Michigan Gatherings?

[Weaver1855]

The wife and I moved to Michigan last October, and we are looking to see if there is any gatherings in Michigan. We are 5 minutes from Gull Lake and about an hour or two to South Haven or Holland.

 

[JTC1016]

Following. I'm about 30 minutes north of Holland and boat mostly on Muskegon Lake, Spring Lake and Lake Michigan. I saw a lot more jetboats last year than I noticed in years past so a gathering would be fun.

 

[SColby7]

We are in Rockford. My wife,kids,and I ventrue to greenville(mother in law) and lakeview (parents) as we have places to stay/dock.
We have talked about taking the boat to TC, doing some wine tasting then float on the bay. Its been a few years since we have been to Crystal Lake and have also mentioned that.

 

[JCampbell]

We spend alot of time on Lake Allegan. Never any trffic. The most I've seen is a dozen boats or watercraft

 

[Ismael Breton]

Hello all. Spending about 10 days in the Holland, MI area and plan to bring our boat. Having an AR190 and being completely new to the lakes of Michigan we'd like a few recommendations for relaxed boating, clear waters, and easy access to restaurants from the boat. What recommendations might any of you have? We'll be visiting from July 6th-17th so we'll be able to hit several lakes. We have a campsite booked at Holland State Park for the last few days we're there.

 

[TS4811]

Ismael, you want to go to Saugatuck, just south of Holland on Lake Michigan at Kalamazoo River inlet. Lake Macatawa in Holland is a big lake offering a great break from the big water Lake Michigan can search up. Head north from Holland on Lake Michigan and check out Grand Haven another nice harbor town.

 

[Tarance77]

A Michigan gathering would be great. I spend my time on Lake Erie. I haven't ventured out too far yet. Went to Higgins Lake a few weeks ago, but didn't take the boat.

 

[Ismael Breton]

We made it!! Launched on Macatawa this evening to watch the beautiful sunset on Lake Michigan. Pretty windy out so didn't make it into Lake Michigan, but Macatawa was pretty cool with some big $ homes on Lakeshore Drive. Can't call what we do in Kansas boating anymore after seeing these lakes from the water. Can't wait til tomorrow. Headed to Saugatuck for some beaching with the kids early and maybe Grand Haven in afternoon. Wahoo!!! @TS4811 @JTC1016

 

[Tarance77]

View attachment 59065 We made it!! Launched on Macatawa this evening to watch the beautiful sunset on Lake Michigan. Pretty windy out so didn't make it into Lake Michigan, but Macatawa was pretty cool with some big $ homes on Lakeshore Drive. Can't call what we do in Kansas boating anymore after seeing these lakes from the water. Can't wait til tomorrow. Headed to Saugatuck for some beaching with the kids early and maybe Grand Haven in afternoon. Wahoo!!! @TS4811 @JTC1016

That's a sweet picture there. Yeah Kansas won't stand a chance compared to the lakes here! I used to go to school in Kansas and went on the water once out in El Dorado.

 

[Ismael Breton]

Alright! So far 3 days in MI and have visited about 5 lakes/channels. I'm in heaven and the state of Michigan is officially underrated.

First day we launched our boat from Lake Macatawa and headed to Saugatuck via Lake Michigan. We made a pit stop in Lake Michigan after getting through the Macatawa Channel and beached the boat ️ on a beautiful beach with some unbelievable views of the dunes, mansions, etc. this beach was south, just around the Macatawa channel. Good times there and relatively protected from the surf because of the pier. Once underway, it took us about 25-30 minutes and I scared my family half to death with the big surf and wind. Lake Michigan isn't a lake. It's an ocean. If it's your first time out there, be careful especially on a 19 footer! . Once we got to Saugatuck we had an absolute blast. What a beautiful town, boats, homes restaurants. We docked the boat and ate at Coral Gables. Decent food, better drinks with live music.

