In our zodiac rubber boat, which I affectionately call a “dinghy,” we wobbled over the waves of the St. Mary’s River to Lime Island for our annual family camping trip. Charlotte (8 -10) and Noah (3 -5) endured this ride differently. Charlotte embraced the splashing waves while Noah hunkered down with a case of the hic-ups.

We used rubber “dry bags” for our bedding and clothing. They are cylinder shaped rubber bags which are rolled from the top and secured with a belt-like clip. Our items arrived dry. We packed lightly for our five day stay. Our food and a small camp stove were included in our gear. We rented one cabins on the island. Visitors can also choose to camp on the platforms near the shore.

The cabins are beautiful! It has two bedrooms and lots of living space. They have solar powered electricity for a little lighting, but nothing else. A kitchen counter top is along the back wall for food preparation. We brought a small burner for cooking canned food and macaroni. We had a loaf of bread and peanut butter. Gallon jugs of water are a must. An outdoor faucet of well water was available. We filled our dish tub from this nozzle for cleaning the plastic dishware that we’d brought. There are port-a-johns for the island guests behind the cabins. Be sure to bring garbage bags as one is responsible to removed any trash. Due to wildlife on the island, we kept our heavy duty bag (twisted at the top) in the corner of the cabin.

Lime Island is named for the lime that was dug up and processed into cement as early as the 1790’s. Sixteen lime kilns were uncovered with two kilns dating back to the late 17th / early 18th centuries.

The view was incredible. Freighters glided by day and night. Several will sound their horn as a greeting. The kids LOVED that! Janet and Howard Chilson, the island caretakers, knew each ship captain’s name. They lived in a small house near the cabins.

Our boat took us on excursions and sight seeing. We found a horseshoe bay of the uninhabited Harbor Island and got out for a swim. It was magical. On our way down the St. Mary’s River with a shoreline crowded with trees, I had to go to the restroom. With no landing spot in sight, Chuck held my hands as I strategically leaned over the side of the boat. (not pictured) Are you shocked that I shared this? Well, this particular moment had been featured in our annual Christmas letter, so the story’s already been released. However, I still carry a sense of embarrassment. As a result I now ALWAYS have a better plan when we go boating. We have a plastic cup on board for just such emergencies.

One day Chuck decided it would be cool to see a freighter up close. He harnessed the kids into their life vests and took them into the boat to ride alongside a passing freighter. The trio waved to the crew and rode in the wake of the ship. I was perched on the hillside breathlessly clicking photos.

Many people feel that one needs to pack a lot of toys when traveling with children. With our lack of available space on the “dinghy” we had to bring only necessities and a deck of cards and two books. We had the beach to ourselves and created our own fun by making boats and bridges out of found materials. Cooking and cleaning up became a family project. Memories were made with experiences.

The island has a one room schoolhouse and a museum that used to be the superintendent’s home. He was in charge of the supply of coal. These buildings provided entertainment as well. We learned that in 1910 the “big” house (known also as the Superintendent’s House) as well as many as 8 smaller houses were pulled over to Lime Island across the ice from Pte aux Frenes. The two and a half story house was pulled over by horses, block and tackle and a group of men. The house was placed on a foundation up the steep hill and is still there today. In 1928 fourteen families with their seventeen children lived on the island. In 1961 the island school was closed. Children were brought to the Raber dock and bussed to the DeTour school.

Where the cabins sit today there had been a hotel which was torn down in 1948. From 1984-1985 vandalism was rampant. In 1988 the DNR, volunteers and at risk youth worked on restoring the island, schoolhouse and superintendent’s home into a museum. In 1989 Michigan State University submitted to Dean Sandell, Forest Management a Phase One Archaeological Survey for the purpose of checking potential borrow pits. Plans for the development of a water trail began. In 1996 caretakers moved onto the island. The cabins were paneled with cedar planks and the beautiful furniture was built.

The 932 acre island provides great hiking opportunities. We discovered small animals, watched the terns (birds) on their protected perch and saw ships cruise along side our trail.

These kids grew up quickly! Charlotte is now 23 living in Yipsilanti and working at St. Joe hospital. Noah is 17, a high school senior. Both are intrigued by adventure, with Noah embracing comforts (just like his mom). It is a treasure that we have these memories and have all built our self confidence by getting outside our comfort zone as a family.

For reservations please contact 1-800-44PARKS or 1-906-643-8620 or
michigan.gov/limeisland or midnreservations.com
The GPS coordinates are N 46* 06.252 W 83* 93.751