Boat Ramps 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, there is easy access to 3,300 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 11,000 inland lakes, and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams.

Michigan has several boat ramps, including public boat ramps, across the state. These boat ramps are located near lakes, rivers, and waterways, providing access to both public and private boating.

It is important to check for updated information on boat launch and harbor closures, as well as to understand safety information, such as life jacket rules, water safety, and electric shock drowning hazards.

Characteristics	Values
Number of public boat launches in Michigan	Over 1,000
Number of public harbors in Michigan	82
Length of shoreline accessible via public boat launches in Michigan	3,300 miles of Great Lakes shoreline
Number of inland lakes accessible via public boat launches in Michigan	11,000
Length of rivers and streams accessible via public boat launches in Michigan	Tens of thousands of miles
Location of boat launches	State parks, state forest campgrounds, state forests, cities, communities, rivers, lakes, streams
Types of boats that can be launched	Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, paddle boats, row boats, motorboats, personal watercraft (e.g. wave runners/jet skis)
Requirements for boating	Boating safety certificate for boaters born after June 30, 1996 and most personal watercraft operators; all watercraft must be registered
Additional resources	Harbor guide, reservation system, harbor map, Michigan handbook of boating laws and responsibilities, information on safety and invasive species laws

Boating safety certificates

Boating safety is a serious issue, with drowning being the cause of death in 75% of boating-related fatalities. To help combat this, Michigan has implemented a set of rules and regulations surrounding boating safety certificates.

Who Needs a Boating Safety Certificate?

In Michigan, boaters born after June 30, 1996, and most personal watercraft operators must have a boating safety certificate (also known as a boater education card). This requirement can be met by completing a classroom-based course, an online course, or an interactive course. Obtaining this certificate is not the same as obtaining a boating license.

Classroom-Based Course

To find a classroom-based boater safety education course, individuals can search for classes near them by entering their zip code.

Online Course

The online boater safety education course can be completed at an individual's own pace and includes electronic reading materials and videos. This course can be taken through boat-ed.com, a delegated provider for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The course fee is $29.50, and there is no minimum age requirement or Michigan residency requirement.

Interactive Course

The interactive online boater safety education course also keeps students engaged through multimedia elements such as animations and videos that put students in virtual real-life scenarios. This course can be taken through ilearntoboat.com.

Additional Options

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadron (also known as America's Boating Club) provide instruction to boaters at all levels, and some of these classes can provide the knowledge needed to obtain a boating safety certificate.

Encouragement from Authorities

Although there are some people who do not need to obtain a boating safety certificate to legally operate a boat or personal watercraft in Michigan, conservation officers and county sheriffs encourage everyone operating a boat in the state to enroll in a course.

Additional Boating Safety Tips

In addition to obtaining the necessary boating safety certificate, individuals should also be aware of other important safety tips, such as always wearing a life jacket, avoiding alcohol use while boating, and being cautious of other boats, swimmers, skiers, and objects in the water.

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Public boat launches in Michigan

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

Higgins Lake Boat Yard in Roscommon
Lake Fenton Boat Launch in Fenton
Lake Lansing Park North in Haslett
Lake Gogebic State Park
Lake Leelanau - East Boat Launch in Bingham
Lake Oakland Boat Launch in Waterford
Lake Esau Boat Launch in Presque Isle Township
Lake Orion Boat Launch in Orion
Lakeville Lake Boat Launch in Leonard
Lake Minnewanna Boat Launch in Metamora

Before visiting a public boat launch in Michigan, it is recommended to check ahead to confirm whether the location is open and accessible. Additionally, it is important to familiarise yourself with safety information, including life jacket rules, water safety guidelines, and electric shock drowning hazards.

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Boating access at state parks

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

Many of Michigan's state parks offer boat rentals, including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, paddle boats, and row boats.

