Back to the main site

Petosky MI Chain of Lakes

S

Skeester

Active Member
Messages
29
Reaction score
22
Seems like there are quite a few Michiganders on this forum. We are going to be dropping in at Crooked lake and running the chain of lakes over to Mullet lake on the 5th of July. We’re staying the night at the Aloha state park and the turning around on the 6th to head back. Is anyone familiar with the area? I’m sure I’m gonna need fuel ⛽️. Any suggestions? I’m going to bet that it will be busy.
 
There are 3 Marinas on the Indian River that sell fuel on the way to Aloha .Howe Marine ,Indian River Mariana and the Landings .
 
Here is a link to a map of the area with the 3 fuel locations .That is a long trip from Crooked Lake .
You have the Crooked River Locks ,then the Alanson Swing Bridge .Most of the Crooked River and Indian River are also No Wake Zones .My marina is half way between Burt and Mullett lake ,depending on traffic ,it takes about 30 35 minutes for me to get to Mullett and then 45 minutes to an hour to get to Aloha
If you run into any issues .Burt Lake Marina is the Bennington Dealer also on the map

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1...dian+River&gs_l=psy-ab.12...0.0.0.41738.0.0.0
 
Thanks for the info. I was thinking it would be a 4-5 hour trip. Sounds like it is only 2 hours or so? Do any of the towing companies run on these lakes?
 
Awesome area!
 
Also northwest side of Mullet - Mullet Lake Marina can gas you up. Swing bridge typically has operator on site during the day, so you could stop and ask if there is a schedule or on-demand. I THINK it’s on demand at many times, but scheduled during heavy traffic (boat) days. But you’d want to ask if you go through Alanson.

Indian river is 100% no wake, crooked river I’d say 50/50, but having said that on July 5 plan on going no wake speed the whole way on Crooked as well.

So from Crooked lake to Burt I’d say about 1 hour 30 minutes, lock and bridge timing might cause a delay. 1 hour from Burt to Mullet on Indian River. From Crooked River to Indian River depends on how fast you want to go and how much sight seeing/stopping you want to do. Same for Indiana River to Aloha. I think it could be as fast as about 3.5 hours if you plow straight through with 45 MPH on lake parts. But likely closer to 6 taking it easy.

July 5 is fireworks for Indian River. Shot Over Burt Lake from the beach just south of the entrance to the Indian River. The river is closed during this, so if you go by boat, you need to know you’ll not be getting back on the river to go back to Aloha until 10:30 or so.

Also: Maple Bay sand bar on Burt about 1/2 mile east of Crooked River entrance, on the bay you’ll be in, will probably be packed with boats on July 5, and likely a band. Not sure of the timing of all that this year, but “if I were to guess....”.

And I’ve been told of a huge sand bar party that happens on the north end of Mullet, but have not been there, but you’ll be close if it’s true.

And while in the north end of Mullet, you might want to wonder up the chebygan River for a bit. Just to check it out. It’s quite a way to Lake Huron (with more locks)but I’ve enjoy going a bit that way and turning around for change.

Place to eat on the way.

Crooked River-Alanson-stay away from the Blue restaurant. If you want to eat in Alanson, park the boat, walk a block up to the Main Street and go to the Depot or Bobs.

Burt Lake - Hoppy’s on north east side. You’ll need to google location to find it. Watch out the dock is crap, so be sure you have a good and solid spot on that, other wise you may have to drop off passengers and go and anchor.

Indian River- the In-Between. Right at the Main Street overpass in Indian River. Jack would warn you about the stupid boaters trying to dock in front or behind your boat there (and I would too), so get a seat outside to make sure you can run over and protect your boat (I’ve needed to do that a couple time). But it’s all about the experience! There is a little park you can park at as well across the river west and walk around if need be. Lastly, There is a white restaurant/bar/hotel you’ll pass....you’ll want to pass on that one, and proceed about 200yards east to the In-Between.

Mullet Lake- Breakers - in Topinabee. South West side. Good docking, just not enough.

Enjoy!! it’s one of the best places on earth.
 
Wow! Thanks for all the info. Looks like it will be a long day. I’ll bring a couple extra fuel cans as I have a Yami vmax 150 which gets absolutely horrible fuel economy. I burn 6-7 gal per hour with a mix of no wake and 35 mph.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top