South Manitou Island is located in Lake Michigan, approximately 16 miles west of Leland, Michigan. It is part of Leelanau County and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The uninhabited island is 8.277 square miles in land area and can be accessed by a ferry service from Leland. Larger North Manitou Island lies to its north. South Manitou Island was popular in the 19th and 20th centuries as a harbor and fueling station. This island was a stop for early mariners between Chicago and the Straits of Mackinac. The lighthouse, which was in operation from 1871 to 1958, marks the finest natural harbor between Mackinac Island and Chicago. The lighthouse is still in good condition. Recent efforts have restored its light tower to operational status for the summer months. The climate of the island provided an ideal environment for growing rye, beans, and peas, but not for getting them to a market. The island is now uninhabited, and most of its buildings lie in ruins. In 1901, the United States Life-Saving Service built a station on the island. The USLSS became part of the United States Coast Guard in 1915. This station is now the island's ranger station and is not open to the public. Wikipedia [ - ]

South Manitou Island is located in Lake Michigan, approximately 16 miles west of Leland,... [ + ]