No doubt you're familiar with Mackinac Island. But you may not be aware that practically next door to it is a much larger and virtually unknown Bois Blanc Island (known to the locals as Boblo).
It is worth pointing out that there are actually TWO Boblo islands, and both
of them are officially called Bois Blanc. The other one is near Detroit, but actually part of Canada. (Click on the small map to enlarge.)
While the Canadian Boblo is the site of a former amusement park, and offers luxurious residential and tourist amenities, the Michigan Boblo is a different story. This is where you go to disappear...
What is there to do on Boblo? Nothing. No shopping (the only local store carries the barest of necessities), no golf, no nightlife. Nothing to do but dip your toes in the clearest water you've ever seen and watch the waves and the birds go by...
Scenes from island life
The island does have an unpaved road that travels its 35 mile perimeter. Well, almost. You can't get through by car. People do it with ATV's. But you can also do it with a mountain bike. The terrain is not very hilly, but it is bumpy and rocky (and occasionally even watery). You can ride through miles and miles of gorgeous birch woods, and never see a soul. There are several inland lakes and marshes with disused fire roads leading to them, and an old lighthouse on the northernmost point.
Boblo offers numerous and inexpensive cottage rentals, as well as rustic campsites, however purchasing supplies on the island is problematic. The general store carries only the most basic necessities. You will not be able to purchase food or water should you get stranded anywhere. There is also no known reliable map of Boblo's numerous and unmarked inland lanes. On the odd chance that you follow this tip and actually go there, go prepared.
Getting to Boblo:
Car and passenger ferry: Plaunt Transportation
Air: Hoffman Flying Service 231-627-3864
Other Boblo services: click here.
You may enjoy reading some other thoughts on disappearing.
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