The Cheboygan Lock and the Crooked River Lock have REOPENED (as of 6/26/26).
Surrounded by one-fifth of the planet’s fresh surface water, it’s no surprise Michigan is home to great boating and fantastic freshwater recreation opportunities. With more than 1,000 public boating access sites (or boat launches) and 82 public harbors across the state, you'll find easy access to 3,300 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 11,000 inland lakes and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams.
Use the interactive map to quickly locate boating access sites across the state and find essential information, such as number of lanes, local watercraft controls, parking info, closures and more.
Read our handbook, learn about alcohol restrictions, hours of operation, buoys and markers and much more.
Learn how old you need to be to operate a boat or personal watercraft (such as a wave runner/jet ski)
All watercraft, unless exempt, must be registered. All registrations expire on March 31 in the third year of issuance.
You can help prevent the spread of invasive species in our waterways. Learn about the steps you need to take.
Avoid power loading! It can damage your boat, motor and trailer, as well as the boat ramp.
Your key to Michigan state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, boating access sites and state trailheads all year long. See where it can take you!
Know before you go - check our closures page for updated information on boat launch and harbor closures.
Know the rules about motorboats, high-speed boating, water skiing and more for particular waterbodies.
There are options to go green, even when you're thinking blue! Thanks to the efforts of Michigan's boating industry, there are easy options to recycle your shrink-wrap and fishing line.
Learn about the Waterways Commission and how our waterways are managed to best provide outdoor recreation opportunities for you and future generations.
The Michigan Waterways Program helps fund the construction, operation and maintenance of public boating facilities such as harbors and marinas on the Great Lakes and boating access sites on our inland lakes.
