Indian River Chamber of Commerce
 

Summer Activities in Northern Michigan

Inland Waterway
Inland Waterway

This unique chain of lakes and rivers is sure to please any boating or fishing enthusiast. Whether you are looking for a leisurely excursion filled with wildlife and scenic beauty, or more active journey with waterskiing, tubing and swimming the Inland Waterway is just right for you.

Crooked and Pickerel Lakes

Both Crooked and Pickerel Lakes are noted for good fishing, and relatively deep lakes given their more compact size in comparison to Burt and Mullett Lakes.

Crooked River

To continue your boating journey from Crooked Lake to Burt Lake boaters must travel through the Crooked River and go through the Crooked River Locks which lowers boats two feet to the level of Burt Lake. Navigation on the Crooked River generally limits boats to 25 feet.

Burt Lake

This is Michigan's fourth largest inland lake and is known for its wide span of water and its beautiful bays. There are two nature preserves on the shores of Burt Lake, Seven Springs Nature Preserve and Colonial Point Forest/Chaboiganing Nature Preserve. Additionally, there are DeVoe Beach, a township park, and Burt Lake State Park both with beautiful sandy beaches for swimming.

Indian River

Connecting Burt and Mullett Lakes is the 5 mile stretch of the Indian River. The area where the Indian River flows into Mullett Lake is a marshy area known as the Indian River Spreads. The Indian River Spreads is a wildlife habitat for a variety of wildlife including Bald Eagle, Osprey, Otters, Loons and other waterfowl.

Mullett Lake

This is Michigan's fifth largest inland lake. Enjoy swimming, tubing, water skiing or fishing on this deep lake.

Cheboygan River

This is the largest river in the Waterway system and it flows into Lake Huron. At is mouth, the Coast Guard Cutter "Mackinaw" makes its home. A drawbridge spans the river downtown and a gate lock raises and lowers boats 12 feet.

Cross In The WoodsThe Cross in the Woods

Join us for worship
Year Round:
Saturday: 4:30 pm
Sunday: 8:30am (indoor) and 10:30am
Monday thru Friday: 8:30am and Noon

In 1954, the Cross, made from a Redwood tree was erected. Renowned Michigan sculptor, Marshall M. Fredericks created a bronze image of the crucified Jesus which was raised into place in 1959 to complete the Crucifix.

Interesting Statistics about the Cross
1953 Redwood tree cut down in the mountains of Oregon.
1954 Cross is 55 feet high, 22 feet wide
1959 Corpus (or body) designed by Marshall Fredericks was cast in bronze at a foundry in Norway, weighing 7 tons, 28 feet head to toe, and outstretched arms span 21 feet.
1992 Corpus was cleaned and Cross repainted beige to emphasize the bronze corpus.
Corpus is cleaned and waxed every two years.

For More Information Contact:
The Cross in the Woods
Phone: (231) 238-8973
Website: www.crossinthewoods.com

North Central State Trail

The newly re-surfaced and dedicated trail offers 62 miles of non-motorized trail, from Gaylord to Mackinaw City. This picturesque trail takes the cyclist, jogger or walker through quiet woodlands, past streams and along the west shore of Mullett Lake. Opportunities to visit small towns along the way add to the interest.

View map (pdf) View brochure (pdf)

For more information Contact:
Top of Michigan Trails Council
Phone: (231) 348-8280
Website: www.trailscouncil.org

Elk Viewing

Visitors to Indian River are only minutes away from the Pigeon River Country State Forest, a prime location for catching a glimpse of the largest free-roaming elk herd east of the Mississippi.

The best times of day for viewing the elk are dawn and dusk. At these times the elk will feed in forest openings and fields. Stop by the Chamber office to pick up an elk viewing map.

For more information contact:
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Gaylord District Office
Phone: (989) 732-3541
Website: www.michigan.gov/dnr

Rafting

 

Sturgeon River Trips

CANOE – KAYAK – RAFT – TUBE

The Sturgeon River is the fastest river in Michigan's Lower Peninsula with an average descent of almost 14 feet per mile. The average depth is 3-4 feet. However, there are deeper pools that can reach 5-8 feet in depth, usually around the outside of the bends.

