ISLAND HISTORY

On August 3, 1795, Chippewa Chief Matchekewis ceded Bois Blanc to theUnited States as part of the Treaty of Greenville.  The cession also included most of Ohio, part of Indiana, sixteen strategic sites on Michigan waterways and Mackinac Island.  During the War of 1812, the U.S. Navy Captain Arthur Sinclair's fleet took shelter at the Island while waiting to attack the British at Fort Mackinac.  In 1880 the island provided a haven to alleged murderer Henry English who escaped from Pennsylvania authorities before his trial.  He was apprehended on Bois Blanc by Pinkerton agents, returned to Pennsylvania and acquitted.  During the 20^th Century Bois Blanc's wilderness supported a lucrative lumber industry before giving way to tourism.  Although primarily a resort in 1990" the island had 45 permanent residents.

Bois Blanc Island, known as "Bob-lo" to area residents, is twelve miles long, six miles wide and has six lakes.  In 1827 the United States government platted the island.  The U.S. Coast Guard established a life-saving station at Walker's Point in 1890.  The following year the Pointe Aux Pins Association was formed.  In 1908, on behalf of the association, President Walter B. Webb hired the Mason L. Brown Company, a Detroit surveying firm, to plat and record the Pointe Aux Pins subdivision.  Pointe Aux Pins was the first resort community on the island.  Much of Bois Blanc Island is state-owned forest land containing White and Norway pines that tower 200 feet tall.  As recently as the 1950's, Bois Blanc provided lumber to Mackinac Island where woodcutting is prohibited.

(information taken from sign at ferry dock)

HISTORICAL MUSEUM

            The historical museum is open during the summer months of July and August.  The museum is open Tuesdays and Thursdays.

BOIS BLANC TOWNSHIP INFORMATION

Township Office hours are:  Monday - Friday  9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Telephone Number:  231-634-7275

The township monthly meetings are held:

            July and August meetings held 2^nd and 4^th Wednesdays at 7:00 pm

            January - June meetings held on the 2^nd Wednesday of the month at 4:00 pm

            September - December meetings held on the 2^nd Wednesday of the month at  

             4:00 pm

            The township board members are:

Loren Gibbons, Supervisor

Joan Schroka, Clerk

Cheryl Gahn, Treasurer

Shelby Newhouse, Trustee

Lani White,  Trustee

TOWNSHIP TRANSER STATION (DUMP)

Hours of Operation

December - April   

Sunday

       12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

            May - June

Monday, Thursday, Sunday

        7:30 am  to 11:30 am

           July - August

      Monday - Saturday

      7:30 am to 11:30 am

              Sunday

      9:00 am  to 5:00 pm

September - November

Monday, Thursday, Sunday

      7:30 am  to 11:30 am

Dump Tickets are available at the Township offices,  231-634 -7275

.If Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Labor Day or Memorial Day fall on a regularly scheduled day, the transfer station will not be open until the following day.

LITTERING LAWS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED!

PARKING

There are two parking lots to keep cars year round.  The yearly costs of these lots are $35.00 and $50.00.  In order to obtain a yearly permit, contact the township office, 234-7275.  Leave your name, telephone number and reason for your call and they will call you back.

CAMP SITES

There are camping sites on three of the inland lakes and on the north shore, but the campers should know that the campsites are very rustic;  There are no electrical hook-ups, running water or bathrooms.  For further information, call the township offices or DNR.

MARINA

Master Harbor:  Deputy Graham Whipple

231-634-7354

The marina is a state owned dock, therefore governed by the state rates.  For information on the state rates, one can contact the DNR office.  There are approximately 8 to 10  (DEPENDS ON THE SIZE OF THE BOAT) broadside mooring, first come, first serve.  The marina officially opens on Memorial Day week-end each year but we do not discourage boaters from visiting before this date.  The Harbor Master also serves as our deputy sheriff, therefore he is not available at dockside at all times.  Please call and leave a message on the number listed under his name.

FISHING AND HUNTING/OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Outdoor adventure opportunities surround you on Bois Blanc Island, from fishing  on Twin and Thompson Lakes for great numbers of pike to Lake Mary for small mouth bass action.  For the grandparents, the rock bass of Lake Mary hit hard on any child’s hook right from the shoreline. 

Fall season on Bois Blanc Island offers great hunting for deer, rabbits, squirrel, partridge and woodcock.  You will have a hard time hunting porcupine, skunk, possum and bear on “Bob-lo” as they don’t reside on this island.  Trapping is practiced for beaver, otter and red fox.  Check with the DNR for hunting rules, regulations and seasonal dates.

LICENSES CAN BE PURCHASED AT HAWK’S LANDING ISLAND STORE. 

AIRPORT INFORMATION

Airport Manager:  Gregg Dickerson

The air strip is 3500 feet long with a displaced threshold.  The strip is black top.  There are no hangers that are used for overnight rentals. Tie downs available at no charge.

FERRY SERVICE

Ferry service to and from the island is provided by PLAUNT TRANSPORTATION SERVICE located in Cheboygan, Michigan.  Call them for information regarding their fees.  888-PLAUNTS, or check out their website:  www.BBIferry.com

CHURCHES

There are two churches on the island.  The COAST GUARD CHAPEL  is open June-September.  The church is a non-denominational church that has their service at 10:30 am every Sunday.  It is located on the east end of the island close to the old Coast Guard Station.  All are welcome.

The TRANSFIGURATION EPISCOPAL CHURCH is open July-August with church services at 10:30 am on Sunday.  Coffee, cookies and social hour immediately follows the service at the Hoover Community Center located next door to the church.  Transfiguration Church is located in the “Pines” and all are welcome to attend.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

  The island fire department is made up of island residents willing to volunteer their time and energy into preserving the safety and welfare of the island.  They are always looking for new volunteers who are willing to sacrifice some free time and energy to help them service the island.  Training is necessary.  The department has their meetings on the 1^st and 3^rd Tuesdays of each month at 7:00 pm.  For further information, contact the Fire Chief by calling the township offices:  231-634-7375.