2020 EVENT CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19
Saturday, June 12 & Sunday, June 13, 2021 10 a.m. -3:30 p.m.
(bus driver takes a break from 12:30 – 1:00)
Orchard Lake Museum, 3951 Orchard Lake Road
Apple Island, officially known as Marjorie Ward Strong Woodland Sanctuary, is a 37-acre island in the center of Orchard Lake. It is currently uninhabited by people and is kept as a nature preserve with several archaeological sites by West Bloomfield School District. The public can visit the island during the annual Apple Island Tours.
2019 Apple Island Tours poster
No reservations. 3:30 p.m. is last departure. $20 adult ticket, $10 child 5-12 years ticket (no kids under 5). $5 GWBHS and Time Travelers member ticket. Sponsored with West Bloomfield School District, City of Orchard Lake and Orchard Lake Schools.
Sign up at the museum and take a pontoon boat ride across Orchard Lake to Apple Island for a self-paced tour. Volunteer docents and presenters provide commentary at select island locations
Last tour group begins at 3:30 p.m. Allow 2.5-3 hours round trip. There are 15 steps to climb to access the island. Wear walking shoes and dress appropriately for cooler lake temperatures. First come, first served.
Presentations include current Apple Island archaeology; early French influences in songs, stories & practices; Native American traditional life, and more.
Free hands on activities at the Museum (historical costume photo op, archaeology activity box, old fashioned games). Refreshments available by cash or credit.
Bus transportation provided by West Bloomfield Parks.
2019 Sponsors
Gold Sponsor – Provision Living
Silver Sponsors – bugs Beddow Magnolia by the Lakes Michigan Chiropractic Specialists Townehall Place
Other Apple Island Tours Sponsorships are available.
Community Partners
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Presenters & Exhibits
Presentations include Apple Island archaeology updates; traditional Native American/French songs & stories, 1700s explorer life, and more.
Genot “Winter Elk” Picor
Jeff Vallender
Past Events
The Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors explained the history of surveying during the 2017 Apple Island Tours on Civic Center TV.
2015 Apple Island Tours presenters
2014 Civic Center TV coverage of Apple Island Tours
2012 Apple Island Tours event images
