Boat Launches In Michigan: Open Or Closed?

Michigan is surrounded by one-fifth of the planet's fresh surface water, so it's no surprise that the state offers great boating and freshwater recreation opportunities. With more than 1,000 public boat launches and 82 public harbors, Michigan provides easy access to 3,300 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 11,000 inland lakes, and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams.

Boat launches in Michigan are typically open to the public, but some are private. Some boat launches are free, while others require a daily or seasonal pass.

Characteristics	Values
Number of public boat launches in Michigan	Over 1,000
Number of public harbors in Michigan	82
Miles of Great Lakes shoreline in Michigan	3,300
Number of inland lakes in Michigan	11,000
Length of rivers and streams in Michigan	Tens of thousands of miles
Cost of a daily pass at the Ninth Street First Street boat launch in Manistee	$10
Cost of a seasonal pass at the Ninth Street First Street boat launch in Manistee	$50

Boating safety certificates

Boating safety is a serious issue in Michigan, with drowning being the cause of death in 75% of boating-related fatalities. To help combat this, Michigan requires that boaters born after 30 June 1996 and most personal watercraft operators who operate a vessel in Michigan must have a boater education card (boating safety certificate). This can be obtained by completing a classroom-based course, or an online or interactive course.

The classroom-based course is taught by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadron, and may be fee-based. The online course can be completed at your own pace and can be accessed on Boat-Ed.com, while the interactive course can be found on ilearntoboat.com. Both of these options are approved by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The boating safety certificate is not the same as a boating license. The certificate is proof of completion of a boating safety course, while a license is a separate legal requirement.

Additional Safety Information

In addition to obtaining a boating safety certificate, there are several other important safety tips that all boaters in Michigan should be aware of:

Always wear a properly fitting life jacket. In 2023, 87% of people who drowned in a boating-related fatality were not wearing a life jacket.
Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, impairing judgement, balance, vision and reaction time.
Always check your boat and ensure it is properly equipped before going out on the water. This includes legally required equipment such as life jackets and fire extinguishers, as well as a first-aid kit, nautical charts and an anchor.
Make sure navigation lights are working properly and that the cabin of your vessel is properly ventilated to prevent carbon dioxide poisoning.
Inform someone who is not boating with you about the details of your trip, including your planned route, how long you will be gone and when you plan to return.
Be aware of other boats, swimmers, skiers and objects in the water, especially when operating in crowded waterways, at night or in restricted visibility.
Watch out for commercial fishing nets and buoys, which may be indicated by orange flagging.
Always carry a cell phone or marine radio in case of emergency.

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Boat launch locations

Michigan has over 1,000 public boat launches and 82 public harbors, offering easy access to its Great Lakes shoreline, inland lakes, rivers, and streams.

Southeast Michigan

Lake Erie Metropark, Rockwood
Elizabeth Park Marina (Detroit River), Trenton
Lake Erie, River Raisin, Monroe County
Lake Erie, Sterling State Park, Monroe County
Detroit River, Elizabeth Park, Wayne County
Detroit River, Cherry Island, Wayne County
Lake St. Clair, Anchor Bay Hall Road, Macomb County
Saginaw Bay Lake Huron, Linwood, Bay County
Saginaw River, Cass Ave, Bay County
Saginaw River (Smith Park), Bay County
Saginaw Bay Lake Huron, Coggins Rd, Bay County
Saginaw River Boat Ramp
Saginaw Bay Lake Huron, Au Gres River, Arenac County
Saginaw Bay Lake Huron, Filion Road, Huron County
Saginaw Bay Lake Huron, Wild Fowl Point, Huron County
Saginaw Bay Lake Huron, Pine River, Arenac County
Saginaw Bay Lake Huron, Pigeon Road, Huron County
Algonac Municipal Boat Ramp
Lakeville Lake, Leonard
Lake Oakland, Waterford
Union Lake, Oakland County
Lake Nepessing, Lapeer
Holloway Reservoir, Lapeer
Lake Fenton, Fenton
Lobdell Lake, Fenton
Bruin Lake, Lyndon
Bruin Lake, Washtenaw County
Half Moon Lake, Pinckney
Half Moon Lake, Muskegon County
Half Moon Lake, Washtenaw County
White Lake, Oakland County
Kent Lake, Oakland County
Wolverine Lake, Oakland County
Maceday Lake, Oakland County
Orchard Lake, Oakland County
Lakeville Lake Boat Launch, Oakland County
Cedar Island Lake, Oakland County
Big Blue Lake, Muskegon County
Mott Lake E, Genesee County
Lake Ponemah, Genesee County
Blue Gill Boat Launch
Marble Lake Boat Launch
Buell Lake, Genesee County
Austin Lake, Portage
Prairieville Township Center Street Lake Access

