Backpack North Manitou Island

North Manitou Island is apart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore, and it is about 8 miles long and almost 5 miles wide.  There are a few main trails that intersect throughout the island, with dozens of unmaintained smaller trails veining off of them.  The only means of getting to the island is by a local ferry that runs to and from the island and its neighbor (South Manitou Island) a few times a day.  It only runs at certain times and you must reserve a spot for the ride there and back.  It is key to plan accordingly to the times of your ferry departures, so that you do not miss it, resulting in potentially being stuck on the island a day longer than planned.  The island is decorated with endless amounts of sights and things to do.  There are inland lakes and Lake Michigan available to be fished, and it is common for people to catch bass, salmon, and pike.  These lakes are also the prime source of drinking water, and you should use the trail map (I attached a picture above) to locate the closest source to use.  You can stay as long as you like, whether you would like to do a day hike or a week or two backpack.  The western and southern sides of the island are popular places to camp as they are very secluded and get a nice breeze at night to keep mosquitoes away.  Other than the beginning of your journey when the whole ferry is briefed by a guide, you are on your own and most likely will not see another group on your trip.  Geographic locations such as forests, open fields, sand dunes, beaches, marshes, lakes, cliff faces, and a few abandoned landmarks make up this extravagant island.  There is an abundance of wildlife here as well, from deer and coyotes to snakes and turtles.  For avid birdwatchers, Manitou is home to the endangered Piping Plover.  Of the 30 nesting grounds in the Great Lakes, about 3/4 of them reside on this island.  The island is very eco-friendly and preservation is their most important rule.  Be sure to clean up after yourself, and keep the island exactly how you left it!  Pack smart and don't forget to do tick checks atleast once a day!