Exploring the Lonely Round Island in the middle of the Straits of Mackinac - Obscure History

Cupcake joins me to visit an island that has been virtually uninhabited for two centuries, even though millions pass within a couple hundred yards every year. It still has an interesting history of war, death, a lighthouse and it had plans. Plans that never happened. Join us as we explore the island and its history.
💬 Let us know what you think of this adventure in the comment section below.
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🎥 Welcome to the Official Restless Viking KZbin Channel where we peek behind Life's Curtain.
I'm Chuck "the Viking" and Martha "Poppins".
Chuck - I am the former director of the Fortune Bay Expedition Team.
➡️ Today, I am an expedition leader, adventurer, pilot, sailor and explorer. Poppins - I'm an educator, culture junkie and adventurer.
We travel the world less traveled. 🗺️
➡️ We hope to entertain, inspire and share knowledge through travel. We visit "non-tourist" destinations, remote locations and we get there in uncommon ways. 🎯
We'll explore unique and out-of-the-way places, meet others, and share interesting knowledge.
🎬 Definitely subscribe to our channel and hit the bell to never miss a Video 🔔
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[@zacharywalters8139]

Spent summers on Mackinac Island growing up and used to take kayaks over there and spend the night on Round Island.

[@MatthewBlaine]

Some buddies and myself have kayak camped here every year for the past 4 years. Great video. Loved the history.

[@RestlessViking]

Thanks 👍

[@TruffleDog2021]

Round Island lighthouse is used twice a year as part of the finish line of the Chicago and Port Huron Mackinac Sailboat Races. A spotlight is shown from the park across from the Windermere Hotel on Mackinac Island on to Round Island lighthouse marking the finish. There is a bouy on shore in the park that is used as the other end of the finish line.

[@stevenwilber4426]

I lived in Mackinaw city in the early 1970's.i asked about round island and told it has rattle snakes??,and an Indian burial ground???. probably the people that was buried from cholora.I never made it there yet,but always thought it was a place of mystery,lol

[@michaelblaser6675]

During Prohibition the island was a dropping off depot for Canadian whisky headed for U. S. Distribution. It was visited by Mackinac Summer people only once, as the story goes. apparently nobody was shot, but they were shot-at! Word got around quickly.

[@jay-no8ok]

Way to go Chuck on another historically informative banger video! Killer scenery 👌.

[@RestlessViking]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@stevendavenport6419]

It’s visited way more then you think 80 percent of us local island resident spend a lot of our time over there to get away from this island

[@markbarnaart2381]

Cool cholera victims bones, . Interesting factoid I was was arrested on Mackinaw island right about where those American canon balls were landing I was a minor and they had to let me go I was only 15 now I’m 60 ahh memories!

[@yoopersoul]

Oh wow. That lighthouse is awesome! I must have seen it before. On another note, that raft/boat made me nervous. I am becoming my Grandma and I'm only 43. If you don't have a journalism background, I'd be surprised. Very well done. Thank you.

[@RestlessViking]

Thanks a bunch! I don't have a journalism background, but lots of other experience. I just watched your Channel Intro. That was pretty cool! I subscribed.

[@jodyrewa688]

Hey we haven’t seen Cupcake in a while! Hi Cupcake! I think a lot of the “rip rap” comes from around Bay City, according to KZbinr Jordan Mobray 👍🏼

[@RestlessViking]

I did not know that!

[@kevinquist]

few years back. my wife and I kayaked from st Ignas to mack. we were gonna go from Mack city to mack island. via round. but we heard round is basically a mosquito nursery and it just worked out better to leave from St. Ignas. still wanna kayak there.

[@MeMyselfAndUs903]

Seems like a long kayaking trip. Is it? Isn’t there a danger with all the boat traffic through there?

[@kevinquist]

@@MeMyselfAndUs903 actually its only about 7 miles across the straights. our usual river kayak is more like 10-12 miles. biggest difference for us was open water vs river. no current. once we got past the "WHAT the F am I doing" moment. it was stunning. just pure amazing. I had a gmrs radio strapped to my vest with the open traffic frequency on the whole time. I heard lots of ships going through the straights under the bridge but nothing going cross our path. I talked to Sheplers prior to going. got permission from them to launch from their property. I gave them our intended route and times. I paid them to take our luggage and bikes across. I CAN NOT be more impressed with Sheplers. they did anything and everything they could to make this so much easier for us. Sheplers was amazing. they even told their ferry captains to give us a little wider birth. they veered south a bit to give us some room which was greatly appreciated. not really very necessary but so appreciated. NOT something for some one whos never kayaked before. but if you are reasonably competent and respectful. it was not difficult. this was the video of our launching. sadly the 2 of the 3 cameras died not far out of the bay and the 3rd files were corrupted. so it says part 1. part 2 was not worth making. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYGodGx5h5qDf7M

[@kevinquist]

@@MeMyselfAndUs903 it was only 7 miles of open water. we usually do 2x that on rivers. but no (noticeable) current in the open water. once we got past the "WHT THE H are we doing" moment it was amazing. I had a GMRS radio on me tuned to the ship traffic. Lots of ships going east and west through the straights. Nothing came through where we were. We got permission from sheplers to launch and return to their property. paid them to take our bags and bikes over and back for us. I can NOT speak HIGHLY enough about how great Sheplers was for us. we gave them our route and time table. they even told their captains to go a little south. Not needed but greatly appreciated. again. Sheplers was amazing. I tried to link our launch video to this but it deleted my comment because of it. Its called "Igmack trip second version". says part 1 but part 2 was corrupted and lost. Again. can NOT speak highly enough about how great Sheplers was to us. you just dont see customer service like that anymore.

