Beaver Island is a beautiful, peaceful, summer-vacation-destination community. Even with its seasonal summer residency, this community maintains its small-town atmosphere. The only town is tiny St. James where the ferry dock and marinas welcome visitors. The rest of the island is “undeveloped” by mainland standards with beautiful views of Lake Michigan abounding. There are many lovely natural areas to explore.

Unique to Beaver is the resounding friendliness with which the islanders treat visitors. Here you will find small, family-owned businesses, such as restaurants, bars, and gift shops that are often run by persons whose families have resided on Beaver Island for generations.

Beaver Island is the most remote inhabited island in the Great Lakes with a year round population of approximately 600. It is located about 30 miles north of Charlevoix in the north-eastern section of Lake Michigan. It is about 13 miles long and 6 miles wide. The Island is about 54 square miles in area, much of which is state owned marsh and forest. Several beautiful beach areas are to be found around the island for the enjoyment of the public.