The Inland Waterway of Michigan

Michigan is truly a boater's paradise. Last weekend my husband and I went boating with friends along the Michigan Inland Waterway. This is always one of our favorite boating trips. Once a Native American trade route in northern Michigan, the Inland Waterway is now popular for boating, fishing, and water sports. Boating enthusiasts should travel these 45 miles of connecting lakes and rivers at least once in their lives.

The Inland Waterway begins in Pickerel Lake. We have never boated there because it is too shallow for our boat. The next lake is Crooked Lake which we made the trip to one time. We also found it too shallow for safe boating. You'll travel through a set of locks as you leave this lake. The Crooked River Locks were built to raise or lower the water level 1-3 feet at most.

Boating through Alanson, Michigan you will pass through the world's smallest swing bridge. There is a dock for boaters to stop at the city park. Crooked River leads you into Burt Lake. From here to Lake Huron the water of the Inland Waterway is safe for large boats.

My favorite stretch of the Inland Waterway is Indian River. It connects Burt Lake to Mullett Lake. Boating along you will see beautiful old Victorian homes, cottages, boats and boat houses, and a few Tiki bars built by homeowners. You can park your boat downtown to enjoy the shops, restaurants, and bars in the town of Indian River, Michigan.

After leaving this busy stretch of Indian River, you'll reach a natural area of the river. Once you pass under the I-75 bridge there are heavy weed beds, swans, ducks, and Sandhill cranes. If you're really lucky you may spot Bald Eagles. The marsh land along here is quiet and peaceful - when other boaters aren't around!

Mullett Lake is the next lake in the Inland Waterway. It is one of Michigan's largest inland lakes with a length of 10 miles and width of 4 miles at its widest point.

The Cheboygan River leads you from Mullett Lake to Lake Huron. Going through Cheboygan, Michigan there are spots to park your boat and walk to downtown businesses. The adventure of this stretch of the Inland Waterway is going through the Cheboygan Locks.

These locks raise you from the lower river water level to the higher water level of Lake Huron. There are cables strung from top to bottom of the locks which boaters must hang unto as the locks move. I always breathe a sigh of relief when the locks are behind us. You will reach Lake Huron at the end of the Michigan Inland Waterway - where another boating adventure awaits!

You can see my Indian River - Michigan Inland Waterway slideshow here.

Sources:

Personal Experience

Pure Michigan Travel - See for lodging in the Inland Waterway area

www.fishweb.com