This content was created by Sander Scott. This content was uploaded by Sander Scott. This is a YouTube video titled "Living in Leland Michigan: Discover Manitou Island Transit in Leland Michigan Fishtown" (posted 2024-06-30). It is an on-location interview/segment for American Dream TV in which host Sander Scott tours the ferry Mishamakwa and speaks with a representative/operator of Manitou Island Transit. The conversation covers the family-run ferry history (since 1917), services to North and South Manitou Islands (backcountry and designated camping, day visits), shoreline cruises (typical 6:30–8:00 schedule and days of operation), safety precautions (life jackets, seating/weight distribution), seating/options on the boat, and the onboard gift shop/ticketing.
Chapters
Welcome to Fishtown and Manitou Island Transit. So welcome to Fishtown in Leland, Michigan, and we are on— what's the name of the boat? The name of the boat is the Mishamakwa. This ferry business has been in her family for quite a long time. Since when?
Since 1917.
So tell us a little bit about what Manitou Island Transit does.
We provide ferry service to both North and South Manitou Island. North Manitou is backcountry camping. South Manitou, we provide designated camping as well as day visits. And then shoreline cruises we have in July and August.
And how long does the shoreline cruise typically take?
So we leave at 6:30 and return at 8 o'clock, and we run those on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and then the other days are available for private bookings.
How long you've been operating out of Fishtown? Since 1917.
It started actually as a mail service, so my great-grandpa George Tracy got the contract from the mail service so they would deliver mail to North and South Manitou Island.
What are the safety precautions that you have to take?
Precautions as far As far as our passengers, there's of course enough life jackets and lifeboats, and then we ask people to stay seated. We have a restriction of how many people can be up top versus down below for distribution of the weight.
What do you think are the memories that they have a chance of creating by taking advantage of that?
As far as the shoreline cruise, you know, so many people don't have an opportunity to get on a boat on Lake Michigan, and we take that for granted. So many people that don't live along the water have never been on a boat, and it's an opportunity to be on one of the biggest lakes in our country.
All right, so we're in this interior seating area on the boat, and you have some seating above as well.
A lot of people desire the top seating, get a really nice view. Down here is nice for people that don't want to navigate the stairs, and then obviously if weather is rainy or windy, this is a little more protected.
So right behind us you have your gift shop, and that's where you buy tickets, some memorabilia. Well, let's take a look at the shop. I am Sander Scott. I'm Sander Scott, your local host for American Dream TV, and thanks for tuning in to this episode, Fishtown Style.
