Travel and Transportation

Individuals must make their own transportation arrangements to Charlevoix, Michigan.

Driving directions to Charlevoix

From Mount Pleasant

• M-127 north to I-75. Take M-32 west at Gaylord and follow to East Jordan. Take M-66 to Charlevoix

From Grand Rapids, Big Rapids, Cadillac

• US 131 north to Mancelona. Take M-66 to Charlevoix

From Midland, Bay City, Saginaw, Flint

• I-75 north to M-32 west at Gaylord and follow to East Jordan. Take M-66 to Charlevoix

From Mackinaw City and Michigan's Upper Peninsula

• I-75 south to US-31. Take US-31 south to Petoskey and into Charlevoix

To the island

A ferry and air taxi serve the Central Michigan University Biological Station.

• Students should board the 2:30 p.m. ferry the day before the scheduled class start date (Sunday at 2:30 p.m. for most students).
• A CMUBS representative will meet classes (for high school students only) at the ferry in Charlevoix 1 hour prior to departure.
• During registration, groups and researchers must let CMUBS know the time of their departure from Charlevoix and their transportation carrier.
• If your plans change, please call 231-448-2325.

Beaver Island Boat Company
103 Bridge Park Drive
Charlevoix, MI 49720
231-547-2311 or 888-446-4095
bibco.com

• Arrive at the ferry dock 1.5 hours before departure to purchase your tickets
• Boarding begins 20 minutes prior to departure
• The ferry ride to Beaver Island is approximately 2.5 hours

Fresh Air Aviation, Inc.
06918 Old Norwood Road
P.O. Box 328 Charlevoix, MI 49720
888-359-7448
freshairaviation.net

• Arrive at the airport about 45 minutes before your flight
• The flight to Beaver Island takes approximately 20 minutes

Island Airways
111 Airport Drive
Charlevoix, MI 49720
800-524-6895 or 231-547-2141
islandairways.com

• Arrive at the airport about 45 minutes before your flight
• The flight to Beaver Island takes approximately 20 minutes

On the island

On the Island

• All scheduled class arrivals will be met by CMUBS staff.
• All transportation to and from the airport or ferry dock on the island will be provided by CMUBS.
• Vehicles are available for use by classes, groups and researchers.
• Potential drivers of university vehicles must submit their name and drivers license number during registration.
• CMUBS does not provide vehicles for personal use.
• CMUBS does provide a shuttle service to St. James.
• The shuttle schedule will be announced during orientation at the station.
• Students taking classes may bring a bicycle or a vehicle (contact Beaver Island Boat Company for more information).

Vehicle Parking

Vehicles can be parked on the main land for the duration of your stay at CMUBS. Parking rates and locations are available through the Beaver Island Boat Company office and airports.