"Must See" Recommendations for N.Michigan East Shore

[wabislander]

Now in the itinerary stage for our trip after receiving great guidance on put-in/take-out ramps. Our start and end point is Petoskey, MI. Have the following points as possible points over 2 weeks. Let me know if my list is missing anything.

* Petoskey
* Mackinac Island
* Traverse City
* Beaver Island??

QUESTION ON MACKINAC ISLANDS MARINA:
Most of the slips available are the outer most slips. Is there a lot of wake issues in this marina?

 

[Katmat]

Charlevoix is a get town. Everything is walking distance from the marina.


https://www.visitcharlevoix.com/

 

[CaspersCruiser]

QUESTION ON MACKINAC ISLANDS MARINA:
Most of the slips available are the outer most slips. Is there a lot of wake issues in this marina?

I’ve never been there, but have done a lot of research about cruising in the area. Ferry boat wakes rock the marina all day long. Before they start running in the morning and after they stop in the evening, things settle down. Some folks say it’s not an issue because you’re off your boat and on the island during that time. Hopefully, someone with first hand knowledge will make a reply.

 

[forfun1960]

We like the Les Cheneaux Island area, lots of islands to cruise through, visit Cedarville they have new county docks near the boat launch and a new shower house. Couple of Good restraunts within walking distance.

We also like to visit St. Ignace's Marina lots things within walking distance, the best restaurant is Gangplank right across from the Marina. A short hop from Mackinac Island.

Mackinac Island Marina all slips are affected by the swells from the ferries but they stop running in the evening and it calm after that. The slips along the shoreline near the shower house are slightly less wavey. Try to visit during the week more slips available and fewer people but the island is always pretty busy.

 

[PanaSeaAh]

Mackinaw Island is a great stop. HOWEVER, watch the weather. In addition to the ferry boats, the marina is not protected well if the wind is South East. This is not common, but it can be very unpleasant if that is the case. Strongly agree on Charlevoix, and a day to cruise Lake Charlevoix as well. Our home away from home. Also agree Les Cheneaux is a great stop. Check ahead since there will be no dockage available if the antique boat show is going, otherwise no problem. Enjoy.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Charlevoix is a yes however keep in mind there annual summer festival is the week of July 19th. If you like big crowds you’ll like it then otherwise pick another week…. Great fireworks on 7/24. Elk Rapids is a great stop, Harbor Days is the first weekend of August….lots of fun but again really busy. Traverse City is a great stop, all within walking distance from Clinch Park Marina. Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Mackinaw Island, Suttons Bay are all good stops, just depends on how much time you have.

Jim F

 

[cygnussailor]

Now in the itinerary stage for our trip after receiving great guidance on put-in/take-out ramps. Our start and end point is Petoskey, MI. Have the following points as possible points over 2 weeks. Let me know if my list is missing anything.

* Petoskey
* Mackinac Island
* Traverse City
* Beaver Island??

QUESTION ON MACKINAC ISLANDS MARINA:
Most of the slips available are the outer most slips. Is there a lot of wake issues in this marina?

The ferry's don't slow down until they round the point. This causes large wakes to rock the whole marina, with the outer slips being the most affected. You need to tie your boat suspended off any dock/piling surface, or use plenty of fenders and accept some fender rash. If you are onboard it's really not as bad as it sounds but most people spend the majority of the time the ferry's are running exploring the island. Every time I'm on the island there is talk about making the ferries slow down sooner, but it never happens!!!

 

[pwensinger]

We have docked many times at the Mackinac Island State Marina. Bring long dock lines. If possible get a line looped around the center piling so you can pull your boat away from the steel dock. This can be done by 1) quickly encircling the piling as you pull in (if you have extra crew), lassoing the piling (good luck), using a long dock pole, using a dingy. Get reservations using the MDNR reservation website. They don't allow last minute/same day reservations. If you don't you could end up circling in the harbor waiting for someone to leave.
As to the surge/wakes: As previously stated, the ferry wakes have never bothered us during the day - unless your boat is being slammed into the dock repeatedly (see paragraph above). The ferry traffic dies off at about 10:00pm, reappearing in the morning so you don't lose valuable time lying in bed. The surge from a E, SE, ESE wind is another story. Unless light, I suggest you go dock in St Ignace or Mac City, then take a ferry over to the Island. We've left the boat and gotten a hotel room when it is bad. White caps coming into your dock.
Go to the coffee/breakfast place to the immediate east of the docks.

Oh and sample the fudge. There are 17 fudge stores on the Island, most on the main drag.

If you are bringing a dog, PM me and I'll tell you which places allow dogs.

 

[pwensinger]

Before or after visiting the Island (the locals call it "the Island") visit Hessel and Cedarville in the "Snows". Hessel has a culinary institute. Get dressed up and enjoy some fancy food. Cedarville is my favorite. It has a grocery store, a coffee shop, a marine store, a hardware store and a brewery/distillery. All within an easy walk from the docks. Watch your depth going in. It was dredged 2 years ago. We took a sailboat with a 5 ft draft in last year but the weeds caused the depth alarm to go nuts. Both are listed on the MDNR reservation web pages. Both can get very busy and full during high season.