Top Spots for Boating in Michigan’s Lakes, Rivers and Bays
Whether you seek the thrill of high-speed powerboating, the serenity of sailing or a leisurely paddle, Michigan’s waterways promise unforgettable experiences around every bend.
With the Great Lakes in our backyard, the world’s longest freshwater shoreline (about 3,300 miles in all!) and thousands of inland lakes, rivers and streams to explore – it’s no wonder Michiganders are so obsessed with being on the water. As we like to say, you’re never more than 6 miles from a body of water in Michigan, and it’s easy to access that water with 1,000 public boat launches and 82 public harbors across the state. Take a look at just a few areas around the state and learn more about Michigan’s waterways here.
Known for its amazingly blue waters, Torch Lake in Northern Michigan is the state’s longest inland lake. For a burst of power, rent a pontoon or a triple-hulled tritoon, or zip around on a personal watercraft. Wind-powered adventurers are also welcome to rent a sailboat or spend the day windsurfing, while stand-up paddleboards can be spotted skimming across the turquoise surface. From Torch Lake, you can connect to the Chain of Lakes Water Trail that connects to lesser-known lakes like Elk, Skegemog, Intermediate and Bellaire.
Learn fun (and unexpected) facts about Michigan’s Great Lakes.
Known as the heart of the Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair famously connects Lake Erie and Lake Huron just outside of Detroit. Here, you’ll find scenic and shallow waters to cruise around on, with easy access to sheltered bays and channels. This area is populated with waterfront restaurants where you can easily dock and dine on a delicious meal. All throughout different townships around the lake, you can pull into places like The Anchor Point Bistro, On the Rocks Smoke House & Tiki Bar and Bumpers Landing.
Find more exceptional lakes for boating and learn the history of boating in Michigan.
In the Grand Haven area, the village of Spring Lake is surrounded by both Spring Lake and the Grand River which flows into Lake Michigan. This West Michigan gem is a perfect launching point for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or boating. Join a fishing charter on Lake Michigan with a guide who can take you to all the best spots and provide the necessary equipment for a successful day on the water.
On the Upper Peninsula near Escanaba, the Big Bay de Noc and Little Bay de Noc encompass over 100,000 acres of freshwater where anglers arrive to catch trophy-class walleye fish. Canoers love the Two Hearted River that was immortalized by Ernest Hemingway in a short story, and the Tahquamenon River is renowned for its calm and picturesque paddling that leads you to the waterfalls of Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
From rivers to open water, find the best places for spring fishing in Michigan.
Michigan' Inland Waterway Heritage Trail starts north of Petoskey and creates the longest chain of rivers and lakes in the state. You can complete the nearly 40-mile trail over a day or two, connecting Crooked Lake, Crooked River, Burt Lake, Indian River, Mullett Lake, and the Cheboygan River. Once a common route for steamer boats in the 1800s, these waters continue to attract boaters who can spend a day on the water, pull into dockside restaurants and explore small towns along the way. Local tip: Experience the Cheboygan River locks that raise and lower boats about 15 feet to and from Lake Huron.
Looking for the benefits of having a boat without the hassle? Companies like Carefree Boat Club and Freedom Boat Club offer memberships that give you unlimited access to boats of all sizes, with training included.