Here’s Why a Lake Charlevoix Ferry Was Featured in ‘Ripley’s Believe It Or Not’
The Ironton ferry is another of Michigan’s simple pleasures. It’s a ferry that can carry four cars across Lake Charlevoix, connecting Ironton To Boyne City.
The Ironton ferry began taking passengers across the water in 1876. At the time, it was only a rowboat (remember – no cars yet). In 1880, the rowboat was replaced by a ferry boat that was powered by horses (how'd dey do dat?).
The town of Ironton is about five miles away from Charlevoix, across from land once owned by the uncle of author Ernest Hemingway, George Hemingway. Ernest spent summers at George’s farm during the first twenty years of the 1900s; the farm is now known as Hemingway Point.
In 1936, the Ironton Ferry was brought to the attention of the entire country when it was featured in Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. The article featured captain of the ferry, Sam Alexander, “for travelling 15,000 miles while never being more than 1,000 feet from his home.” Sam was captain of the ferry from 1900 until he passed away in 1948.
If you are curious enough to pay a visit, the ferry operates from mid-April through mid-November, 6:30am to 10:30pm.
Ironton Ferry, Lake Charlevoix
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