The state of Michigan is home to an incredible 3,300 miles of freshwater shoreline. And boating opportunities in the state abound. Sometimes called the Wolverine State, the fact that Michigan borders four of the largest freshwater bodies (Lake Huron, Lake Superior, Lake Erie, and, of course, Lake Michigan) in the world imparts its official nickname, the Great Lakes State.
But that’s not all. Michigan’s boating heritage benefits not just from abundant natural beauty, but history. A young Ernest Hemingway spent summers in the Upper Peninsula. Not only that, but Michigan is home to a rich history of boat building—everything from rum-running runabouts during Prohibition to landing crafts in World War II. To bring your boat to this part of the world is to find beautiful places and people who enjoy them. Here is a list of a few of our favorites.
Torch Lake—Northern Lower Peninsula
Torch Lake is Michigan’s longest and second-largest inland lake. The lake’s crystal clear, turquoise waters lead many, including TravelandLeisure.com, to refer to it as “the Caribbean of the North.” Torch Lake’s waters are clear enough, in fact, to attract snorkelers and scuba divers.
These days, the lake’s Northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie, and perch bring anglers from across the state. People, however, have been fishing on Torch Lake for a long time. The lake gets its name from Native Americans’ practice of using light from torches to draw in fish for harvest.
But the main draw here is the scenery. Just how beautiful and boat-worthy is a day on Torch Lake? It was a sand bar in Torch Lake that served as the inspiration for Kid Rock’s 2007 hit song, “All Summer Long.”
If you’re planning a trip to Torch Lake, it’s as laidback and relaxed as it is beautiful. But when the water warms to around 70, it’s sand bar season so plan accordingly (and show up early).
Lake St. Clair
Sitting on the border of Michigan and Ontario, Lake St. Clair is renowned as a destination for big smallmouth bass. In fact, it is commonly ranked among the best smallmouth fisheries in the world. And it’s not just the relative commonness of fish in the four-to-six-pound range; it’s the number of smallmouth here. There are a lot of them. More than steady action and quality fish, there are lunkers here. If you’re after a giant of a bronzeback, Lake St. Clair is perhaps as good a destination as you’ll find.
Beyond the smallmouth fishery, Lake St. Clair provides easy access to all of metropolitan Detroit’s nightlife, restaurant scene, sporting events, and music. On weekends in the summertime, you can find great food and drinks, festivals, and plenty of fireworks, too.
If you’d like to take your boat on a bit of a scenic cruise, head up the St. Clair River that connects Lake Huron. The roughly 40.5-mile stretch starts in the St. Clair Delta on the north end of the lake and ends near the town of Sarnia, where the river enters Lake Huron.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore—Upper Peninsula, Lake Superior
Looking for something truly magical? Check out Lake Superior’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This remote, pristine stretch of Lake Superior gets its name from the many sandstone cliff faces that line the lake. You’ll see not just sunsets that shimmer of cliff faces above clear, turquoise water, but waterfalls, sand dunes, beaches, forests, and abundant natural beauty.
If you trailer your boat to the area, you’ll likely need to put in at a ramp outside of the park. There are a number of options located at both the east and west ends of the lakeshore. This is pretty big water and a remote area, so make sure you have the boat for it and keep an eye on the weather.
Les Cheneaux Islands—Lake Huron, Southeastern Upper Peninsula
“The Channels” in French, Les Cheneaux, is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands sprawled about 12 miles of Lake Huron coastline. The islands provide a wonderful setting for adventure, relaxation, soaking up incredible natural beauty, fishing, and more. With access to sheltered water and plenty of anchorage, it’s easy to see why this one makes the list.
The accommodations here are welcoming. They range from camping on the Government Island (the only public island in the chain, accessible only by boat) to resorts, motels, and all manner of short-term rentals.
The beauty of Les Cheneaux Islands influenced famous American author Aldo Leopold, a man who would come to be known as the “Grandfather of Conservation.” Leopold vacationed here when he was young.
Traverse City—Lake Michigan
Looking to cruise the lake in comfort and style, Traverse City may well be just your speed. Plan your trip from August 19-23, and you can even take in the Traverse City Food and Wine Festival.
