Michigan

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Aerial Photographics of Michigan Lakes

Upper Peninsula

Lake Gogebic. (and state park). Fishing, Campsites with and without Electric Hookup, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Picnic Day/Use, Launch Ramp (Small Fee May Apply). In the Ottawa National Forest, this lake is nearly 10 miles long starting from Bergland to just north of U.S. Route 2.

Houghton Lake. Fishing, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Picnic Day/Use, Launch Ramp (Small Fee May Apply), Stores / Motels / Restaurants are nearby. In the Houghton area. This large lake features excellent bass fishing. Accessible off U.S. 41.

Indian Lake. (and Indian Lake State Park). Fishing, Campsites with and without Electric Hookup, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Picnic Day/Use, Launch Ramp (Small Fee May Apply). Features access to Palms Book State Park. Also known for some of the best fishing (although all the lakes are great), in northern Michigan, this lake is located in the Manistique River State Forest off U.S. 2 and Michigan State Route 149.

Keweenaw Bay / Huron Bay. In Lake Superior, Fishing, Campsites with and without Electric Hookup, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Picnic Day/Use, Launch Ramp (Small Fee May Apply), Marina, Fuel. Points of Interest includes Keweenaw and Big Bay Point Lighthouses, Huron River Falls, Sugar Loaf Mountain and Marquette, (farther east along the shoreline). Located Near and portions along U.S. 41.

Little Bay / Big Bay DeNoc. In Lake Michigan, Fishing, Campsites with and without Electric Hookup, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Picnic Day/Use, Launch Ramp (Small Fee May Apply) Marinas, Fuel. Points of interest include Escanaba, (featuring motels, restaurants, and shopping), Peninsula Point, Located between Little Bay and Big Bay De Noc, Fayette State Park, Hiawatha State Forest (which stretches through Upper Michigan to Lake Superior. Marine Radio is Suggested. primarily large craft in these bays. Located off U.S. 2 in the Escanaba Area.

Mackinac Island / State Park. Hotels, Stores Shops, Bicycling, Horseback Riding - Carriage, Marina (no ramps, except for emergencies or service the island has no cars, use horses or bikes while touring), Fuel. This Island Lies off St. Ignace just northeast of the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge (one of the longest suspension bridges in the U.S.). Be sure to see Fort Mackinac and the Grand Island Hotel. The area is also known for home made fudge and popular gift stores. Larger Sail Boats and Larger craft are recommended for the trip to / from the island (especially if weather will be changing). Ramps are located in St. Ignace on the Upper Peninsula and in Mackinac City on the Lower Peninsula

Manistique Lake. Fishing. Launch Ramp (Small Fee May Apply). 42 miles northwest of Manistique. Off County Road H 42 and H33 between Helmer and Curtis in Central Upper Michigan. South Manistique Lake is just south of Curtis.

Michigamme Res. Fishing. In the Iron Range State Forest. This 7 mile long scenic lake is Just northeast of Crystal Falls near U.S. 141.

Milakokia Lake. Fishing. This lake is about 3 miles long by 2 miles wide and is accessible off U.S. Route 2 in the Mackinac State Forest between Gould City and Blaney Park.

Munuscong Lake. Mostly larger craft, Fishing. This large body of water lies between Upper Michigan and Saint Joseph Island.

Lake Nicolet / Lake George (Ontario Canada). Fishing, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Picnic Day/Use, Launch Ramps (Small Fee May Apply), Marinas, Fuel, Locks. Lake George has some of the clearest water in the state and is outstanding for even the most amateur fisherman. Cabin rentals are available in the area. Lake Nicolet connects into the famous Sault Locks in Sault Ste. Marie and has heavier traffic. Lake George is Accessible off Candian Ontario Route 17 from Sault Ste. Marie. Lake Nicolet is accessible just south of "the Sault".

Potagannissing Bay. Between St. Joseph Bay and Drummond Island. Cabin rentals are popular on one of the popular stopping points, Drummond Island. There are numerous scenic islands all over the bay. Also be sure to check out De Tour Reef Lighthouse at the entrance to Lake Huron (also De Tour State Park is a great camping spot by car farther west on the northern shoreline of Lake Huron) Some tourist claim that Drummond Island has the most beautiful sunsets in the state, (overlooking Potagannissing Bay from the Island or in the bay).

