Michigan and Ohio Boaters

[Woodyq]

We live in Ontario app 50 miles east of Detroit.

My wife and I would like to get away for a few days. We would like to take the boat and get in some water time.

Soooo, what we would be looking for is a lake somewhere with relatively nearby motels at reasonable cost, needless to say it would have to have a public launch. Be great if there were some small islands where one could anchor and do the picnic lunch thing.

In short we, like everyone else, are looking for that idyllic spot, sun dappled water, calm, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, etc, etc.

If any of you have suggestions we would appreciate same.

Many thanks!

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Michigan and Ohio Boaters

How far from home do you want to go and how long do you plan to spend?

A few suggestions:

Burt, Mullet lake chain...this is an inland waterway that goes from Crooked lake up to Cheboygan.

Torch lake and the connecting lakes...over North of Traverse City.

Les Cheneaux Islands...the communities of Cedarville and Hessel in the UP. This is a great place to boat, although the water can be pretty cold.

 

[Woodyq]

Re: Michigan and Ohio Boaters

Many thanks Rotary Racer, will take a look at those on the map.

Didn't have a pre determined limitation on distance and will go for three to five days.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Michigan and Ohio Boaters

Lake Charlevoix is another really nice lake to boat on. If you make it that far north and west you could see Torch, Charlevoix and probably Burt and Mullet in a 4-5 day trip.

I have to wonder why you want to come to the states though. When looking at a map, I see a lot of water in Northern ON that looks like it would be really interesting to explore.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Michigan and Ohio Boaters

Google "Inland water way in MI" its a 45 mile trip in rivers and lakes. also has locks and hotels. Its quite the trip i hear. I am planning it for next year.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Michigan and Ohio Boaters

Biffle,

The Burt and Mullet lake chain I mentioned is the inland waterway you speak of. It is a very nice trip. I have done the trip many times. The most recent was in 2008.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Michigan and Ohio Boaters

Erie's Western islands?

 

[JimKW]

Re: Michigan and Ohio Boaters

My wife and I just got back from Lake Charlervoix and would highly recommend it! Pretty sure you will want to stay in Michigan, and being from Columbus, OH that is difficult to say. But with 4 or 5 days or even a whole week you would be spendig too much time driving if you want to get into Ohio.

 

[75TowerOfPower]

Re: Michigan and Ohio Boaters

How about Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron off the Bruce Penisula. My family has had a cabin there for 45 years now. Lakes on the island with cottages along them and usually beaches or docks for the boat.

 

[Woodyq]

Re: Michigan and Ohio Boaters

Thanks to all who responded, will google Charlevoix and Manitoulin.

Rotary Racer in response to query of going to US rather than up north, our gas is running app $4.50 to $5.00 a gallon. When you are feeding a truck and a boat that becomes a factor, truck is E-85 flex fuel and it runs app $2.25 in the US.

Also on everything we buy or do we pay 13% tax, also a consideration.

If we go to the States we load up on groceries on our return trip, milk up here is app $4.25 a gallon, eggs are $2.19 a dozen and the list goes on. Figure what I save helps pay for the holiday!!!!