Aloha State Park - Mullett Lake
Ludington State Park - Hamlin Lake Access
Lake St. Helen Water Access
Burt Lake State Park - Burt Lake
Mona Lake Park Access
Silver Lake State Park-Boat Launch
Holland State Park Campground
Maple Bay State Forest Campground
Pigeon Bay Campground
Silver Lake State Park- Silver Lake Modern Campground
Weko Beach Campground
Clear Lake State Park
Higgins Lake State Park (North and South)
Hayes State Park (Wamplers Lake)
Fayette Historic State Park
Indian Lake State Park
Brimley State Park on Whitefish Bay
Bewabic State Park
Lake Gogebic State Park
Burt Lake State Park
Lake Leelanau - East Boat Launch
Lake Leelanau - North Boat Launch
Interlochen State Park (Duck Lake)
Interlochen State Park (Green Lake)
Newaygo State Park
Newaygo State Park - Modern Campground
Newaygo State Park - Rustic Campground
Newaygo State Park - Mini-Cabins
Newaygo State Park - Headquarters
Newaygo State Park - Headquarters
Newaygo State Park - Rustic Cabins
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Boating laws and regulations

Michigan is home to fantastic freshwater recreation opportunities, with more than 1,000 public boat launches and 82 public harbors across the state. Boaters can easily access 3,300 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 11,000 inland lakes, and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams.

Registration

All watercraft, unless exempt, must be registered. All registrations expire on March 31 in the third year of issuance.

Boating Safety Certificate

Boaters born after June 30, 1996, and most personal watercraft operators must have a boating safety certificate.

Life Jacket Rules

Boat operators must know the rules regarding life jackets and what type of personal floatation device needs to be carried on their boat in Michigan.

Alcohol Restrictions

Michigan has laws restricting the consumption of alcohol while boating.

Hours of Operation

There are rules regarding the hours of operation for boating in Michigan.

Buoys and Markers

Boaters must be aware of and understand the rules regarding buoys and markers.

Operator Age Restrictions

There are laws in place that dictate the minimum age to operate a boat or personal watercraft (such as a wave runner/jet ski) in Michigan.

Local Watercraft Rules

It is important to know the local rules about motorboats, high-speed boating, water skiing, and more for particular water bodies in Michigan.

Invasive Species

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

Power Loading

Power loading, which can damage your boat, motor, and trailer, as well as the boat ramp, should be avoided.

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Boating and fishing laws

Michigan is home to numerous boating and fishing spots, with over 1,000 public boat launches and 82 public harbors across the state. The state offers easy access to 3,300 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 11,000 inland lakes, and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams.

Operator Age Restrictions:

To operate a boat or personal watercraft (such as a jet ski), individuals must be of a certain age.

Life Jacket Requirements:

Michigan has specific requirements for wearing life jackets, and boat operators must carry the appropriate type and number of personal floatation devices.

Local Watercraft Rules:

Motorboats, high-speed boating, and water skiing are subject to local rules and regulations for specific water bodies.

Invasive Species Prevention:

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

Alcohol Restrictions:

There are restrictions on alcohol consumption while boating in Michigan.

Hours of Operation:

Boating in Michigan is subject to specific hours of operation, which may vary depending on the location and type of watercraft.

Buoys and Markers:

Boaters must be aware of and adhere to the rules regarding buoys and markers on Michigan's waterways.

Boat Registration:

All watercraft in Michigan, unless exempt, must be registered, with registrations expiring on March 31 in the third year of issuance.

Power Loading:

Power loading, which can damage boats, motors, trailers, and boat ramps, should be avoided.

Safety Information:

It is essential to understand safety information, including life jacket rules, water safety, and electric shock drowning hazards before heading out on the water.

Michigan provides a comprehensive handbook, the "Handbook of Michigan Boating Laws," which covers boating laws, regulations, navigation rules, weather emergencies, and guidance on encountering other vessels.

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Frequently asked questions

Where can I find boat ramps in Michigan?

There are over 1,000 public boat ramps in Michigan. Some of the most popular boat ramps in Michigan include:

- Belanger Park Boat Launch

- Harbor Beach Marina & Boat Launch

- Higgins Lake Boat Yard

- Lake Linden Park & Marina

- Edison Boat Club

Are there any safety requirements for boating in Michigan?

Yes, boaters born after June 30, 1996, and most personal watercraft operators must have a boating safety certificate. It is also important to understand safety information, including life jacket rules, water safety, and electric shock drowning hazards.

Are there any boating restrictions in Michigan?

Yes, it is important to be aware of local watercraft rules and regulations. For example, there are restrictions on motorboats, high-speed boating, and water skiing on certain waterbodies. Additionally, there are laws in place to prevent the spread of invasive species, such as the removal of drain plugs and aquatic organisms from boats and trailers.