Lake Superior. 31,700 sq. miles, 2726 miles of shoreline, 483 feet average depth, 1332 feet at the deepest point. The Largest of the Great Lakes, this wide span of water reaches from Duluth, MN. on its most western shore to 371 miles east to the locks at Sault Ste. Marie. At its widest point it is 166 miles wide. Numerous stopping points are available on the Canadian side as well as the US. side. This lake is noted for high cliffs, scenic shorelines, frequent changes in weather and most notably November 10th, 1975 the loss of the Edmond Fitzgerald in 550 feet of water near Whitefish Point, Canada. In respect to her crew members we recommend to check out this link to the Nautical Works out of Traverse City, Michigan. For more interesting facts on Lake Superior check out The Great Lakes Forcasting System.

Lower Peninsula

Allegan County Lakes. See http://www.boatersinternational.com/dnr/launches/ALLEGAN.html . This site includes many of the smaller lakes near Kalamazoo.

Lake Bellaire. Fishing, Skiing, Swimming, Near Restaurants in Bellaire. Mostly residential lake, but a popular destination for boaters on the Chain of Lakes trip that starts off Elk in Elk Rapids, to Skegemog, Torch River, Torch Lake, Clam Lake, Grass River, and Lake Bellaire (formally Grass Lake in the 1950s). The lake is about four miles long by a up to three miles wide.

Birch Lake. Fishing, Swimming, (predominately private beaches), Restrooms, Drinking Water, Sailboating. A small mostly residential, tranquil lake almost completely spring fed featuring natural sandy beaches and clear water. A small roadside park is on the northwest side of the lake. Great for fishing for blue gill, perch, rock bass and occasionally if your lucky, northern pike. A launch ramp is on the northeast side but is not paved. Mostly small craft up to Pontoons. Accessible off U.S. 31 two miles north of Elk Rapids, 21 miles north of Traverse City.

Black Lake. Fishing, Campsites with and without Electric Hookup, Santary Dump Station, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Picnic Day/Use, Launch Ramp (Small Fee May Apply). Scenic Onaway State Park lies on the eastern shoreline which is primarily surrounded by Black Lake State Forest. Located north of Onaway (exit 310 off I 75 head east), off Michigan State Route 211.

Burt Lake. Fishing, Skiing, Swimming. Camping Without Electric Hookup, Picnic Areas, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Launch Ramps, Float Planes. Residential homes and cabins surround the lake. Burt Lake State Park is located along the southern shoreline. Navigable to other lakes including a scenic run to Lake Huron. This lake extends about 10 miles long by 8 miles wide at one point. Located off I 75 and Exit 310 (Michigan State Route 68).

Click Here for a Link to Burt Lake Marina

Lake Charlevoix. Fishing, Skiing, Swimming, Camping Without Electric Hookups, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Picnic Areas, Launch Ramps, Marinas, Fuel, Hotel / Motel, Restaurants, Shopping. Residential homes and cabins surround the lake. One arm extends into the Jordan River (great for fishing), Condos are also available with Slips. The Lake runs from Charlevoix to Boyne City (nearly 20 miles). Accessible from Lake Michigan, or by car off U.S. 31 in Charlevoix or Michigan State Route 75 in Boyne City. Ramps area available at both the State Park and Charlevoix.

Clam Lake. Fishing, Swimming, Restrooms, Marina, Fuel, Restaurant. Part of the Chain of Lakes (See Elk Lake) accessed off Torch Lake by Boat. The eastern end features an inlet to Grass River which is navigable by boat to Lake Bellaire.

Cooke Dam Basin. Fishing, Campsites without Electric Hookup, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Picnic Day/Use, Launch Ramp (Small Fee May Apply). There are two recreational sites in the area. Also features Lumberman's Monument. Located in the Huron National Forest west of Oscoda near U.S. 23.

Crystal Lake. Fishing, Swimming. A very scenic crystal clear lake just outside of Frankfort and Michigan State Route 22. Lake Michigan is just a mile away featuring two historical lighthouses (Point Betsie and North Breakwater).

Douglas Lake. Fishing. The western section reaches into Hardwood State Forest. Accessible of I 75 Exit 322.

