My husband and I took this trip to celebrate our wedding anniversary and to see the lighthouse. Capt Tom was wonderful and so was his crew helper. Ride out to the island was rough and it was even rougher on the way back with heavy fog and big waves. Dinner was FANTASTIC. We found out that Capt Tom cooked it. The owner Bob was very energetic and had a great presentation (although I think he talks too fast). HIs wife, Karen, was a little on the "short snubbish" side. Her appearance looked like she just got out of bed. Although, we enjoyed seeing the light and the owners did open up their home for viewing and for bathroom facilities, we encourage the owners to take a look at what they offer for the $89 charge. The items in the gift shop could definately be expanded and would probably do well. The whole area could still be spruced up a little and maintain it's natural integrity.
We decided to take the final dinner/boat cruise to Charity Island and we were not disappointed! A newly made friend of ours who has been touring lighthouses in America for the past four years was on this cruise...we enjoyed talking with him about Charity Island as well as about other Michigan lighthouse adventures. The dinner was highly anticipated and it did not disappoint! We ordered one of both dinners offered...perch or beef tenderloin tips with red skin potatoes, a vegetable medley, crusted bread, and a special sauce made by the owners and Capt. Tom. A wine tasting on the pavilion deck was a nice feature...both Michigan Cherry and Michigan Raspberry wines could be tasted and purchased by the glass or bottle. Dinner was preceded by an informative history of the early lighthouse keeper, the present owners' decision to purchase the island, and of the features unique to the island such as the rare flora species and the archaelogical artifacts. The time after dinner was limited, but we did take pictures of the lighthouse and home and we went upstairs to see the period pieces. (Limited items) what this tower needs is a non-profit organization to assist in its rebuilding of the structure, as the top of the tower is in disrepair. It would be nice to return some day and find that the tower was refurbished! We recommend the dinner cruise and tour to Charity Island!
Expensive. Food was not very good. Weather is a big factor. Its a long ride out to the island and if the lake is rough you might want to take sea sick precautions.
After reading these reviews, my husband and I were concerned about paying the $84 each for the dinner cruise from the Caseville location (not East Tawas) to Charity Island. We decided to go ahead and try it, and we are very happy that we did! We both love being out on the water, so we enjoyed the hour + trip out to the island. On the way there, we were offered complimentary sodas and water as well as cheese and crackers (nothing fancy, but still tasty). Although you can't bring it with you on the island, guests are welcome to bring a cooler of adult beverages on the boat, and we enjoyed them on the ride over and back. I was happy to have my windbreaker, especially for the sprays of water that splashed over the side when the waves got a little bumpy (there was an enclosed area of the boat where we could have sat if the water bothered us, but it didn't). After arriving on the island, there is a short walk through the woods until you reach the lighthouse/lightkeeper's house (I'd strongly reccommend using the bug spray that they carry onboard). The owners are very friendly, and were more than happy to give us a full tour of the house (which they built) and tell us all about the history of Charity Island. We really enjoyed the dinner which is served on a covered deck with a fabulous view. Dinner consisted of bread, whole red potatoes, vegetables (mostly cabbage), and either steak tips (which I had) or fried perch (which my husband had). We both enjoyed our meals; the food was served hot and delicious. Wine and beer are also available for purchase (I heard someone buy a beer for $4), but we didn't buy any. After dinner, we explored the lighthouse (which is not part of the official tour, but no one stopped us). There is a small gift shop there, and we bought a christmas ornament and beer coozy. The ride back to Caseville was timed perfectly with the sunset, and the crew on board offered us yummy cheesecake with strawberries (they no longer provide coffee, though). Throughout the day, we took many fabulous pictures and discussed how happy we were that we decided to make the purchase and take the trip to Charity Island. While it may not be as fancy as some people would hope, it was a good time, and we would reccommend it for people who enjoy boat rides, being in nature, visiting historic places, and having fun.
My family did the day trip to the island because we had children with us, so we didn't want to do the dinner trip and pay the full price. The crew taking us to the island were great and very personable. The history provided by the lighthouse keepers were amazing. I was captivated by the history that I never knew. This was a great family trip, we packed our own lunches and ate on the island. We will come back again for the adult dinner trip in the next few years.