Yesterday we hauled the boat up to Grand Haven (wanted to avoid Lake Michigan because it was once again windy!) and launched from Harbor Island Boat Ramp ($10 launch fee, but VERY nice ramp) it only took us about 25 minutes to drive there from Holland and man it was worth it! Once at the ramp you have 2 choices, take a left and go to the gorgeous downtown Grand Haven, where you can dock your boat right next to the park and have some AWESOME shops, and restaurant options. The wake was a bit large there while docked because of all the boat traffic and the channel surf. My boat got a little beat up from not having the right fenders . Live and learn! From there we headed to Spring Lake in "no wake" mode speed x3 and again was impressed with the town, and different on the water restaurant options from Spring Lake. We found an awesome, calm cove there and basically spent our whole day with the lake mat out, music and brews. We finished the day having dinner at Old Boys Brewery where our service and food was amazing, again had live music and just had a great time with family. Picture below (me in the long sleeve blue under armor and my wife to my right)

In summary, this state is awesome. Not just because my wife is from here, but there's natural beauty from the water here that can't be found anywhere else. Staring today we will be camping by Lake Macatawa, and plan to visit Higgins Lake (2.5 hours), Torch Lake(3 hours), and Silver Lake during our remaining days. Thanks to @JTC1016 for all the help getting around the area!

 

[JTC1016]

@Ismael Breton , glad to help and wish we could have met you guys on the lake yesterday. We had my daughters 5th birthday party at the house so Saturday was our only boat day this weekend. I hope you and your family enjoy the rest of the trip and feel free to let me know if I can help with anything.

 

[Ismael Breton]

@Ismael Breton , glad to help and wish we could have met you guys on the lake yesterday. We had my daughters 5th birthday party at the house so Saturday was our only boat day this weekend. I hope you and your family enjoy the rest of the trip and feel free to let me know if I can help with anything.

Happy Birthday to your 5 year old!

 

[Tarance77]

Sounds like a lot of fun you guys are having here. I will be up at Higgins the weekend of the 21st. Nice chill lake there. I want to say the south side is the better to relax on with new ramps. Have fun making memories!

 

[Ismael Breton]

Silver Lake!

 

[Ismael Breton]

Sounds like a lot of fun you guys are having here. I will be up at Higgins the weekend of the 21st. Nice chill lake there. I want to say the south side is the better to relax on with new ramps. Have fun making memories!

Headed to Higgins Lake this Saturday @Tarance77 . My father in-law grew up ice fishing on that lake and the pictures look too good for us not to visit.

 

[renrab]

Lake St Clair Canadian side but the whole Lake is gorgeous. Love great lakes boating!!

 

[GTBRMC]

View attachment 59243 In summary, this state is awesome. Not just because my wife is from here, but there's natural beauty from the water here that can't be found anywhere else. Staring today we will be camping by Lake Macatawa, and plan to visit Higgins Lake (2.5 hours), Torch Lake(3 hours), and Silver Lake during our remaining days. Thanks to @JTC1016 for all the help getting around the area!

Did you make it to Torch Lake? Bucket list lake, for sure.

 

[Weaver1855]

Anyone on here out on Gull Lake this last weekend on the sand bar. I was tied up there, and saw 4 other AR's anchored up, didn't make it over to say hi.

 

[Speedling]

View attachment 59243 Alright! So far 3 days in MI and have visited about 5 lakes/channels. I'm in heaven and the state of Michigan is officially underrated.

First day we launched our boat from Lake Macatawa and headed to Saugatuck via Lake Michigan. We made a pit stop in Lake Michigan after getting through the Macatawa Channel and beached the boat ️ on a beautiful beach with some unbelievable views of the dunes, mansions, etc. this beach was south, just around the Macatawa channel. Good times there and relatively protected from the surf because of the pier. Once underway, it took us about 25-30 minutes and I scared my family half to death with the big surf and wind. Lake Michigan isn't a lake. It's an ocean. If it's your first time out there, be careful especially on a 19 footer! . Once we got to Saugatuck we had an absolute blast. What a beautiful town, boats, homes restaurants. We docked the boat and ate at Coral Gables. Decent food, better drinks with live music.