Elk Lake. Fishing, Swimming, Launch Ramps, Marina, Fuel. Part of the Chain of Lakes trip that starts in Elk Rapids. This lake has crystal clear blue water and is around eight miles long, by up to four miles wide. Marina is located in Elk Rapids along with shops, grocery shopping, and a unique movie theater featuring a painting on the ceiling lit by black lights. A motel is available with slips just past the U.S. 31 bridge. Watch for tree stumps while entering the main part of the lake. An entrance to Lake Skegemog is on the southeastern side.

Fletcher Pond. Fishing. Just south of Hillman off Michigan State Route 32.

Glenn Lake. Fishing, nearby store and motels. A scenic and primarily residential lake near Glen Arbor and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore. Accessible off Michigan State Route 22.

Grand Traverse Bay / Suttons Bay. Fishing, Swimming, Beaches, Campsites with and without Electric Hookup, Sanitary Pump Stations (at State Parks), Picnic Areas, Marinas, Repair, Launch Ramps, Hotels / Motels, Restaurants, Stores. Grand Traverse Bay has two arms, east and west. Old Mission Peninsula divides the bay winding down to a historical lighthouse on its tip. The western land peninsula (Leelanau County) reaches 24 miles more north of the Old Mission Peninsula (19 miles) winding down to Grand Traverse Lighthouse at Leelanau State Park (the lighthouse is now a museum). Downtown Traverse City and Marinas are accessible on the west arm. Suttons Bay is a popular spot for boats of all sizes and is located in the west arm on the bay in a large cove area on the western shoreline. Also be sure to visit Northport and Northport Marina known as the gateway to the Leelenau Peninsula. The village of Northport features a Free Public Ramp, Fishing, Skiing, Jet Skis, Restrooms, Ice, Drinking Water, Marina, Fuel, large grocery store, plus; Excellent restaurants, Clothing and gift shops. Beaches, campsites north of Village in Leelanau State Park near the light house, Lake Michigan Sand Dunes in Leelanau State Park, Bed & Breakfasts, Friday Night Music in the Park and Picnic areas. Northport is also home to an excellent marina and safe harbor, the facility is large enough to accommodate even the late arrival on the busiest weekends. On the east and west lower bays farther south is a state park in Traverse City, numerous motels / hotels (Including part of the Grand Traverse Resort Hotel) and several Marinas. On the east arm on the mainland is a nice marina in Elk Rapids. Elk Rapids Harbor Days festival is the weekend of July 31st - August 1st, 98.

Green Lake. Fishing. Just South of Traverse City near U.S. 31 and Interlocken.

Higgins Lake. Fishing, Skiing, Swimming, Camping Without Electric Hookups, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Sanitation Dump Station, Launch Ramps, Residential homes on the lake. North Higgins Lake State Park is along the northern shoreline. Also a recreational area is along the southern shoreline. Located just south of the I 75 and U.S. 27 Interchange.

Houghton Lake. Fishing, Skiing, Swimming. Launch Ramps. Residential homes and cabins surround the lake. About 15 miles long by 8 miles wide, excellent bass fishing. Located between U.S. 27 and I 75 south of Higgins Lake. Take Houghton Lake Exit from either highway.

Hubbard Lake. Fishing. near Mt. Maria Ski Area. From Harrisville take 72 west, follow signs.

Intermediate Lake. Fishing, Swimming, Launch Ramps, (Small Fee May Apply), Motel, Small Marina, Fuel, Store. A scenic river type of Lake about six miles long, with excellent fishing, and accessible to smaller lakes to the north (smaller craft 18 feet or less recommended north), including Wilson, St. Clair, and Six Mile Lake. Fishing is excellent in this area. Small boat rental is available at Central Lake on the northern shoreline of Intermediate.

Lake Leelanau. Fishing. A 23 mile long thin lake stretching from Rouch (near Sugar Creek Ski Area) north to Leland on the Leelanau Peninsula northwest of Traverse City.

Little Traverse Bay. On Lake Michigan. Beaches, Fishing, Skiing, Beach, Campsites with and without Electric Hookup, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Picnic Day/Use, Launch Ramps (Small Fee May Apply), Marinas, Fuel, Motel / Hotel, Restaurants (Harbor Springs / Petoskey). Harbor Springs is among one of the most beautiful spots in lower Michigan, and is a must for a stopping point. Larger craft recommended for trips far from shore.

Click Here for a Link to Bay Harbor Marina.