[@TheNorthwoodsRVLife]

I just ran across your channel, always love supporting those doing michigan videos, gave you a like and subscribe

[@RestlessViking]

Back at ya! Nice to meet you guys.

[@stephenrrose]

You and cupcake play well off each other! Thank you for the history of the island and the lighthouse! Love the restoration! Stay safe and catch you on the next one!

[@RestlessViking]

Thank you so much!

[@kylecrawford5103]

Crap! How did he know that I hadn't subscribed? Fine, fine. I'm subscribed now. Geez. Keep up the good work.

[@RestlessViking]

😂✌

[@daleolson3506]

Nice one👍

[@cindypaige7563]

I would like to inquire about the capabilities and safety features of your rubber boat. As a novice boat user, I seek comprehensive information to ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience. I guess you could say I don't know chit😂😂😂😂

[@RestlessViking]

Indeed. We don't own Thor anymore. We sold him to another adventurer. However, about 4 years ago, I produced a video with all the details on the boat and the features we added afterward. Keep in mind. . . this video was made during my "just picked up a camera" phase of KZbin (I didn't know chit). So, it isn't as entertaining, it has moments of repeating myself, poor video technique and generally . . . a little painful for me to watch now days. But, it is informative. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kH2ZXmqMZbqUqpY

[@cindypaige7563]

Hello @RestlessViking, Thank you for your kind words. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. Best regards ❤️Thank you❤️

[@gus473]

👍🏼 Great story, although I kept waiting and waiting for a helicopter ride..... 🤷🏻‍♂️😉✌🏼

[@RestlessViking]

😂😂

[@otm646]

Appreciate you highlighting such a conspicuous but hidden spot. I was just up there for the races, that's a favorite place to go on the dingy if the Pony isn't your style.

[@RestlessViking]

Agreed. I used to stay there when visiting Mackinac - cheap campsites!

[@prairiepatriot2162]

Exploring these islands looks quite fun, I'm jealous.

[@cameronlange3448]

Just ran across this vid. Love it! Nice job giving some history of the island. I will have to stop there next time I am in the area.

[@jawahraatterberry9174]

I’m 30 and from Chicago, I never thought to search some history of the Great Lakes. Nice video. Also, I’m sure you meant no harm but calling that girl the back up was not cool haha

[@John-R.61]

What a great place.

[@korodski]

Badassery afoot😁😁

[@RestlessViking]

😅

[@JayLizMcClellan]

Cool video, and nice to see you and Cupcake out there although we miss Poppins. It's an interesting place but for something named Round Island it's surprisingly not very round. Based on the topography I would say the water level must have been much higher when it was named, but perhaps that's a circular argument.

[@RestlessViking]

Ha! Everybody Loves Poppins. . . She's only been gone one video. . . 🤣

[@hiybbprqag]

Had no idea about the Mackinac Bridge's "Plan A." Fascinating.

[@xtreker15]

I have head Freeland Boy Scout Troop 323 is one of the "main keepers" preforming week long service.

[@RestlessViking]

I think you are right. I ran into them a few years ago at the light.

[@dublbee3080]

As always, I walk away sayin; "who knew..." Thanks Chuck and Cupcake.

[@ladyofjazz448]

Wow, such a sweet adventure! Thanks for taking us there! I'm glad they are restoring that lighthouse. Too many are neglected and forgotten.

[@RestlessViking]

Thanks very much!! Such a great outcome for the light - from almost certain doom. I always appreciate what people can do in a "darkest hour".

[@ladyofjazz448]

@@RestlessViking glad there's still humanity left in this cold world. Especially concerning the lighthouses. So glad you got to go there. Looking forward to your next adventure!

[@kevinquist]

cupcake cracks me up. kinda like a couple guys at my cigar lounge.

[@RestlessViking]

He is the best companion.

[@Coopersmith7718]

That brings back fond memories of 1 billion Daddy Long Leg Spiders.

[@RestlessViking]

Indeed. All of them gathered in the tent top vent.

[@Tonkatank04]

Look at that rocky shoreline, bet the walleye fishing is awesome there

[@brucevipond2222]

I remember back in ‘72 seeing the damaged lighthouse.

[@jimSP500]

Why didn't you go and find the geocache I placed over there. There are actually 2 over there. Anyways thanks the interesting video

[@RestlessViking]

I forgot! LOL. I definitely had looked up the goecaches, but totally forgot. I guess I have to go back.

[@robjohnston5292]

Great video, we still haven't made it there yet. We're headed to Bois Blanc next weekend for some R&R, tenting it on the north shore.

