Best Boat Ramps in Michigan
Michigan has more freshwater coastline than any state. Find the best public boat ramps on the Great Lakes, inland lakes, and rivers — with trailer parking and live weather.
Best Boat Ramps in Michigan
Michigan is surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes and has more than 11,000 inland lakes — making it one of the premier boating destinations in North America. From salmon fishing on Lake Michigan to bass tournaments on inland lakes, Michigan boaters have more public launch options than nearly any other state.
Lake Michigan Access
The western shore of Michigan's Lower Peninsula offers excellent Lake Michigan access. Petoskey State Park Ramp near Little Traverse Bay is a MDNR-maintained launch with good depth and trailer parking. Ludington State Park Ramp gives access to Lake Michigan via Big Sable River. In the Upper Peninsula, Presque Isle Park Ramp in Marquette offers Lake Superior access with beautiful scenery.
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Southeast Michigan: Lake St. Clair
Lake St. Clair between Michigan and Ontario is one of the best smallmouth bass fisheries in the world. Metropolitan Beach Metropark Ramp in Mt. Clemens provides access to the lake's legendary walleye and bass fisheries. Anchor Bay Boat Launch near New Baltimore is a county ramp with trailer parking and Lake St. Clair access.
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Northern Michigan: Traverse City Area
Grand Traverse Bay draws boaters from across the Midwest for salmon, trout, and perch fishing. Clinch Park Boat Launch in Traverse City is a city ramp with East Bay access. Bowers Harbor Ramp on the Old Mission Peninsula is a quieter option with good depth.
West Michigan: Muskegon Lake and Grand River
Muskegon Lake Boat Ramp at Pere Marquette Park provides access to Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan via the channel. The Grand River is a productive salmon and steelhead fishery with public ramps throughout Grand Rapids.
Tips for Boating in Michigan
- Great Lakes weather changes fast — Always check wind forecasts before launching on any of the Great Lakes. Use RampFinder's live weather data at every ramp.
- Invasive species inspection — Michigan requires boaters to drain and dry boats to prevent spread of invasive species like zebra mussels. Many ramps have inspection stations.
- MDNR Annual Launch Permits — Michigan DNR ramps require a $16/day or $31/year launch permit. Purchase at Self-Registration stations at the ramp.
- Know the rules — Review boat ramp etiquette before launching at busy Great Lakes ramps.
More Guides
Looking for more destinations? See the best freshwater boat ramps in the US, find free boat ramps near you, or read the boat ramp safety checklist.