Harbor View Motel

About Harbor View Motel and Beaver Island

Welcome to Harbor View Motel, the ultimate island retreat on America's Emerald Isle, Beaver Island, Michigan. Nestled in the heart of the town and directly across from the ferry dock, our home away from home offers you the most comfortable and relaxing stay in our spacious 2-bedroom condominiums or cozy motel rooms. We are the perfect haven for you and your family or friends, accommodating 4-6 people in our condos and 2-4 people in our motel rooms.

Our mission is to provide you with an unforgettable island experience filled with adventure, relaxation, and memories that last a lifetime. Whether you are seeking a peaceful solitary walk along the shoreline, a fun-filled day of poolside cookouts with family and friends, or an exciting exploration of the island's rich history and natural beauty, we are here to ensure that your stay with us is nothing short of exceptional.

Getting to Beaver Island and the Harbor View Motel is an experience in itself. You can travel by plane and be here in just 15 minutes, or you can embark on the ferry and enjoy a beautiful, relaxing 2-hour cruise away. All travel begins in Charlevoix, which is served by Island Airways or Fresh Air Aviation for the quick trip or the Emerald Isle or Beaver Islander for the more relaxing ferry boat ride, originating at the Beaver Island Boat Company ferry dock in Charlevoix Harbor.

About Beaver Island

Beaver Island, a mere 58 square miles in area, is the largest and only inhabited island in an eight-island Great Lakes archipelago. A two-hour ferry ride or a 15-minute flight from mainland Charlevoix, Michigan are the lifelines to this unspoiled and unhurried island. Unmatched in natural beauty, Beaver Island is steeped in rich Native American, Mormon, and Irish history.

The archipelago was home to native Americans of the Odawa tribe prior to white settlement. There is a native American burial ground in the archipelago, and many natives still live on the island. Be sure to check out their smoked fish at the fish market next to the Toy Museum. Early settlements of white traders, fishermen, and lumbermen were established in the 1830s followed by Irish immigrants in the 1840s. By the 1850s, Mormons were the primary inhabitants after dispelling all non-Mormons. James Jesse Strang, the Mormon leader, proclaimed himself king and ruled until 1856 when he was assassinated. Afterwards, the Irish returned and reestablished permanent Irish settlements that still exist today and represent the majority of today's year-round population of an estimated 550 people.

Another colorful, historic character was Feodor Protar, an Estonian immigrant who served as the resident island "doctor" for 32 years until his death in 1925. His home and grave site still stand. The economic base today is tourism and construction. Commercial fishing is minimal with only native Americans legally able to fish northern Lake Michigan waters. The original island jail was located where the Harborview now stands. The jail building burned down, but the metal cell survived the fire and can be seen next to the Mormon Print Shop Museum.

Nature and Recreation

The air is fresh and clean, and the night skies repeatedly amaze you. There are gulls on the beaches, eagles overhead, swans in the harbor, and deer just about everywhere. The sunsets are a watercolor wash nearly every night, and the pine, birch, and hardwood forests are deep and lush. There are marshlands and swamps and meadows that explode with wildflowers. Several hiking trails and beach areas provide the best island nature viewing access. There are 7 inland lakes offering quiet retreats for boating, fishing, and nature watching. These include Fox, Font, Barney's, and Geneserath.

Boating, hiking, golfing, fishing, hunting, kayaking, tennis, biking, and swimming are a few of the best ways to enjoy the island. The library, museums, art galleries, and gift shops are all worth a visit. Live island music is often available in the evenings at the local pubs, Donegal Danny's, the Beachcomber, and the Stoney Acre Grill.

At Harbor View Motel, we are dedicated to providing you with the best possible island experience. Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure, or simply a chance to unwind and enjoy the beautiful scenery, we are here to make your stay with us unforgettable. Come and find your island time at Harbor View Motel, where your summer memories last a lifetime!