[@RestlessViking]

Oh cool! Have a grand time!! Bois Blanc is one of my favorites.

[@tommyg5729]

interesting about the alternative route for bridge, never knew that. always learn something about my state watching you.

[@RestlessViking]

I found that very interesting too. It would have completely changed northern Michigan, I think.

[@franklyterrence4860]

Gardner McKay. Adventures in Paradise

[@cwhitehe]

RV, I love your channel. My family has summered in Aloha for more than 50 years. Your Michigan-centric videos are a great anecdote of Northern Michigan history.

[@RestlessViking]

Thanks!

[@jefflandis7710]

Another good one Chuck!!! Keep em coming.

[@RestlessViking]

Thanks! We'll do our best.

[@mattrichards9300]

Great video

[@RestlessViking]

Thanks!

[@robingilmore1444]

Excellent. Thanks guys

[@Jay_Hall]

U Da Man!! :)

[@RestlessViking]

Thanks!

[@matthewgross6958]

Great history!

[@billhazard4946]

Where did the gals from forest service come from, didn't see another boat?? Always in joy your adventures Chuck thank you

[@RestlessViking]

They were dropped off by a FS boat earlier in the day.

[@RestlessViking]

And thanks Bill!

[@billhazard4946]

Didn't think I was missing something, thanks Chuck always a pleasure, been by that island many times going to Mac ,never knew it was that big!! Stay safe👍👍

[@mvtreellc]

Great videos, any visiting hog island? What kind of boat is that

[@RestlessViking]

Hog Island maybe. We have High and Garden Island on the list. That is a Zodiac Future Mark III.

[@wendellellison3482]

60 HP on an inflatable boat? How fast does she go?!?!

[@RestlessViking]

No fast at all. She has an inflatable bottom. Like pushing a balloon through the water. She maxes out at about 35 mph.

[@stanleyhape8427]

Cool video 👍👍 I wonder how they deal with squatters. And I'm surprised the island isn't full of them.

[@RestlessViking]

Thanks! The National Forest Service actually sends a lot of patrols to the island (we ran into one in the video). It can be a difficult place to get to, plus there is really no place to leave your boat, unless you drag it on land. You can, however, camp there for up to 14 days.

[@stanleyhape8427]

@RestlessViking Much thanks for the response 👍 I'm from the south, and I guarantee you that if that island was down here, it would be overrun with redneck squatters. Lol

[@tracycc123]

Another beautiful place in Michigan! Thank you!

[@michellefarell5256]

I’ve been there with Clark Bloswick in the early 1990s. Replaced the flag. So. Many. Spider. Nests.

[@cd6243]

😬

[@peggyhemenger8983]

Thanks to you I'm learning so much about my home state!👍

[@cherriecamilleri4022]

What fun! #mybrotheriscoolerthanyours

[@TheMichiganLegend]

What is the purpose of the I Pad on the boat, Navionics?

[@RestlessViking]

Navionics, boat traffic, fuel consumption, weather and even topo maps/sat photos when landing on islands.

[@TheMichiganLegend]

@@RestlessViking ok question I use navionics on mine but when I get on Saginaw bay or lake Huron it doesn't show where I'm at on there. It leaves the cursor on land! What am I doing wrong?

[@RestlessViking]

@@TheMichiganLegend Really??? Hmmm - which program are you using for charts?

[@TheMichiganLegend]

@@RestlessViking Navionics

[@RestlessViking]

LOL! I just caught on. . . I thought you used "Navionics" generically like "Avionics" . . . I used iNavX. When that happens, it seems like the base chart doesn't update automatically. I typically choose another chart and I have to update it manually. Also with an iPad, the privacy (Do not disturb) settings can mess with your location because the GPS can be off in some settings. support.garmin.com/en-IE/navionics/faq/hkCZkNOJBT0zTUNfVwqKa5/

[@adidas20zero]

Yeeeeeeesss great video!!!

[@harveyhairr3390]

𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙢 👊

[@ronstuder7643]

Have I missed your stating the fact that Mackinac Island was the 2nd US National Park with Army Park Rangers? 1875 to 1895.

[@RestlessViking]

Hey Ron, all true and interesting stuff. But, we wanted the video to focus more on Round Island, since Mackinac gets all the attention.

[@ronstuder7643]

@@RestlessViking The National Park deserves its very own video.

[@GrothausWoodworks]

Any tips for taking a small craft through Round Island Straight? I'm slow and dodging ferry's doesn't sound fun. lol

[@RestlessViking]

When we take kayaks across, we go to the entrance lighthouse first, then cross to Round Island. It is the shortest crossing for the busiest lane. The ferries aren't that bad and they keep an eye out for you.

[@GrothausWoodworks]

@@RestlessViking Thanks! I Figuered those skippers have earned their licenses.

[@michaelnelligan1214]

Nice !

[@RestlessViking]

Thanks!

[@warpigjohnson9710]

Yeah they weren't taking a survey man. They were alerted to the fact that you were on the island and were dispatched to check you out. They sent women so you'd relax. Did they ask your names?

[@RestlessViking]

😂😂 Nope. We asked them more questions then they asked us.