Kristian Ferrell
Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes and has the longest freshwater coastline in the U.S., so it's no surprise that it offers a wide variety of attractions for boaters. From bustling cities to rural and scenic shore towns, there are hundreds of marinas that can be found along the shores and harbors of Michigan. Here is an introduction to some of the top docking spots in the state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes: Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie. |
| Cities | Chicago, Michigan City, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Silver Lake Sand Dunes, Saugatuck, Grand Haven, Muskegon, Detroit, Holland, Mackinac Island |
| Marinas | Waukegan Harbor & Marina, Marina Shores Dune Harbor, Prairie Harbor Yacht Club, Hammond, Harbor Shores Marina, Portage, Dockers, Red Dock, Sandy Point Beach House |
| Amenities | Restaurants, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, grills, Wi-Fi, electricity, water, pump-out service |
| Docking Options | Permanent, floating, sectional/removable, seasonal |
| Considerations | Dock regulations, winterizing, ice damage, costs |
What You'll Learn
Docking options in Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan, the second-largest Great Lake by volume and the only Great Lake entirely sheltered by the US, offers a plethora of docking options for boating enthusiasts. With hundreds of marinas along its shores, boaters can explore the diverse attractions of the lake, from bustling cities to scenic coastal towns. Here is an overview of some docking options in Lake Michigan:
Chicago, Illinois:
Located on the southern tip of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a vibrant city that offers a unique boating experience. Boaters can dock at Waukegan Harbor & Marina, just north of the city, and explore Chicago's vibrant urban landscape, renowned art museums, and diverse culinary scene.
Michigan City, Indiana:
Also situated on the southern tip of the lake, Michigan City provides easy access to the lake's Indiana coastline. Boaters can consider docking at marinas in nearby towns such as Portage, Indiana, or Blue Island, Illinois, and explore the city's beaches and cultural attractions.
St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, Michigan:
For those seeking a beach getaway, a cruise from St. Joseph to Benton Harbor and the Silver Lake Sand Dunes is ideal. Harbor Shores Marina in St. Joseph offers docking options, and boaters can explore the charming towns of Saugatuck, Grand Haven, and Muskegon along the way.
Prairie Harbor Yacht Club, Wisconsin:
Located in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, the Prairie Harbor Yacht Club provides a luxurious docking experience. Boaters can enjoy the club's amenities and explore the surrounding area, known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational activities.
Manistee, Michigan:
Manistee, located in Michigan, offers docking options for boaters seeking a more remote and natural experience. With its picturesque coastline and tranquil atmosphere, Manistee is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the larger cities bordering Lake Michigan.
Racine, Wisconsin:
Racine, Wisconsin provides private boat slip rentals for boaters seeking a more intimate docking experience. Boaters can explore the local attractions, including the vibrant downtown area and nearby natural spaces, offering a blend of urban and outdoor experiences.
In conclusion, Lake Michigan offers a diverse range of docking options to suit different preferences. From vibrant cities like Chicago to tranquil coastal towns, boaters can explore the lake's varied landscapes and discover the unique attractions of each region. With hundreds of marinas and boat slips available, Lake Michigan caters to the needs and interests of all boating enthusiasts exploring its vast waters and surrounding areas.
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Docking in Mackinac Island's harbour
Docking in Mackinac Islands Harbour
The Mackinac Island State Harbour is the destination harbour of Northern Michigan. It is a working harbour that includes ferry boats and other commercial traffic. The harbour is located in Haldimand Bay, which is about 6 miles from St. Ignace, 7 miles from Mackinaw City, 15 miles from Cheboygan, and 50 miles from Petoskey.
The public marina in the Mackinac Island harbour has 80 boat slips, with most available for transient use by the day or overnight. The marina can accommodate boats up to 74 feet in length and offers amenities such as electricity, water, pump-out service, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, grills, and Wi-Fi. The marina is open from mid-May through mid-October, and reservations can be made through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Private boat slips are also available in the Mackinac Island harbour for both day dockage and overnight stays. These slips offer a more exclusive experience and may provide additional amenities or services.
It's important to note that Mackinac Island does not allow cars, so arriving by boat or ferry is a common way to reach the island. The commercial ferry company servicing Mackinac Island is the Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry, with docks in both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. The ferry ride from either departure point takes about 16 minutes.
Due to its popularity, reservations for the Mackinac Island harbour can be limited during certain times of the year, especially during the Port Huron/Chicago sailboat races from mid-June to late July. It's recommended to plan ahead and make reservations in advance to secure a boat slip.
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Boater-friendly places in Michigan
Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes and is home to one of the largest boating communities in the country. With the longest freshwater coastline in the U.S., Michigan offers a plethora of boater-friendly places to visit.
Lake Michigan, the third-largest of the Great Lakes and the fifth-largest lake in the world, is a popular destination for boaters. Most of the lake is bordered by the coasts of Wisconsin and Michigan, with smaller portions belonging to Indiana and Illinois. The bustling city of Chicago and the rural and scenic shore towns of the northwestern tip offer a variety of attractions for boaters. Hundreds of marinas can be found along the shores and harbors, catering to the needs of boating enthusiasts. Some popular marinas on Lake Michigan include Waukegan Harbor & Marina in Waukegan, Illinois, and Harbor Shores Marina in St. Joseph, Michigan.
