Boating in Indian River, Michigan
Welcome to Indian River, Michigan, the heart of the stunning Inland Waterway—a boater’s paradise in Northern Michigan! Whether you’re cruising, fishing, or dining by the water, Indian River offers endless opportunities for aquatic adventures. Below, you’ll find everything you need to plan your boating experience, from navigating the Inland Waterway to finding marinas, restaurants, and boat rentals.
The Inland Waterway
The Inland Waterway, Michigan’s longest chain of rivers and lakes, stretches 38 miles through Emmet and Cheboygan Counties, connecting Lake Huron to Crooked Lake. This scenic route winds through Crooked Lake, Crooked River, Burt Lake, Indian River, Mullett Lake, and the Cheboygan River, passing charming communities like Indian River, Alanson, and Cheboygan. Originally used by Native Americans to avoid rough Lake Michigan waves, the waterway is now a popular destination for motorboating, fishing, and paddling, offering unspoiled natural beauty and unique experiences like passing through locks and the world’s smallest operating swing bridge in Alanson.
• Alcohol Restrictions: Alcohol consumption is a leading cause of boating accidents. Operate your vessel sober to ensure safety.
• Operating Hours: Personal watercraft (e.g., Jet Skis) cannot be operated from one hour before sunset to 8:00 AM.
• Loon Protection: Stay at least 150 yards from loons to avoid disturbing their nests or young.
• Invasive Species: Clean your boat thoroughly to prevent the spread of invasive species.
• Navigation: Be cautious of heavy motorboat traffic, especially on weekends and afternoons during peak summer months. Early mornings are ideal for quieter trips.
The Crooked River Lock in Alanson and the Cheboygan River Lock require coordination. Contact the Michigan DNR Field Office in Petoskey at (231) 347-2311 for lock schedules and fees.
• Maximum Boat Size: The Inland Waterway can accommodate boats up to 65 feet long with an 18-foot beam and a 5-foot draft. However, the Crooked River’s narrow channels generally restrict boats to 25 feet in length.
• Bridge Clearances: Key fixed bridges include:
• Lincoln Avenue: 20 feet
• M-33: 16.7 feet
• M-27: 14.7 feet
• M-68: 16 feet
• Depth: The waterway is maintained at a minimum depth of 5 feet, suitable for most small to medium-sized craft.
• Burt Lake State Park (Indian River): A heavily used public launch, currently being improved, ideal for accessing Burt Lake.
• Witt Street Ramp (Indian River): Suitable for small boats, with limited parking.
• The Landings on Indian River (Indian River): A private marina offering launch facilities with 20- and 40-foot slips.
• Aloha State Park (Cheboygan): Public launch ramps for Mullett Lake access.
• The Forks (Cheboygan): A large, modern public launch south of Cheboygan off Straits Highway.
• Conway Township Ramp (Crooked Lake): Located off US-31, ideal for Crooked Lake access.
• Pickerel Lake DNR Ramp: A small gravel ramp for small boats.
Use the Michigan DNR’s Boating Access Finder (MiBFF) for real-time updates on closures and conditions: www.michigan.gov/boating.
Several marinas along the Inland Waterway provide docking, fuel, repairs, and rentals:
• Indian River Marina (Indian River): Located between Burt and Mullett Lakes, offering boat rentals, sales, service, parts, and docking. Contact: (231) 238-9373.
• The Landings on Indian River (Indian River): Full-service marina with pontoon and fishing boat rentals, fuel, bait, tackle, and a fish cleaning house. Offers 20- and 40-foot slips. Contact: (231) 238-9955.
• Howe Marine (Indian River): Specializes in pontoon rentals and repairs, particularly for wooden boats. Contact: (231) 238-9374.
• Ryde Marine (Alanson): Offers rentals, fuel, and docking on the Crooked River. Contact: (231) 347-8273.
• Cheboygan Area Marinas: Multiple marinas near the Cheboygan River provide fuel, docking, and supplies. Check with the Cheboygan Area Trailways for details: cheboygantrailways.com.
Dine by the water at these restaurants along the Inland Waterway, many offering dockside access:
• The Boathouse (Cheboygan): Located on the Cheboygan River, offering dockside dining with a diverse menu.
• Pier M33 on the Cheboygan (Cheboygan): Waterfront dining with docking available, featuring seafood and casual fare.
• The Inn Between (Indian River): A local favorite near the Indian River, accessible by boat with nearby docking at Marina Park. Known for pub-style food and drinks.
• The Hack-Ma-Tack Inn (Cheboygan): On Mullett Lake, offering fine dining with docking for boaters. Famous for its historic charm and lake views.
• The Boathouse (Cheboygan): Features a bar with waterfront views and docking, serving cocktails and local brews.
• Pier M33 on the Cheboygan (Cheboygan): Offers a bar with a casual vibe, ideal for boaters docking along the Cheboygan River.
• Topinabee Public House (Topinabee, Mullett Lake): A cozy bar with docking nearby, known for its friendly atmosphere and lakefront location.
• Ryde Marine (Alanson): Offers pontoon and fishing boat rentals on the Crooked River. Contact: (231) 347-8273.
Indian River’s central location on the Inland Waterway makes it the perfect base for your boating trip. Whether you’re navigating locks, fishing for walleye, or docking for a meal, the waterway offers a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. For more information, visit the Indian River Chamber of Commerce or the Michigan DNR.
Safety Tip: Always check weather conditions and waterway traffic before heading out, and ensure your boat is equipped with required safety gear. Happy boating!