Travel and Lodging
Getting to Beaver Island
Arrivals to Cherry Capital Airport (Traverse City, MI) are available from both Chicago and Detroit. Once in Traverse City, we will provide transportation to Charlevoix, Michigan. Ferry services and air taxis are available to transport you to Beaver Island and the Central Michigan University Biological Station.
It is important to note that the Beaver Island Ferry schedule does change with the seasons. Normally, the ferry departs Charlevoix daily at 2:30 pm, and Beaver Island at 11:20 am, but the website provides a more detailed schedule. Boarding begins approximately 20 minutes before departure, and you must purchase a ticket. The trip to Beaver Island (St. James) takes approximately 2.5 hours. Please plan your schedule accordingly.
If a boat trip is not agreeable, there is a flight to the island that can be chartered.
Fresh Air Aviation, Inc.
06918 Old Norwood Road
P.O. Box 328 Charlevoix, MI 49720
888-359-7448
Fresh Air Aviation
Island Airways
111 Airport Drive
Charlevoix, MI 49720
800-524-6895 or 231-547-2141
Island Airways
- Arrive at the airport about 45 minutes before your flight
- The flight to Beaver Island takes approximately 20 minutes.
CMU Biological Station
Once you have arrived at Beaver Island, you will be transported to the CMU Biological Research Station which is about a 15 minute ride. The Biological Station has a number of beachfront units for faculty and cabins located around the station. Check this page for more information.
Dining
The kitchen provides three meals a day, with a cold buffet breakfast and hot meals at lunch and dinner. Healthy snacks are available at all times. Vegetarian options are always provided.
Any special dietary needs should be communicated at least 2 weeks prior to your arrival.
Those who expect to be in the field over lunchtime can arrange for sack lunches and should order these at least 2 weeks ahead of your arrival.
Coffee and tea, as well as a microwave, are always available to residents.