South Manitou and North Manitou Islands

South Manitou and North Manitou Islands are part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, accessible via the Manitou Island Transit. On South Manitou Island, climb the lighthouse for a glimpse into the past and majestic peaceful views, hike the dunes and bluffs, explore old growth forest with giant white cedar — known as the Valley of the Giants and field punctuated with dazzling wildflowers and observe nature. Scuba divers will love the shipwreck diving at the Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve. There are dive charter operators in the surrounding towns. 15,000 acres of wilderness await on North Manitou Island. Solitude reigns as there are no motorized vehicles and no services at all — pristine nature at its best. To visit North Manitou requires an overnight stay back-country camping for the very prepared. There is an entrance fee, or America the Beautiful Pass which covers all areas of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.