Michigan
Vacation Information
Pure Michigan
Michigan Harbor, Lodging, Camping and Equestrian Information
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. For more interesting facts on Lake
Superior check out The
Great Lakes Forcasting System.
Lower
Peninsula
- Allegan
County Lakes. See Jaqua Realtors
. 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).
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.
Lake Charlevoix Marina Information
- 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. Free single public launch ramp off Clam Lake Road southwest of Bellaire.
Dewitt Marine
- 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. Launch ramp access in Elk Rapids, and Whitewater Township Park and Campground off Elk Lake Road (small fee).
- 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 first weekend in August.
Elk Rapids Harbor Days
Duncan L. Clinch Marina Downtown Traverse City
Sutton's Bay Marina
- 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.
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.
Leland Harbor
Blufton Bay Marina
South Haven Marinas
Anchor's Away Marina St. Joseph
- 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.
Safe Harbor Grand Isle Marina
North Shore Marina
- 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.
Safe Harbor Belle Maer Marina
- 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. Boat ramp located on 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, $ 6.00 fee for public
ramps on and near the Torch River. 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!.
Torch River Marine
Dockside Torch Lake Web Cam at Clam Lake Inlet
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