Little WhiteFish Lake. 181 Acres. Swimming, Campsites, Fishing, Launch Ramps (Small Fee May Apply). Great for Fishing including Pike, Pearch, Bluegill and Bass. Speed Boating (unrestricted wake speeds) between 11am and 7pm. This 1 mile wide lake is a fisherman's paradise, located off just off US. 131 28 miles north of Grand Rapids in Pierson.

Lobdell Lake. Water Sports, Swimming, Campsites, Picnic Grounds, Fishing, Ramps, Marina, Fuel, Information Area. This small lake is located just west of U.S. 23 near Argentine, (just south of Flint) and is known for Bass Pike and Walley Fishing.

Lake Michigan. 22,300 square miles, 307 miles long, 118 miles wide at its widest point, 923 feet deep at its maximum depth. In addition to great stopping points on its western shoreline Lake Michigan features many popular island stops including Beaver, North and South Manitou Islands just west of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore on the mainland (the Manitou Islands are a part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes) and Mackinac just past the Mackinac Bridge. Popular stops on the Michigan side from south to north include Benton Harbor, Holland, Muskegon, Ludington, Manistee Frankfort, Empire and Glen Arbor. For Grand Traverse and Little Traverse see above. Its western line includes popular stops of Chicago, IL., Milwaukee, Sheboygan, Liberty Grove and Green Bay Wisconsin.

Mullett lake. Fishing, Skiing, Beach, Campsites with and without Electric Hookup, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Picnic Day/Use, Launch Ramp (Small Fee May Apply). This lake stretches about 15 miles from I 75 to near the intersections of Michigan State Routes 27 and 33. Aloha State Park is on the eastern shoreline. Located at the Topinabee Exit (313) off I 75.

Saginaw Bay. On Lake Huron. Fishing, Skiing, Beach, Campsites with and without Electric Hookup, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Picnic Day/Use, Launch Ramp (Small Fee May Apply), Marina, Fuel. Bay City State Park sets on the southwestern shoreline. Mostly larger craft are seen here, plus access to the Saginaw River.

Sanford Lake. Watersports, Fishing, Swimming, Campsites, Picnic Grounds, Ramps, Marina, Fuel. This narrow lake is around 4 1/2 miles long and less than a mile wide and impounds the Tittabawasee River down stream from Wixom Lake. Located in Sanford right on Route 10 east of Clare.

Spring Lake. Boating, Fishing, Marina, Ramps (Small Fee May Apply).. This lake is attached to the Grand River leading in from Lake Michigan. The Grand River itself runs through Grand Rapids. Located in Grand Haven Michigan.

Lake St. Clair. Fishing, Launch Ramps, Marina, Fuel. Extends from Detroit north to New Baltimore, Michigan. This large body of water is one of Detroit's popular boating playgrounds. Fishing and general boating is the most popular activity. Lake St. Clair a popular with Freighters and larger craft linking to Lake Erie and Lake Huron. Ontario Canada lies to the East.

Lake Skegemog. Fishing, Skiing, Launch Ramp. Scenic Wildlife Area. (Part of Chain of Lakes Trip starting in Elk Rapids). Torch River is accessible on the northern side, follow markers and watch for stumps! There are also bald eagles nesting in the area. Accessible From Michigan State Route 72 between Acme and Kalkaska.

Thunder Bay. Fishing, Marina, Fuel. Points of interest include Alpena Lighthouse and the city of Alpena (Restaurants, Motels / Hotels, Shopping). Located off U.S. 23 in Alpena.

Torch Lake / River. Fishing, Skiing, Float Planes, Launch Ramps, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Marinas, Fuel, Lake Side Restaurants, Shops. 22 miles long by up to 4 miles wide and 302 feet in depth . This lake also features shallow sand areas just north of the Torch River Bridge great for water volleyball. Torch River runs south from Torch Lake to Lake Skegemog. There are a few cabin rentals available along the lake. (Part of the Chain of Lakes Trip -see Elk Lake). A lake side restaurant / bar "Dockside" with tie ups is along the Clam Lake inlet on the middle eastern side of Torch Lake. The water here is crystal blue one of the clearest in all of Michigan. Accessible from the North Side at U.S. 31 and Eastport. One of the "Top Rated" inland lakes in all of Michigan!.

Information based on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers brochures and boaters information.
If you know of any other great spots in Michigan for boating (of all types), or have more information, feel free to E-Mail us at Boating America