The island was frequently inhabited by local Native Americans before the coming of Western settlers, who later planted an apple orchard on the island, giving rise to the current name of the lake.

Apple Island is now abandoned and has been designated a protected wildlife sanctuary.

Once a year the island is circumnavigated by runners of Team CG across the lake’s frozen surface.

The campus of the old Michigan Military Academy is on the northeast shore of the lake.

Cyril and Methodius Seminary and St. Mary's Preparatory.