We started off with a pontoon boat ride in 4-6 foot waves and it took over 1 hour and 1/2 to get there, it seemed longer because I was very Ill from sea sickness.The island seems like someone had great dreams that crashed with the housing market. A rundown building at the dock, poorly maintained docks, rustic up-north feel I guess. We walked the short trail to the house and patio area where dinner will be served. There is a small hut for souvenirs, patio, nice house, yard that is poorly maintained with ramshackle fences. Wonderful view of the beach, a nice little stroll down the beach was available. There wasn't a lot of time for exploring, we were running late because of the late arrival.We opted for the fish, which was very good. The meal was decent considering there is no running water and electricity. Pop and water is included, wine and beer is extra. On the mainland, I would expect to pay maybe $8 for a meal of this fare. 3-4 small pieces of perch, two small boiled red skin potatoes, stir fry cabbage and carrots (was cold when I received them) and a piece of very good, warm bread. The history told by Bob was interesting, but got a bit long winded.The ride back was smoother, as the winds died down and the way back is with the waves instead of against them. They did provide blankets if needed if you were chilly. The girls waiting on us were the bright point of the trip. Their smile and desire to serve were over the top. We were served a small piece of cheesecake - no coffee. I don't have a problem with no coffee, but if a website boasts of cheese and wine on the way out and coffee and dessert on the way back, it should be more than what they had.....just saying.This was to be the highlight of our only weekend away this summer. The price of over $160 for a couple for this adventure is too much.....I hope you go in with eyes open...most other reviews here were misleading
My friend and I took the charity island cruise from the port in Caseville, MI. It was a great experience overall. They only accept cash or check and collect when you board the ship so be prepared for that. The ride over was beautiful and they serve cheese and crackers as an appetizer. They also provide water or pop free and have beer available for purchase. They do allow you to bring a cooler on board if you prefer to BYOB. Once on the island you can walk the short distance to the lighthouse or they have a cart to drive you. The dinner table set up is outdoor under a pavilion. They also offer free wine tasting and have bottles available for purchase. The owner goes into a detailed historic background of the island and lighthouse while dinner is prepared (you had the option of fish or steak). My meal was good. Corn in the cob, baguette, red potatoes and steak pieces. My only complaint would be that the meat was undercooked for my taste. It was at medium and I'm a well done kind of person. After dinner there was time to explore the grounds, gift shop etc. The lighthouse tower is in pretty bad shape, I would not recommend climbing until restorations are done. The dwelling remodel next to the tower is beautiful. Lots of history and small artifacts to look at. On the boat ride back they served cheesecake for dessert. The worker on the boat was very friend and sat chatting with us for a while. If you want to do this plan to be gone for 6-6.5 hours.
It was a pleasant trip, great weather, and the dinner was excellent. The explanation of the island history was also excellent.However, Other features don't live up to what they say on their website.On the trip over the website says wine tasting of locally grown fruit wines and artisan cheese appetizers. Only wine available had to be purchased and it was california gallo in airline bottles, The cheese consisted of what I think was velevtta spread and ritz crackers.On the way back from the island supposed to be a choice of pies and coffee. No coffee available and only one type of pie, and we were served a small sliver.As I said at the top, we enjoyed it but it was overpriced for what we got.
Our family chose a daytime boat tour from Caseville. I don't see it listed as an activity from Caseville so I'm posting it here. Refreshments were provided during the 1.5 hour trip each way in calm seas and the two crew members were attentive and friendly. We also learned a great deal about the island along the way.Once docked we took a 10-minute easy walk to the Lighthouse Keeper's home and enjoyed packed lunches in an open pavilion. Bob narrated a very interesting history of the Charity Island lighthouse. Then, we had time to explore, climb the lighthouse, shop for gifts, and walk the beach before heading back to the dock. It was a pleasant outing for our family and we feel $39 is worth the price. If you like nature and visiting historical treasures then you will enjoy the trip.
Enjoyed the big water boat ride, followed by a pretty good dinner, and a little time to explore the residence and the island. The hosts both on the boat and island were excellant.