Families have enjoyed canoeing, rafting, kayaking and tubing the Sturgeon River for years. Currents vary enough to please everyone: smooth and slow sections for a relaxing ride and swift meandering sections for a bit more challenge.

 

All river trips include:
U.S. Coast Guard approved and safety-inspected equipment
Paddles and PFD's (comfortable Type III Life vest)
Shuttle service to the put-in location (all trips end back at sign up location)
Viewing of safety video
Maps and litter bags

Departures every 1/2 hour!
River Hours & Reservations
9:00 am - 6:30 pm

For more information contact:
Big Bear Adventures
Phone: (231) 238-8181

Cooperation Park

One of the best community resources for people of all ages in Indian River is Cooperation Park. This park cover 51.78 acres and includes baseball fields, a skateboard park, sledding hill, nature trail, ice skating rink, tennis courts, basketball courts, a large children’s playground, horse shoe pits and soccer fields.

No matter what a person’s outdoor hobby or age, they are bound to find fun during all seasons at this wonderful community park.

For more information contact:
Tuscarora Township Parks Commission
Phone: (231) 238-7865

Adventure Golf at Big Bear Adventures

 

Big Bear Adventures

18-Hole Adventure Golf course. Play over and around thundering waterfalls, bubbling streams and natural rock all in a beautiful forest setting.

For more information contact:
Big Bear Adventures
Phone:(231) 238-8181

 

 

Indian River Striders

We welcome any and all residents and visitors to join together to encourage healthy fitness while enjoying the support of others as we walk, jog and run together. Meeting times: Mondays & Fridays at 8:00am walkers meet at the parking lot next to the Indian River Chamber of Commerce. Mondays at 6:00pm meet at Inland Lakes School to receive course of the week on roads, trails or in parks. Tuesdays at 6:00pm meet at Inland Lakes School then run or walk on the track for 1 hour. The 2008 season begins May 26th.

For more information contact:
Indian River Striders
Phone: (231) 238-8930
Website: www.indianriverstriders.com

Fishing

In addition to the Inland Waterway there are numerous other rivers, lakes and streams located nearby on which you may enjoy a variety of fishing opportunities. See the current Michigan fishing guide for regulations.

For more information contact:
Dept of Natural Resources
Gaylord District Office
Phone: (989) 732-3541
Website: www.michigan.gov/dnr

Hiking

There are many beautiful hiking trails in the Indian River area and there is no time like summer to be out enjoying the beauties of nature. The Wildwood Hills pathway, the Ocqueoc Falls Bicentennial pathway and the Black Mountain Forest pathway are all within a few minutes of Indian River.

For more information contact:
Dept of Natural Resources
Gaylord District Office
Phone: (989) 732-3541
Website: www.michigan.gov/dnr

ORV

Indian River and the surrounding area have an abundance of ORV trails for you to enjoy. The Tomahawk trail has its trailhead and parking lot just minutes away from downtown Indian River. Indian River is also near the Black Mt. Forest Recreation Area, which has many miles of trails to ride.

For more information contact:
Dept of Natural Resources
Gaylord District Office
Phone: (989) 732-3541
Website: www.michigan.gov/dnr

Golfing

 

Indian River Golf Club

This beautiful 18-hole championship golf course is carved out of virgin pine. There are four different teeing areas for golfers of all calibers. This 3 ˝ star rated golf course is truly a gem, and we hope you will stop in and enjoy the experience the Indian River Golf Club has to offer.

For more information contact:
Indian River Golf Club
Phone: (231) 238-7011
Website: www.indianrivergolfclub.com

 

 

Geocaching

Opportunities to participate in this fun worldwide game of hiding and seeking abound in the Indian River Area. There are traditional, multi and earth caches for every skill level. The Indian River zip code is 49749.

For more information contact:
Geocaching – the official Global GPS Cache Hunt Website: www.geocaching.com

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding opportunities exist in the nearby Pigeon River Country and Lee Grand Ranch area. For those horse owners who enjoy peaceful, quiet, wooded areas, these trails are for you.

For more information contact:
Dept of Natural Resources
Gaylord District Office
Phone :(989) 732-2541
Website: www.michigan.gov/dnr

 

 

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