East of Sault Ste. Marie the Sugar Islander II car ferry transports vehicles across the St. Mary’s river to Sugar Island. It is one of the largest islands along the river that shares a border with Canada. For $20 you can ride in your car over to the island and back. There is not a lot on the island. It is mostly vacation homes and a few small farms. The Island was named Sisibakmatominis (maple sugar island translated into English) by the Chippewas for its abundant maple trees.
One of the most notable residents of the island was Chase Osborn. He was the governor of Michigan from 1911-1913. After World War II it was Osborn that promoted the idea of having the headquarters for the United Nations on Sugar Island because of its international border with Canada. Obviously that plan never came to fruition. There are a few historical sites on the island and I will share them in later posts.
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