Summer boating season in Michigan is getting underway, and boaters are already hitting the water.
A day out on clear, sparkling waters with loved ones offers a perfect summer getaway for Michigan boaters. The state is a boat lover’s paradise, boasting four of the Great Lakes and 11,000 inland lakes, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
“In Michigan, you are never more than 6 miles away from a lake, river or stream, so you never have to travel far to find a boaters paradise,” Pure Michigan says.
Here’s what to know.
5 places to tie off your boat and enjoy the day
When the day on the lake is done, consider docking in these areas and checking out nearby cities.
6 places to boat this summer in Michigan
Here are six places to boat on in Michigan, according to Pure Michigan:
Glide along the ‘Inland Waterway’
Michigan’s “Inland Waterway” cuts across the tip of the mitten, starting north of Petoskey and ending at Cheboygan.
Michigan’s longest chain of rivers and lakes covers nearly 40 miles, including Pickerel Lake and Crooked Lake, the Crooked River, Burt Lake, the Indian River, Mullett Lake, the Cheboygan River, and finally into Lake Huron.
The water trails connect seven state parks; numerous campgrounds, day-use parks, and resorts; 20 Little Traverse Conservancy Nature Preserves, and six communities.
How can you register your boat in Michigan?
Boats must be registered and you can do so through the Michigan Department of State. Some boats also require a title if they’re 20 feet long or longer, or have a permanently affixed engine.
Registration is good for three years, expiring on March 31 of the third year, according to the state. Boat owners can renew online, via mail, at a self-service station or in-person at your local Secretary of State office.
What should you know before you go?
Check with your local boating access site for hours and rules. Most state-sponsored sites are closed from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., says the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Life jackets must be on board and the type and number depend on the type of boat you have and how many people are on board, the Michigan DNR says.
If you plan to take a pet, check whether pets are allowed and how to handle them. In Michigan, pets must be kept on a 6-foot leash and under the owner’s immediate control and you must clean up after them and prevent them from interacting with wildlife.
If you plan to fish or water ski, be sure to check local regulations, some inland lakes prohibit certain activities.
Can you take alcohol onboard your boat?
It’s illegal to operate a boat in Michigan while under the influence of alcohol, according to state law. Boaters with a 0.08% blood alcohol content or higher could face civil penalties like fines and imprisonment.
Some boating access sites in Michigan ban drinking alcohol, the Michigan DNR said.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ready to cast off for summer? Where to boat across Michigan in 2025
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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