Good afternoon, all.

I am planning on cruising L. Michigan...

My primary grounds will be across the lake, in the Mukegon area, a little south and a little north. I have perused the chart and some sailing guides.

Does anyone have any advice who maybe has done something similar? Where are the hidden gems to anchor out in?

More importantly, where should I avoid???

I would like to avoid marinas.
I would like to get my money's worth of use from my dinghy.

If I could, I would stay on our side of the lake, but there is really nowhere to anchor out.

Any cruising advice would be great.

Thanks,

Matt

Muskegon is a great location, when the wind is blowing and the big Lake is rolling, you can still sail on Muskegon Lake. Muskegon does not have a real downtown to walk to, but if you have a car there are plenty of restaurants to visit.

There is a designated anchorage in Holland, just inside the channel to the south, in front of Eldean's marina. There is a restaurant there but not much more. I have anchored out near the Heinz factory and dinghied in to Kollen Park in Holland, thats not too bad of a walk downtown, and there is lots going on in downtown Holland.

I have heard a lot of good things about White Lake but it is shallow. I have never been there by boat. There are a few restaurants in Whitehall/Montague, not too much though.

Saugatuck is a great location, there is a limited anchorage area but it is close to downtown and easy to dinghy in. Lots of restaurants and entertainment.

South Haven is a nice harbor with a great downtown but there is no place to anchor.

I think Door County on the bay side is worth the trip up. It use to be really nice up and back as Port Washington, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Algoma, Two Rivers were all quaint harbors where you could borrow a mooring for a night or tie up at a muni dock. Those days are gone, sadly, however the Door, especially the north end is still worth the trip. Even Sturgeon Bay is nice, especially at the west end although water levels are still pretty low so care must be taken. Stay away from the lake side of Door County.

Green Bay offers warm waters, islands, beaches, great sailing.

That all being said, the sand dunes and beaches across the lake are fantastic and under the right conditions worth anchoring off for an afternoon with a swim or dinghy row in.

My experience is only with White Lake and Muskegon. Beautiful sailing in Muskegon lake in windy weather, as others have mentioned. I found White Lake peaceful and open on weekdays. Water is shallow--I had 3' of draft, and this opened up a lot, but most sailors had to stay in a narrow channel into town.

At east end of lake, I anchored off boat launch, dinghied in. The town/s are classic wisconsin up north--Montague (north of the bridge) has a "Worlds Biggest Wind Vane" and a good A and W near the water, and a couple of supper club type places a few blocks up into town.

The wife found the craft stores in Whitehall (south of the bridge) interesting.

Note a boat store (Moxie Marine) just north of the bridge, and a large hardware store about six blocks south of the bridge.

Gentlemen,

Thanks! That was an outstanding bit of info. that I shall follow up on and plan accordingly.

Matt

Just remember, the cost of all of this advice is pictures must be posted of your cruise.

That I can do! I also owe some photos of my boat...

Definitely! Love seeing pics!

I second Todd's recommendation. The water is awesome up there for swimming. Sandy bottom, warm, and lots of rustic beaches. I proposed to my wife up near Escanaba on a secluded beach. We hope to get back up that way next summer with the boat. I also want to make a trip up to the islands around Charlevoix like Beaver, Garden, and the Manitous. Most are protected national parks and offer a lot of seclusion and natural habitat.

THE NORTH CHANNEL!

Gary,

I am jealous...

I take it you guys towed up there, then cruised.