Traverse City is known not just for its great restaurant scene, but the ability to go winery hopping as well. From a strictly boating standpoint, there is much to love. The marina infrastructure is developed and accommodating. There are plenty of protected bays to enjoy cruising or take in a sunset. There are many waterfront dining options as well.
Back to Blue Life
But that’s not all. Michigan’s boating heritage benefits not just from abundant natural beauty, but history. A young Ernest Hemingway spent summers in the Upper Peninsula. Not only that, but Michigan is home to a rich history of boat building—everything from rum-running runabouts during Prohibition to landing crafts in World War II. To bring your boat to this part of the world is to find beautiful places and people who enjoy them. Here is a list of a few of our favorites.
Torch Lake—Northern Lower Peninsula
Torch Lake is Michigan’s longest and second-largest inland lake. The lake’s crystal clear, turquoise waters lead many, including TravelandLeisure.com, to refer to it as “the Caribbean of the North.” Torch Lake’s waters are clear enough, in fact, to attract snorkelers and scuba divers.
These days, the lake’s Northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie, and perch bring anglers from across the state. People, however, have been fishing on Torch Lake for a long time. The lake gets its name from Native Americans’ practice of using light from torches to draw in fish for harvest.
But the main draw here is the scenery. Just how beautiful and boat-worthy is a day on Torch Lake? It was a sand bar in Torch Lake that served as the inspiration for Kid Rock’s 2007 hit song, “All Summer Long.”
If you’re planning a trip to Torch Lake, it’s as laidback and relaxed as it is beautiful. But when the water warms to around 70, it’s sand bar season so plan accordingly (and show up early).
Lake St. Clair
Sitting on the border of Michigan and Ontario, Lake St. Clair is renowned as a destination for big smallmouth bass. In fact, it is commonly ranked among the best smallmouth fisheries in the world. And it’s not just the relative commonness of fish in the four-to-six-pound range; it’s the number of smallmouth here. There are a lot of them. More than steady action and quality fish, there are lunkers here. If you’re after a giant of a bronzeback, Lake St. Clair is perhaps as good a destination as you’ll find.
Beyond the smallmouth fishery, Lake St. Clair provides easy access to all of metropolitan Detroit’s nightlife, restaurant scene, sporting events, and music. On weekends in the summertime, you can find great food and drinks, festivals, and plenty of fireworks, too.
If you’d like to take your boat on a bit of a scenic cruise, head up the St. Clair River that connects Lake Huron. The roughly 40.5-mile stretch starts in the St. Clair Delta on the north end of the lake and ends near the town of Sarnia, where the river enters Lake Huron.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore—Upper Peninsula, Lake Superior
Looking for something truly magical? Check out Lake Superior’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This remote, pristine stretch of Lake Superior gets its name from the many sandstone cliff faces that line the lake. You’ll see not just sunsets that shimmer of cliff faces above clear, turquoise water, but waterfalls, sand dunes, beaches, forests, and abundant natural beauty.
If you trailer your boat to the area, you’ll likely need to put in at a ramp outside of the park. There are a number of options located at both the east and west ends of the lakeshore. This is pretty big water and a remote area, so make sure you have the boat for it and keep an eye on the weather.
Les Cheneaux Islands—Lake Huron, Southeastern Upper Peninsula
“The Channels” in French, Les Cheneaux, is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands sprawled about 12 miles of Lake Huron coastline. The islands provide a wonderful setting for adventure, relaxation, soaking up incredible natural beauty, fishing, and more. With access to sheltered water and plenty of anchorage, it’s easy to see why this one makes the list.
The accommodations here are welcoming. They range from camping on the Government Island (the only public island in the chain, accessible only by boat) to resorts, motels, and all manner of short-term rentals.
The beauty of Les Cheneaux Islands influenced famous American author Aldo Leopold, a man who would come to be known as the “Grandfather of Conservation.” Leopold vacationed here when he was young.
Traverse City—Lake Michigan
Looking to cruise the lake in comfort and style, Traverse City may well be just your speed. Plan your trip from August 19-23, and you can even take in the Traverse City Food and Wine Festival.
Traverse City is known not just for its great restaurant scene, but the ability to go winery hopping as well. From a strictly boating standpoint, there is much to love. The marina infrastructure is developed and accommodating. There are plenty of protected bays to enjoy cruising or take in a sunset. There are many waterfront dining options as well.
Back to Blue Life