While Islands of Deception and Race for Redemption are fiction, you can experience the same Michigan sights and sounds that many of the characters do in the books. Below is a sampling of some of the places visited by the characters. You can also click on the link below to download a PDF of this list which also contains a map of the locations.

Beaver Head Light House: This lighthouse on the south end of Beaver Island plays a role in Islands of Deception. If the lighthouse is open, you can climb to the top of the tower and get a view of North Fox island.

Beaver Island Airports: If you travel to the island from Charlevoix via Island Airways, you land at Welke Airport mentioned in Islands of Deception. If you fly Fresh Air, you’ll land at the Beaver Island Airport mentioned in Race for Redemption.

Emerald Isle Ferry: You can board the ferry in Charlevoix as some of the characters do in Islands of Deception and enjoy a ride across Lake Michigan to Beaver Island. While there are two ferry boats, the Emerald Isle is the newer and larger of the two. 

Donegal Bay: Located on the west side of Beaver Island, this is a great place to watch a sunset just as some of the characters do. Walk for a bit north along the shore of Lake Michigan and you’ll discover large rocks along the shoreline and the location of the cover shot for Islands of Deception.

Lansing State Capitol: The Capitol dome plays a significant role in both books. While you can’t visit the top of the Capitol dome like some of the characters, you can stand in the rotunda and look up at the stars painted at the top of the dome just as Fallon McElliot did.

Lake Genesereth: Located on the southeast end, this is one of several inland lakes on Beaver Island. While the Lake Genesereth cabin mentioned in both books is fictional, you can kayak or canoe this lake. You may even spot a seaplane.

Beaver Island Harbor Light: This small lighthouse is visible from the village of St. James. If you take the ferry to Beaver Island you’ll pass it.

St. Helena Island: While Hog and North Fox island are difficult to access, St. Helena and its lighthouse can be accessed by private boat. The Great Lakes Light Keepers Association also offers a volunteer experience to assist with maintenance and upkeep of its lighthouses. The Little Traverse Conservancy owns more than 200 acres of the island.