West Michigan

Lake Michigan, Arcadia, Manistee County
Lake Michigan, Suttons Bay, Leelanau County
Lake Michigan, Traverse City 4 Mile Rd, Grand Traverse County
Grand Traverse Bay Public Water Access Site Peninsula Township
Lake Michigan, Bowers Harbor, Grand Traverse County
Betsie Lake, Elberta, Benzie County
Portage Lake (To Lake Michigan), Onekama, Manistee County
Manistee Lake N, Manistee County
Manistee Lake S, Manistee County
Manistee Lake E, Manistee County
Bear Lake Boat Launch (Kalkaska), Kalkaska County
Bear Lake Boat Launch (Hillsdale), Hillsdale County
Bear Cove Marina, Petoskey
Lake Charlevoix E2, Charlevoix County
Lake Leelanau - East Boat Launch, Bingham
Lake Leelanau - North Boat Launch, Lake Leelanau
Lake Michigan Bues Point Ramp Baileys Harbor
Lake Michigan North Bay Boat Ramp
Lake Michigan Rowleys Bay Access
Lake Michigan, Ellison Bay/Lake Michigan Access In Ellison Bay
Big Glen Lake (Via Little Glen), Leelanau County
Silver Lake Public Boat Launch
Silver Lake Sw, Oceana County
Hamlin Lake W, Mason County
Hamlin Lake S, Mason County
Hamlin Lake - South Bayou Park, Ludington
Hamlin Lake - Wilson Hill Park, Ludington
Big Platte Lake, Benzie County
Little Platte Lake, Benzie County
Lower Herring Lake, Benzie County
Crystal Lake E, Benzie County
Lake Bellaire - Fisherman's Paradise Boat Launch, Bellaire
Lake Bellaire, Charlevoix County
Charlevoix - Lake Shore Drive Boat Launch, Charlevoix
Charlevoix Municipal Ramp, Charlevoix
Eveline Township Boat Launch (Lake Charlevoix), Charlevoix County
East Jordan Boat Launch, Charlevoix County
East Jordan Municipal Boat Launch (Lake Charlevoix), Charlevoix County
Lake Fenton, Genesee County
Lake Fenton Boat Launch, Genesee County
Lake Nepessing Boat Launch, Lapeer County
Lake St. Clair, Harrison Township
Lake St. Helen Boat Launch, St Helen
Lake St. Helen, St Helen
Higgins Lake Boat Yard, Roscommon
Higgins Lake State Park (South), Roscommon
Higgins Lake State Park (North), Roscommon
Higgins Lake Boat Launch, Roscommon
Houghton Lake Sw, Roscommon County
Houghton Lake Boat Launch (West), Houghton Lake
Houghton Lake Boat Launch (East), Houghton Lake
Houghton Lake SFCG Boat Launch, Houghton Lake
Houghton County Marina, Hancock
Torch Lake - North, Antrim County
Lake Margrethe State Forest Campground, Grayling
Lincoln Lake Boat Launch, Gowen
Lincoln Park Landing Boat Launch (Lake Margrethe), Grayling
Lake George Boat Launch (Ogemaw Co), West Branch
