – Beaver Island and Fox Islands, Michigan
MI – If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to an uninhabited island, you can fulfill your dream in Michigan by visiting the Beaver Islands archipelago, which is located on Lake Michigan. The Beaver Islands archipelago consists of 14 islands. Some of those islands include Beaver Island, Garden Island, Hog Island, Gull Island, Whiskey Island, Ojibwa Island, High Island, South Fox Island, and North Fox Island. However, not all of them are uninhabited. Let’s take a look at the Fox Islands and Beaver Island, both of which make great getaways for aviators who love adventure.
The Mostly Uninhabited Fox Islands
The North and South Fox Islands are located about 17 miles northwest of the Michigan Peninsula. Both islands can be reached by boat or plane. However, only North Fox Island has a public-use airstrip and is completely uninhabited. South Fox Island’s runway is privately owned and contains some privately owned land.
North Fox Island
North Fox Island Airfield (6Y3) contains one turf runway and is open to the public. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources operates the airstrip. Runway 07/25 is 3001 feet long and 75 feet wide. The landing strip is cut out of the trees and located off-center of the island toward the northern part.
It’s important for pilots to understand that the airport is unattended and closed from November through April. The CTAF is 122.9, and there is a wind indicator. However, it’s considered unreliable due to all of the trees. There are no fuel or services available at 6Y3. Pilots can park their planes in the parking areas off of Runway 7. Visitors are allowed to camp on the airstrip property. Needless to say, Noth Fox Island’s remoteness makes it a great place to escape it all for a night. It doesn’t even offer cell phone coverage.
South Fox Island
South Fox Island also has an airport (3M12). However, it is privately owned by Mirada Ranch Inc. and managed by Victor International. Pilots who intend to land at this airport must receive prior permission. The airport contains one paved Runway. Runway 18/36 is 5,500 feet long and 90 feet wide. Victor International is a private jet charter company that offers flights to and from South Fox Island. It’s important to note that the island’s north end contains state land that anyone can traverse. However, the south end and most of the middle of the island are privately owned.
Beaver Island
After a trip to North Fox Island, you can rejoin society at Beaver Island. Beaver Island is considered North America’s Emerald Isle. It’s an international dark sky sanctuary with a population of 600. Its dimensions measure 13 miles long by six miles wide, giving it a total surface area of about 54 square miles.
Getting to Beaver Island
Beaver Island is serviced by plane and boat. Visitors can arrive by boat from the Beaver Island Boat Company. Beaver Island also has an airport. Beaver Island Airport (SJX) is located at the island’s north end. It’s open to the public and contains three runways: Runway 9/27, Runway 14/32 and Runway 5/23. Runway 9/27 is 4,299 feet long and 75 feet wide. Runway 14/32 is 3,278 feet long and 120 feet wide, and Runway 5/23 is 2,054 feet long and 120 feet wide. It’s important to note that only Runway 9/27 is paved and available all year. The other two runways are turf and closed from November to April. The CTAF is 122.8. Tiedowns and 100LL are available.
Things to Do on Beaver Island
There are plenty of places to stay on Beaver Island, including rental homes, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and even camping. If you’re looking for a hotel, consider the Beaver Island Lodge, Emerald Isle Inn, or the McCann House, which is a bed and breakfast. Check out the Beaver Island Retreat or the Saint James Township Campground if camping is more your speed.
Places to Eat
Beaver Island has many restaurants, including the Circle M Bar and Restaurant, Paradise Bay Coffee Shop and Restaurant, the Shamrock Bar and Restaurant, and Donegal Danny’s Irish Pub. There’s also a 14,000-square-foot grocery store and several convenience stores.
Outdoor Adventures
There are plenty of hiking and biking trails on Beaver Island. In fact, there are so many that the island has published a map of trails. Visitors can also bike, canoe, and enjoy watersports. They’ve even put in a new water trail for paddlers. The trail is 42 miles long and goes around the entire island.
If you’re looking for an adventure with your airplane that includes remote islands and uninhabited islands, a trip to North Fox Island and Beaver Island may be the vacation you’re looking for. Both offer unique opportunities to take in nature, view the inhibited night sky, and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.