For those seeking a city adventure, Chicago and Michigan City, located on the southern tip of the lake, are excellent options. Boaters can enjoy the urban amenities and attractions that these cities have to offer. Additionally, Grand Haven, with its sandy white beaches, and Muskegon are worth visiting.
If you're looking for a unique boating experience, consider Mackinac Island. Accessible only by boat or ferry, Mackinac Island offers a public marina with 80 boat slips, most of which are available for transient use by the day or overnight. The marina provides electricity, water, pump-out service, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, grills, and Wi-Fi. It is conveniently located near shopping, restaurants, and nightlife options.
Michigan also boasts five national parks, including Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, known for its breathtaking, multicolored cliffs. Detroit, the state's largest city, offers a vibrant cultural scene with art museums, new eateries, and urban parks.
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Docking in Michigan's marinas
Lake Michigan Marinas
Lake Michigan, the second-largest Great Lake by volume and the largest freshwater lake entirely within the US, is a boater's paradise. Most of the lake is bordered by the coasts of Wisconsin and Michigan, with smaller portions belonging to Indiana and Illinois. From the bustling city of Chicago to the scenic shore towns of the Northwestern tip, Lake Michigan offers a diverse range of destinations for boaters.
Hundreds of marinas cater to boating enthusiasts, providing a range of amenities and services. Popular marinas include Waukegan Harbor & Marina in Waukegan, Illinois; Marina Shores Dune Harbor in Portage, Indiana; and Harbor Shores Marina in St. Joseph, Michigan.
Grand Haven and Saugatuck
Grand Haven, known for its sandy white beaches, offers a unique boating experience. You can dock at the Grand Haven boardwalk and enjoy the nearby "food court" and restaurants. Saugatuck, on the other hand, offers a dinghy dock, and private marinas often accommodate boaters looking to dine at their restaurants.
Mackinac Island Marinas
Mackinac Island, a unique destination accessible only by boat or ferry, offers a public marina with 80 boat slips available for transient use by the day or overnight. The marina provides electricity, water, pump-out service, restrooms, showers, and even Wi-Fi. Private boat slips are also available for day dockage and overnight stays.
Detroit
Detroit, Michigan's largest city, is a boating-friendly destination, offering a vibrant urban experience with art museums, new eateries, and parks.
With its diverse range of destinations and marinas, Michigan provides countless opportunities for boaters to explore and enjoy its beautiful waterways and coastal communities.
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Docking in Michigan's coastal cities
Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes, and with two peninsulas, it boasts the longest freshwater coastline in the U.S.. Boaters can enjoy a variety of attractions, from bustling cities to scenic shore towns. Hundreds of marinas dot the shores and harbors, catering to boating enthusiasts. Here are some options for docking in Michigan's coastal cities:
Grand Haven
Grand Haven, located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, offers a vibrant boating community. Boaters can dock at the Grand Haven boardwalk, where they can enjoy a "food court" by the water and explore nearby restaurants and downtown attractions. The city also boasts sandy white beaches and is known for its friendly atmosphere.
Saugatuck
Saugatuck is another popular boating destination in Michigan. While there may not be public docks available, boaters can contact the local visitors' bureau for more information. The Red Dock, located across the bay near Douglas, is a popular spot to dock and enjoy the town's amenities.
Muskegon
Muskegon is a vibrant boating hub, with Dockersfishhouse.com offering a unique experience. Boaters can dock and enjoy live bands on the Tiki bar during the weekends, along with dining and drinking options.
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island, a unique boating destination, is accessible only by boat or ferry. The public marina in the Mackinac Island harbor offers 80 boat slips, with amenities including electricity, water, restrooms, showers, and Wi-Fi. The marina is conveniently located near historic Fort Mackinac and is within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. Private boat slips are also available for day dockage and overnight stays.
Detroit
As Michigan's largest city, Detroit offers a vibrant urban boating experience. Boaters can explore the city's art museums, eateries, and urban parks. With its proximity to Lake St. Clair, often referred to as the sixth Great Lake, Detroit provides a unique blend of city life and boating culture.
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Frequently asked questions
Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes and has the longest freshwater coastline in the U.S., so there are plenty of places to dock your boat. Here are some options:
- Mackinac Island: The public marina in the Mackinac Island harbor has 80 boat slips available for transient use by the day or overnight. The marina is open from mid-May through mid-October.
- Lake Michigan: Hundreds of marinas can be found along the shores and harbors, catering to the needs of any boating enthusiast. You can find marinas in Chicago, Michigan City, St. Joseph-Benton Harbor, Silver Lake Sand Dunes, Saugatuck, Grand Haven, and Muskegon.
- Grand Haven: You can dock at the Grand Haven boardwalk. There is also a "food court" and restaurants nearby.
- Saugatuck: There is a dinghy dock in Saugatuck, but it is unclear if there are public docks for boats.
- Muskegon: Check out Dockers for a place to dock, eat, and drink.
Docking your boat in Michigan depends on the specific location and time of year. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Docking spots may be more difficult to find later in the summer as it gets warmer and are nearly impossible on holidays and during special events.
- If you plan to visit Mackinac Island during the summer, note that boat slips can be especially scarce during times that coincide with annual sailboat races to Mackinac Island from Chicago and Port Huron.
- If you are docking at a marina, it is a good idea to radio ahead to see if they have a spot available.
Yes, there are both public and private boat slips available in Michigan. Private boat slips are available for both day dockage and overnight stays. You can text 906-430-0095 for more information on private boat slips.
