Lime Island is located in the lower part of the St. Mary’s River. It was never an official town, but even though never established as a town, the Island once had a population of around 100. The Island was used as a fueling station and the dock was operated by the Pittsburg Coal Company. There are two bunker fuel storage tanks on the Island near the dock. You can’t miss them. Following the trail north and past the bunker fuel tanks are a British era lime kiln, a lime waste deposit, and limestone quarry. These archeological sites were related to the construction of Fort St. Joseph.
Photo by D. Sandell
In the 1840s, Lime Island was homesteaded and farmed. Later a resort hotel was constructed on the island and hosted Diamond Jim Brady and other notables. The island couldn’t compete with the likes of the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island, and the island became a refueling station for most of its history.
Photo by D. Sandell
Lime Island has camping platforms in two locations: (1) the dock area on the northwest end of the island has seven platformsand (2) the sandy beach on the southeast has four platforms facing St. Joseph Island and Fort St. Joseph. Tent camping is available on a first come, first serve basis (no reservations). There is a two-night minimum stay. A 2.2 mile trail from the harbor links to the southeast tent sites. You can also rent a rustic cabin however there is no running water or bathrooms in the cabins. Water and portable restrooms are located nearby. The cabins have limited electricity in them.
Lime Island welcomes visitors’ Memorial Day Weekend to mid September. The Island is populated with black bears, so take extra precaution when storing food and no motorized vehicles are allowed on the island.
