Genesee County Boat Docks: Operating Hours And Seasons

Genesee County, Michigan, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting a plethora of parks, nature preserves, and bodies of water that offer a multitude of recreational activities. Among these is the Genesee Waterways Center, which offers kayaking, canoeing, and rowing. The Center, which is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, is typically open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from noon to 7 pm, but it closely monitors weather conditions and may close due to heavy rain, thunderstorms, heat advisories, or other factors that could impact visitor safety.

In addition to the Genesee Waterways Center, Genesee County is home to numerous boat launches and docks that provide access to the area's lakes and reservoirs. These include the Bluegill Boat Launch, which serves as an access point to Mott Lake, and the Walleye Pike Boat Launch, which offers access to the expansive Holloway Reservoir. The boat launch season in Genesee County typically runs from April to September, and visitors can purchase permits and passes for their vehicles and boats during this period.

However, it is important to note that boat launches and docks in Genesee County may be subject to temporary closures due to various factors. For example, in 2024, rising water levels led to the temporary closure of the public boat launch at Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park, located at the mouth of Irondequoit Bay. Such closures are implemented with visitor safety in mind and are usually accompanied by notifications from local authorities.

The Genesee Waterways Center closes in unsafe weather conditions

The Genesee Waterways Center in Rochester, New York, is a great place to get out on the water. The Center offers kayaking, canoeing, and rowing, and even has another center for flat-water and white-water kayaking.

The Center takes weather conditions very seriously. When the Canadian wildfire smoke reached Rochester, the Center closed to protect its visitors. It will also close in the event of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and heat advisories.

The Center staff are always monitoring the weather and keeping an eye out for lightning strikes. If the weather changes, they will inform paddlers and advise them to head back to the dock or seek shelter.

The Genesee County Parks in Michigan are also popular spots for boating and fishing. The county has several parks with boat launches, including Bluegill Boat Launch, Buell Lake County Park, and Walleye Pike Boat Launch. These parks offer access to beautiful lakes and reservoirs, such as Mott Lake and Holloway Reservoir.

However, it's important to note that weather conditions can affect boating activities in Genesee County Parks. For example, in 2024, rising water levels in Lake Ontario and Irondequoit Bay led to the temporary closure of the public boat launch at Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park.

In summary, The Genesee Waterways Center in Rochester, New York, closes in unsafe weather conditions, such as heavy rain, thunderstorms, and heat advisories. They prioritize the safety of their visitors and staff by closely monitoring the weather and taking proactive measures to protect them from potential hazards.

Bluegill Boat Launch is a Genesee County Park access point

Bluegill Boat Launch: Your Gateway to Mott Lake

If you're looking for a convenient access point to get your boat on the water and kickstart your fun, look no further than the Bluegill Boat Launch in Genesee County. Located on Mott Lake, this boat launch offers the perfect opportunity for fishing enthusiasts and leisure boaters alike to explore the picturesque waters of Mott Lake.

A Boater's Paradise

The Bluegill Boat Launch provides easy access to Mott Lake, known for its vibrant fishing spots and serene boating experiences. With entrances on Coldwater Road at Center Road and on Genesee Road south of Stanley Road, you can conveniently get your boat into the water and start your aquatic adventures. The lake also has a no-wake speed limit, ensuring a calm and peaceful atmosphere for all to enjoy.

More Than Just a Boat Launch

But Bluegill Boat Launch is more than just a gateway to the lake. It's also a great place to enjoy other outdoor activities. The area boasts a two-and-a-half-mile stretch of trail, offering a refreshing walk or bike ride with scenic views of the Mott Lake shoreline. The paved ADA-compliant trail continues to Stepping Stone Falls as part of the Flint River Trail, making it accessible to all visitors.

Annual Passes and Senior Rates

Genesee County makes it convenient for frequent visitors by offering annual passes for the operating season from April to September. These passes provide access to all boat launches in the county, and senior rates are available for those aged 60 and above. Vehicle permits can be conveniently purchased at the Administrative Office during regular business hours or at the boat launches during the operating season.

Kayak Rentals and Accessibility Options

For those who don't own a boat, kayak rentals are now available at Bluegill Boat Launch through https://www.rent.fun/genesee-county-mi. This option opens up the opportunity for even more visitors to enjoy the lake. Additionally, the park offers handicap parking spaces and accessible bathrooms, ensuring that people of all abilities can enjoy the beauty and activities of the area.

