Last Saturday some friends came into town with their boat so we could enjoy the ridiculously warm October weather. We ended up cruising Lake Erie and when we passed by Turtle Island I realized I knew nothing about it and could not give them any information. I know that there are a few houses on there and that you can rent them but have not been able to find anything in regards to pricing and availability. Does anybody have information about this? Thanks.
Turtle Island
Comments ... #
Turtle Island info:
- Wikipedia entry - (last update June 2007) "The island is still privately owned. After obtaining permits from authorities in Monroe County, Michigan, the leaseholder, Keith Fifer, constructed vacation rental homes."
- Aerial photos - "As of the Setpember, 2002, the new buildings are a rental summer resort."
From a June 2003 postingTurtle Island is a very small island located 4 1/2 miles offshore in the middle of Maumee Bay. Half of the island sits in Michigan waters, and the other half in Ohio waters. The lighthouse is located on the Ohio side of the island. The light was constructed in 1866, replacing the original beacon from 1832. The lighthouse became redundant when nearby Toledo Harbor Lighthouse was built in 1904. The light was subsequently abandoned, and gradually deteriorated from lack of upkeep and decades of Lake Erie's pounding storms. The island is privately owned now, and the owner is reportedly building & repairing the few residential structures located there.
Another posting :In 2002, Keith Fifer, who holds a lease on the island, announced his intention to restore the light, control erosion, and provide for public access. In August, authorities in Monroe County MI sued to stop him from constructing buildings without permits on the Michigan portion of the island. In September, building resumed after permits were obtained, and Fifer completed two vacation rental houses on the island. Fifer has posted photos, including a closeup of the lighthouse. Located on a tiny island straddling the Ohio-Michigan border about 4 miles northeast of Harbor View, on the north side of the Toledo harbor entrance. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. Owner: private. Site manager: Turtle Island, Inc. ARLHS USA-859.
The two links in the above posting go to islandturtle.com, which is a nothing site.
At least 24 islands exist in Lake Erie.
Oh, I couldn't find anything either about renting on Turtle Island. It would be a helluva place to stay for a while. Track down that Keith guy, I guess. Maybe he's only renting to friends and family. I don't think I'd want someone I didn't know hanging out on my island. But what stops boaters and snowmobilers from stopping by and stomping around on the island?
whoa! The reason you can't find anything about renting is because the owner is in court in two states (Ohio and Michigan), and two counties (Lucas And Monroe)...for numerous issues: failure to obtain building permits, offering rental properties without toilet facilities or running water, etc.
He applied for a liquor license in Ohio but told Ohio officials his building was in Michigan and Michigan had provided the permits. Inspections with staff and law enforcement from both states showed serious violations and 'cease and desist' orders were posted... One inspector refused to let people onto the second floor for fear it would collapse...
talk about issues...
posted by MaggieThurber on Oct 09, 2007 at 08:17:20 pm #
At one time, Turtle Island was connected to the Woodtick peninsula by land. Heavily inhabited by the Natives, they 'drove' the deer from the islands (not islands at the time) up the peninsula to Turtle and since Turtle Island was 'the end of the line', the deer were trapped and easily killed.
Might try 'Google-ing' Turtle Island, Gard Island, Woodtick or Indian Island.
('Turtle Island' was also a Native term for Mother Earth)
posted by GraphicsGuy on Oct 09, 2007 at 09:39:27 am #