Lake George Boat Launch (Branch Co), Coldwater
Lake Minnewanna Boat Launch, Metamora
Minnawanna Lake, Metamora Hadley State Park, Lapeer County
Lake Oakland Boat Launch, Waterford
Lake Oakland, Waterford
Lake Orion Boat Launch, Orion
Lake Esau Boat Launch, Presque Isle Township
Lake Esau, Presque Isle County
Lake Gogebic State Park, Marenisco
Lake LaPlaisance Bay Boat Launch (Lake Erie), Monroe
Lake Leelanau, Leelanau County
Lake Lansing Park North, Haslett
Lake Lansing, Haslett
Lake Fenton, Genesee County
Lake Fenton Boat Launch, Genesee County
Lake Nepessing Boat Launch, Lapeer County
Lake St. Clair, Harrison Township
Lake St. Helen Boat Launch, St Helen
Lake St. Helen, St Helen
Higgins Lake Boat Yard, Roscommon
Higgins Lake State Park (South), Roscommon
Higgins Lake State Park (North), Roscommon
Higgins Lake Boat Launch, Roscommon
Houghton Lake Sw, Roscommon County
Houghton Lake Boat Launch (West), Houghton Lake
Houghton Lake Boat Launch (East), Houghton Lake
Houghton Lake SFCG Boat Launch, Houghton Lake
Torch Lake - North, Antrim County
Lake Cadillac City Boat Launch, Cadillac
Lake Cadillac, Cadillac
Lake Chemung Boat Launch, Howell
Lake Chemung, Howell
Lake Hubbard (North), Hubbard Lake
Lake Hubbard (South), Hubbard Lake
Lake Fenton, Genesee County
Lake Fenton Boat Launch, Genesee County
Lake Gogebic, Marenisco
Lake LaPlaisance Bay Boat Launch (Lake Erie), Monroe
Lake Leelanau, Leelanau County
Lake Lansing Park North, Haslett
Lake Lansing, Haslett
Lake Fenton, Genesee County
Lake Fenton Boat Launch, Genesee County
Lake Macatawa Boat Launch (Ottawa Co), Holland
Lake Macatawa, Holland
Lake Michigan, Manistee County
Lake Michigan, Traverse City, Grand Traverse County
Lake Michigan, Grand Traverse County
Lake Michigan, Leelanau County
Lake Michigan, Arcadia, Manistee County
Lake Michigan, Suttons Bay, Leelanau County
Lake Michigan, Bowers Harbor, Grand Traverse County
Lake Michigan, Baileys Harbor
Lake Michigan, North Bay
Lake Michigan, Rowleys Bay
Lake Michigan, Ellison Bay
Lake Michigan, Liberty Grove
Lake Michigan, Schoolcraft Township
Lake Michigan, Sherman Township
Lake Michigan, Havana
Lake Michigan, Torch Lake Township
Lake Michigan, Chassell Township
Lake Michigan, Torch Lake Township
Lake Michigan, Torch Lake Township
Lake Michigan, Au Train Township
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Lake Michigan, Torch Lake Township
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Boat launch fees

