In the late 1800s, Blackbird wrote that there was a small island to the west of the Old Mission Peninsula.

He wrote that the island was originally under the territory of the Odawa, but was later handed over to the Ojibwe to settle a conflict.

Schoolcraft visited the region in 1837, and noted Power Island, as well as Bowers Harbor.

Henry Ford reportedly brought close friends to vacation on his island, including Harvey S. Firestone, Thomas Edison, Babe Ruth, Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, and Theodore Roosevelt.

These make the island a popular fishing, kayaking, swimming, and boating destination.

The central hill of the island boasts a five-mile (8.0 km) hiking and walking path.

Other popular activities include birding, hunting, nature watching, dog walking, and picnicking.

[6] Boats travelling to the island typically leave from either Bower Harbor Marina (in Bowers Harbor, three miles [4.8 km] east) or Clinch Park Marina (in Traverse City, 6.5 miles [10.5 km] south).