Boating in Michigan

[MPII]

Hello and Greetings -

I have been told that there are wonderfull waterways in Michigan. Actually, that there are a lot of interconnected waterways where you can boat and stay at hotels on the water and then travel to a different area the next day, etc etc etc.

Anyone have any advice or tips?

 

[jhebert]

Re: Boating in Michigan

The only water way that would fit your description may be the inland water way from Crooked Lake to Lake Huron. This system begins in Crooked Lake, runs into the Crooked River, into Burt Lake, into Indian River, into Mullet Lake, and then into the Cheboygan River, and finally to Lake Huron. In Cheboygan, Michigan there is a motel on the river with a dock. There may be a few other motels along the way. None are hotels.

 

[WastinGas]

Re: Boating in Michigan

i'm near the southern part of lake mich. i've never heard of these. please keep posted what you find.

 

[maryannII]

Re: Boating in Michigan

I would like to suggest two different waterways which you could travel. One is called the Inland Waterway and the other is the Chain O? Lakes (there are several chains in Michigan, this one is in Antrim County).
The Inland waterway has several facilities which are on the waterway for lodging. I traveled it several years ago and found it to be beautiful. It is clearly buoyed, but I would suggest some sort of map. It can be traveled in one long day, however if you wish to really enjoy it, I would suggest staying somewhere in the middle and taking more time to enjoy it. Burt Lake and Mullett Lake, which are part of the waterway, are the third and fifth largest inland lakes in Michigan. I am familiar with Fleetwood Inn, it is clean and provides rooms with boat slips. The following links give you an overview of the Inland Waterway.

Inland Waterway: http://www.fishweb.com/maps/inlandwater/index.html
Crooked River Lodge: http://www.crookedriverlodge.com/
Crooked River Locks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5Pynso3tUU&feature=player_embedded
Cheboygan Locks: http://www.fishweb.com/maps/cheboygan/cheboygan/river/locks/index.html
Fleetwood Inn & Suites in Cheboygan, MI: http://www.fleetwoodinn.com/

The Chain O? Lakes also has lodging. It can be traveled in a long day, but as before, I would suggest several. You can put in at Torch Lake. Torch Lake is the second largest inland lake in Michigan, but may be the most beautiful. All the lakes contained in these two waterways are glacial cut and feature crystal clear water. One could spend days exploring Torch Lake alone. From Torch Lake, you can travel downstream to Elk Rapids through Torch River, Lake Skegemog (be very careful entering this lake, it contains several deadheads), Elk Lake and then to the Elk River. You can dock at The Riverwalk Grill and have lunch or supper. Up stream you can travel from Torch Lake to Clam River to Clam Lake, to the Grass River to Lake Bellaire. Alden Mi in on Lake Bellaire and is a quaint little town that warrants a visit.
Chain O? Lakes in Antrim County Michigan:
http://www.fishweb.com/maps/antrim/chain-o-lakes/index.html
Best of luck, Dan

 

[RGrew176]

Re: Boating in Michigan

Here is a link that will give you some knowledge of whats on Michigans Inland Waterway.

http://www.fishweb.com/maps/inlandwater/index.html

I, along with another boat took this trip in 1997. It was one of the best boating trips of my lifetime. We took two days and could have spent more time. On day one we went all the way to crooked lake. We then backtracked and stayed at The Landings on Indian River. On day two we headed back to Burt Lake and spent a good part of the day swimming and exploring the lake. We anchored off an island on the N/W corner of Burt Lake and swam and explored the island. Its a small island so not much to "explore". We then headed back to Cheboygan for the night before heading off to Mackinaw City.

I highly recommend this trip. I would like to do it again sometime.

 

[DaNinja]

Re: Boating in Michigan

My lil' brother lives on Burt Lake. They've made the trip around the water way and it sounded like a great time.