In 2018, the Michigan DNR Director issued an order mandating passport stickers for most public access sites. Previously, there was no charge at sites without a person to collect fees. Now, even at unmanned sites, users are required to have a Recreation Passport Sticker on their license plate or pay a daily fee. The annual passport costs $11 for residents and $33 for non-residents, while a one-day permit can be purchased for $9.

It is important to display the correct stickers or permits to avoid citations and fines. Citations can be issued by maintenance staff or other Michigan park personnel, and failure to pay the fine within a few days can result in further legal consequences.

Some boat launches may have additional fees or require permits specific to that location. It is recommended to check ahead for any location-specific requirements before visiting a boat launch in Michigan.

Additionally, there may be different rules and regulations for private boat launches, so it is essential to be aware of the type of launch you are using and any associated costs.

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Boating rules and regulations

Michigan has over 1,000 public boat launches and 82 public harbors, providing access to 3,300 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 11,000 inland lakes, and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams.

Registration

All watercraft in Michigan, unless exempt, must be registered with the Michigan Department of State and display a registration decal. Registrations expire on March 31 in the third year of issuance.

Alcohol Restrictions

Alcohol possession and use are limited in state parks, recreation areas, and boating access sites.

Operator Age Restrictions

You must be at least 12 years old to operate a boat powered by a motor of no more than 6 horsepower (hp) in Michigan. Those aged 12 to 15 may operate a boat with a motor of more than 6 hp but no more than 35 hp if they have passed a boating safety course and have their boating safety certificate on board or are accompanied by a person at least 16 years old.

Boating Access Site Hours

Most state-sponsored boating access sites are posted as closed between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m., unless otherwise stated.

Boating and Fishing Laws

To prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, there are laws regarding the removal of drain plugs and aquatic organisms from boats and trailers, as well as the disposal of unused baitfish.

Buoys and Markers

Buoys and markers indicate specific instructions or hazards and must be obeyed.

Life Jacket Requirements

All vessels must be equipped with a personal flotation device for each person on board. Michigan's PFD law allows vessels less than 16 feet long or canoes and kayaks to choose between wearable PFDs (Type I, II, or III) or a throwable PFD (Type IV) for each person. Vessels 16 feet or longer must have at least one Type IV PFD readily accessible. Children under 6 years old riding on the open deck of any vessel must wear a Type I or II PFD. Each person riding on or towed behind a personal watercraft must wear a Type I, II, or III PFD. Inflatable PFDs are prohibited on personal watercraft. All PFDs must be in good condition and readily accessible.

Local Watercraft Rules

Know the rules and regulations specific to the waterbody you are boating on, including those regarding motorboats, high-speed boating, and water skiing.

Pet Restrictions

Some boating access sites have pet restrictions during certain times of the year.

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Boat launch maintenance

Preparing the Boat for Launch:

Inspect the hull for any damage, including cracks, dents, or abnormalities that could affect the boat's structural integrity. Address any issues before launching, as a damaged hull can lead to leaks and other serious problems.
Check the propeller and rudder for any signs of damage or wear. Ensure they are in good working condition, as they are critical for steering and propulsion.
Verify fuel and oil levels before launching. Check the fuel gauge and manually inspect the fuel tank for water or debris, which can cause engine issues. Check the oil level using the dipstick and consider changing it if necessary.

Positioning the Trailer in the Water:

Choose a suitable launch site with a wide ramp and sufficient water depth for your trailer.
Slowly back the trailer into the water, ensuring the wheels are submerged enough for the boat to float off. Be cautious of the depth to avoid submerging the vehicle too much.
Engage the parking brake and secure the trailer with a lock or chock to prevent movement.

Releasing the Boat from the Trailer:

Disconnect straps, chains, or winch hooks securing the boat.
Release the boat gradually by slowly backing up the trailer, allowing it to float off at its own pace.
Monitor the boat's movement and use boat hooks or poles to guide it away from the trailer gently.

Guiding the Boat into the Water:

Position yourself at the helm if alone, or assign someone to steer if you have a crew.
Establish clear communication with hand signals or commands to indicate direction and speed.
Be mindful of your surroundings, keeping an eye out for obstacles, other boats, and swimmers.
Gradually accelerate and avoid sudden movements to prevent excessive splashing or discomfort for passengers.

Maintenance after Launch:

Flush the engine with fresh water to remove salt, sand, or debris accumulated during the trip. Connect a hose to the flush port, turn on the water supply, and let the engine run at idle speed for about 10 minutes.
Clean the boat's exterior with fresh water and a mild boat soap or detergent to remove dirt and protect the hull and paint.
Dry the boat with a soft cloth or chamois to prevent water spots and streaks.
Check and replenish supplies, including fuel, oil, safety equipment, navigation tools, and personal items, before your next outing.

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Frequently asked questions

Are there boat launches in Michigan?

Yes, there are over 1,000 public boat launches in Michigan.

Where are the boat launches in Michigan?

Boat launches are spread across the state, with several in Lake Michigan, Saginaw Bay, and Lake Huron.

Are there any boat launches in Lake Michigan?

Yes, there are several boat launches in Lake Michigan, including in Manistee County, Traverse City, and Grand Traverse County.

Are there any fees for using the boat launches in Michigan?

Some boat launches in Michigan are pay facilities, such as the Ninth Street First Street launch in Manistee, which charges $10 for a daily pass and $50 for a seasonal pass.