Which Michigan Manitou is Better?

“I would like to do a long weekend at Sleeping Bear by camping on one of the Manitou Islands for 2 or 3 nights. I am looking for relatively secluded backcountry sites with some interesting day hikes and unusual flora and fauna. I can't decide between North Manitou and South Manitou. Which one do you recommend, and why?”

“I've never been to South Manitou, so take this with a grain of salt...

North is bigger - better to fill 2 or 3 days with.

North allows dispersed camping, South has designated campgrounds.

South seems like more of a daytrip.”

“I've been to N a dozen times and never to S, but I agree w/ reformed lurker, for the same reasons. I would like to someday see the large cedars and some of the old farms on S.”

“I hane been to both. South is cool for a couple of reasons, its very historical and it has somm beutiful scenery. However, it is what I would consider a wimpy hike. You have to camp in designated capgrounds and there are only three to choose from.

North on the other hand is very backcrounty, and you are allowed to camp wherever you want.

If you are loooking for a trip with alot of history and you want to see people go wiht South. If you want the back country experience, and not a whole lot of people go with North.”

“I agree w/ all of the above! I've only been to North primarily because I heard there were more people at South and you have to camp on designated sites. We barely saw anyone on the North island. Loved it.”