In conclusion, the Bluegill Boat Launch serves as a convenient and accessible gateway to the wonders of Mott Lake. Whether you're a fishing enthusiast, a leisure boater, or simply someone looking for a scenic walk or bike ride, this Genesee County Park access point has something for everyone. So grab your boat, your fishing rod, or your walking shoes, and get ready to explore the beauty and fun that await at Bluegill Boat Launch.

Annual passes for boat launches are valid from April to September

If you're looking to get out on the water in Genesee County, annual passes for boat launches are valid from April to September. This is the operating season for boat launches in the county, and you can purchase an annual pass to make the most of the summer months on the water.

Genesee County offers a variety of locations for boating enthusiasts to launch their vessels. Bluegill Boat Launch, for example, provides convenient access to Mott Lake, where there is a no-wake speed limit in place. This location also offers a scenic two-and-a-half-mile stretch of trail for walking or cycling, with paved ADA-compliant pathways.

Another option is the Walleye Pike Boat Launch, which offers access to the expansive Holloway Reservoir. This site also has picnic areas for visitors to unwind after a day of boating.

Annual passes for these boat launches are available for purchase during regular business hours at the Administrative Office in March or at the boat launches themselves from April through September. Credit and debit cards are accepted at all boat launches.

So, if you're planning to spend the boating season in Genesee County, be sure to take advantage of the annual pass option to enjoy a summer full of fun on the water.

The Bluegill Boat Launch has a no-wake speed limit

The Bluegill Boat Launch in Genesee County, Michigan, is a great place for fishing and boating enthusiasts to access Mott Lake. With entrances on Coldwater Road at Center Road and on Genesee Road south of Stanley Road, it offers a convenient way to get your boat onto the water and enjoy a day of fun. The Bluegill Boat Launch also provides a picturesque setting for those who prefer to stay on land, with a two-and-a-half-mile stretch of trail for walking or biking along the lake shoreline. This trail is paved and ADA-compliant, making it accessible to all.

However, it's important to note that the Bluegill Boat Launch has a no-wake speed limit in place. This means that boaters must operate their vessels at a speed that does not create a wake, or waves, behind the boat. No-wake zones are often implemented in areas where high speeds could be dangerous or cause damage to the surrounding area. In this case, the no-wake speed limit at the Bluegill Boat Launch is likely due to the relatively small size of Mott Lake. High-speed boating on this lake could create large wakes that would not only be dangerous for other boaters and individuals using the lake but also potentially cause erosion and damage to the shoreline.

The no-wake speed limit at the Bluegill Boat Launch is similar to the restriction implemented in Monroe and Wayne counties in Michigan. Due to high waters along Lake Ontario, a 5 mph speed limit was put in place for all boat traffic within 500 feet of the shoreline. This restriction also applied to boaters on Irondequoit Bay, Braddock Bay, and the Genesee River, creating a "no-wake zone" aimed at minimising flooding damage to nearby properties.

By adhering to the no-wake speed limit at the Bluegill Boat Launch, boaters can help ensure the safety of everyone using Mott Lake, as well as protect the natural beauty of the area. It's important to respect these speed limits and follow any other regulations put in place by Genesee County Parks to maintain the enjoyment of their facilities for all visitors, both now and in the future.

The Genesee Waterways Center is open Friday to Sunday

The Genesee Waterways Center is committed to ensuring the safety of its visitors and staff. They closely monitor the weather conditions and will close during instances of Canadian wildfire smoke, heavy rain, thunderstorms, and heat advisories. In the event of changing weather, they notify paddlers and advise them to return to the dock or seek shelter until the weather improves.

The center encourages everyone, regardless of their experience level, to come out and enjoy a day on the water. For those who prefer land activities, there is a park nearby to enjoy. The Genesee Waterways Center is a great option for those looking to spend time outdoors and try out various water activities.

Additionally, Genesee County Parks offer a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. These include Bluebell Beach & Splash Pad, Buell Lake County Park, Buttercup Beach & Picnic Area, Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad, and Davison Roadside County Park, to name a few. Each park has unique features and amenities, providing a diverse range of experiences for visitors.

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