NORTH MANITOU ISLAND, MI -- From chipping paint off buildings to relocating a dock, the large-scale effort to restore the North and South Manitou Island is ongoing and on schedule.

This summer, the National Park Service closed off visitor access to the North Manitou island’s village and dock as phase one of its relocation project of both island docks.

Boaters were allowed to still anchor offshore and paddle in or come in a smaller, motorized boat but hikers were left without a ferry service this summer.

Phase one on North Manitou is on schedule to reopen the new dock and restored village buildings in 2026. Typically the island opens for the season in April or May.

Phase two for relocating South Manitou’s dock does not have a set timeline, said Bob Bertschy, facilities manager for the

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