Want to Buy a Private Island of Your Own?

How cool would it be in the summer to pack up after work on a Friday and head to your own private island for the weekend? You could do just that if you purchased your very own private island in the Upper Peninsula.

Now available for purchase is an approximately 3.5 acre island that is located two miles upstream from the mouth of the St. Mary's River, just east of St. Ignace -- just offshore from DeTour Village. It is called Frying Pan Island.

Why is it called Frying Pan Island?

The story is that Captain William Thorn was the first person to navigate a ship through the St. Mary's River into Lake Superior. As he was doing so, he was dealing with strong winds near the mouth of the river. He decided to wait out the storm on a nearby island. While on the island, he found a frying pan left by the Indians -- and thus called the piece of land Frying Pan Island.

The Frying Plan Island Lighthouse

Congress appropriated $2,000 for a beacon light to be placed on the island on March 3, 1879. That completed light was first exhibited on October 1st of 1882.

Over the years the lighthouse went through some upgrades and changes, but it eventually was taken out of service in the mid 1950s. On August 8, 1988, the Coast Guard removed the abandoned Frying Pan Island Lighthouse and moved it to their base in Sault Ste. Marie. The lighthouse was restored before being placed on display outside their headquarters.

How Much is Frying Pan Island?

You can purchase the island for $580,000. It is listed by realtor Cindy Anderson. The listing describes the island this way:

Opportunity is knocking. Northern Michigan is a hot spot, and why not buy an island to develop! So close to the mainland with its own pier! The pier was built by the Army Core of Engineers. Owners have landed in a helicopter here! The best social distancing there is! Would be a sailors dream to have a place to keep their boat while getting off the water as they explore the upper straits and the north channel!

Here is a video of the island...

In recent years, the village of De Tour has used the island to launch fireworks...

Or perhaps you'd like to buy an existing home on a popular Michigan island...