Yesterday we hauled the boat up to Grand Haven (wanted to avoid Lake Michigan because it was once again windy!) and launched from Harbor Island Boat Ramp ($10 launch fee, but VERY nice ramp) it only took us about 25 minutes to drive there from Holland and man it was worth it! Once at the ramp you have 2 choices, take a left and go to the gorgeous downtown Grand Haven, where you can dock your boat right next to the park and have some AWESOME shops, and restaurant options. The wake was a bit large there while docked because of all the boat traffic and the channel surf. My boat got a little beat up from not having the right fenders . Live and learn! From there we headed to Spring Lake in "no wake" mode speed x3 and again was impressed with the town, and different on the water restaurant options from Spring Lake. We found an awesome, calm cove there and basically spent our whole day with the lake mat out, music and brews. We finished the day having dinner at Old Boys Brewery where our service and food was amazing, again had live music and just had a great time with family. Picture below (me in the long sleeve blue under armor and my wife to my right)

In summary, this state is awesome. Not just because my wife is from here, but there's natural beauty from the water here that can't be found anywhere else. Staring today we will be camping by Lake Macatawa, and plan to visit Higgins Lake (2.5 hours), Torch Lake(3 hours), and Silver Lake during our remaining days. Thanks to @JTC1016 for all the help getting around the area!

Awesome!
I know the sandy beaches from here in Indiana run all the way up Michigan and i think are some of the best in the country!
I love some of the stuff Michigan has to offer as well. My wifes best friend is up there and so is one of my brothers.
I guess it's a shame i never brought my boat up!
I know several people always talk about torch lake!

 

[Hawksr30]

View attachment 59243 Alright! So far 3 days in MI and have visited about 5 lakes/channels. I'm in heaven and the state of Michigan is officially underrated.

First day we launched our boat from Lake Macatawa and headed to Saugatuck via Lake Michigan. We made a pit stop in Lake Michigan after getting through the Macatawa Channel and beached the boat ️ on a beautiful beach with some unbelievable views of the dunes, mansions, etc. this beach was south, just around the Macatawa channel. Good times there and relatively protected from the surf because of the pier. Once underway, it took us about 25-30 minutes and I scared my family half to death with the big surf and wind. Lake Michigan isn't a lake. It's an ocean. If it's your first time out there, be careful especially on a 19 footer! . Once we got to Saugatuck we had an absolute blast. What a beautiful town, boats, homes restaurants. We docked the boat and ate at Coral Gables. Decent food, better drinks with live music.

Yesterday we hauled the boat up to Grand Haven (wanted to avoid Lake Michigan because it was once again windy!) and launched from Harbor Island Boat Ramp ($10 launch fee, but VERY nice ramp) it only took us about 25 minutes to drive there from Holland and man it was worth it! Once at the ramp you have 2 choices, take a left and go to the gorgeous downtown Grand Haven, where you can dock your boat right next to the park and have some AWESOME shops, and restaurant options. The wake was a bit large there while docked because of all the boat traffic and the channel surf. My boat got a little beat up from not having the right fenders . Live and learn! From there we headed to Spring Lake in "no wake" mode speed x3 and again was impressed with the town, and different on the water restaurant options from Spring Lake. We found an awesome, calm cove there and basically spent our whole day with the lake mat out, music and brews. We finished the day having dinner at Old Boys Brewery where our service and food was amazing, again had live music and just had a great time with family. Picture below (me in the long sleeve blue under armor and my wife to my right)

In summary, this state is awesome. Not just because my wife is from here, but there's natural beauty from the water here that can't be found anywhere else. Staring today we will be camping by Lake Macatawa, and plan to visit Higgins Lake (2.5 hours), Torch Lake(3 hours), and Silver Lake during our remaining days. Thanks to @JTC1016 for all the help getting around the area!

I'm late to the party but as a Michigander, I'm curious what you thought of the rest of your trip to Higgins, Torch, and Silver? We've got a place off Higgins and just accessorized it with a new AR195. I am dying to get it on the water but with 18" of ice, it could be June before I can get it out. I've not been on Torch yet but it's definitely a destination point once we get the boat. We live in the southwest corner of Michigan and previously slipped our I/O in St Joseph. All the spots you hit are great. When lake Michigan is calm, there's nothing better but when it's not (and it can change in a heartbeat) it can be brutal for smaller boats. I'm obviously partial to what we have here but I'd also like to explore out-of-state with the new boat and am curious how it compares to other destination points in the Midwest.