The Crazy History of Beaver Island in Lake Michigan | Restless Viking

I went to the Beaver Island Lighthouse school for 2 semesters. It was an interesting program that provided alternative education to many different kids from all over northern Michigan. It was 22 days at the school without leaving, then 3 days back on the mainland, return to school for 22 days, then off for 3 more, then a final 22 days in those cabins. I learned a lot about myself and about the Island when I was there. One spring, there was an amazing ion storm. There were wave after wave of ions cascading across the sky. We all just stood outside in awe and basked in the glory and power of the universe. Beaver Island helped to shape me into who I am today.

My uncle was born and raised on Beaver Island. I took a couple of trips with him in the 1970's to go check in on his parents. His father, Patrick Bonner, was 92 at the time and played his fiddle for us. Patrick was one of the Beaver Island Fiddlers. It was an amazing sight to behold. Patrick died later that year, and his wife moved to the mainland the following year. Treasured memories.

I spent half of my high school life on that island 20 years ago. I need to go back.

How do you not have millions of views? This is amazing content!

My late husband took me several times here. What an experience. Its a little expensive having to take the boat across the lake. You will NOT be disappointed.

Would love to hear more on Harrison “Tip” Miller, lighthouse keeper and for whom Millers Marsh was named!

"The Big Rock." Well, I grew up next to 'Big Lake'. Ah, Michigan, I love you so.

Dear Chuck and Poppins. We have flown our planes (Piper Colt recently) into Beaver several times over the years and "borrowed" a car from Mr. Welke and others as well. Thanks for the reminder of how Beaver is such an interesting and friendly destination. Jim and Candy Speerstra.........the rum and Coke at Shamrock ain't that bad either 🙂

In the 60's and 70's my folks had the little house there on Wicklaw Beach . Unforgettable !!!

thank you for telling michigans history ❣️

Love the Island. In the 70's we had a family cottage, in Sand Bay..The beach was pristine.. We fished in lake Genasereth, and always caught lotsa fish..The south end of the island was always fun when the wind was up, because we could body surf.. The golf course was all sand, with lotsa snakes.. Archie LeFranier, owned the grocery store, an IGA.. He was also traffic controller for the airport. The Wojans had rental properties, and rented the fishing boats, for the lake This brings back many good thoughts of many good times.. Thanks for sharing

Been to the the island several times. And what an what and.esperience. very rural. My sister in law brought us there. Thats has been where we really to realize what a unique place. This place hold so many historial issues.

Dark sky astronomy too, beautiful video, thank you both

Wow, this was really cool and interesting!! Im going to have to get there this summer!!

Thanks for taking us along to Beaver Island and the education along the way. I’m a true lover of Michigan but I’ve never been there. Michigan as we know is steeped in history. Enjoyed your video!

Thank you both for the history lesson. Great educators and storytellers. Much appreciated ❤

I hope you post a separate video just of the interview with Mr. Welke. I'm across the state in Port Huron, and have sailed past Beaver Island when working as 2nd cook on the freighters, but only saw the island in the distance. I recall it being a surprise to see land because I somewhat knew the route was straight up Lake Michigan. We weren't going to be close to the Lower Peninsula shore until the cliffs across from Mother Bear and Cubs islands, but I saw land in the distance before then. Then I remembered about Beaver Island. My traveling days are done, but when I did travel, whether for work or pleasure, my main interest was in taking to the old timer natives of a place. I would be enthralled to hear the Welles talk.

My first (and so far, only) trip to Beaver Island was July of 2006 with my son and his Scout Troop. We took the Emerald Isle between Charlevoix and the harbor. From there, we hiked down to Bill Wagner Campground. We wondered why it was not named Biting Fly Island, as the black flies were so thick, even swimming out some 30+ yards offshore did not stop them! On our hike back, we stopped for golf at the Beaver Island Golf Course and even stayed at the "remains" of the old Boy Scout camp along side the 7th fairway. We got to have a shotgun start with a cannon and slept in the open air that night. Getting back to town, we had a couple hours to burn, so my son and I set off to explore the harbor town. We have some great photos and memories of Beaver Island. Thank you for showing some of the things we saw and many that we did not get a chance to visit! Looking forward to your return video.

Very cool and interesting history I never even heard of. Definitely will have to plan a trip out to Beaver Island!! Thank you!!

Enjoyed your video. Found in church records my gg-grandfather was on the island. Around 1864 to 1886. He was a Belgian. Cooper by trade. Father Gallagher is listed as doing a baptism ( baby Mary)then a week later the funeral of my gg-grandmother.