The Marina at Harbor Lights

This public boat launch on Lake Leelanau's north arm puts you directly onto some of Northern Michigan's clearest waters. The concrete ramp handles everything from kayaks to larger fishing boats, with ample parking and easy trailer maneuvering space. Lake Leelanau's reputation for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass draws serious anglers, while the calm waters work perfectly for paddling and swimming. Located just minutes from downtown Traverse City, you'll skip the crowds of the bigger lakes while accessing the same pristine Leelanau Peninsula waters that locals guard jealously.

Crystal Lake Marina sits right on one of Michigan's most stunning inland lakes, where the water runs so clear you can see straight to the sandy bottom. This family-run marina has been serving boaters for decades, and they know these waters like the back of their hand. The fuel dock stays busy all summer with everything from fishing boats to pontoons, while the ship store stocks all the essentials you forgot to pack. Crystal Lake connects to Lake Michigan through the Betsie River, so you can cruise from this protected harbor all the way out to the big water.

Tucked along Traverse City's waterfront, Duncan L. Clinch Marina serves as a peaceful launching point for both boats and souls. This waterside Catholic parish creates something special - Sunday mass with sailboat masts swaying just outside the windows. The congregation here understands the spiritual connection between faith and the Great Lakes. You'll find genuine community among boaters and landlubbers alike, all drawn together by shared reverence for both the divine and the stunning bay waters. Mass times accommodate the sailing schedule, and the post-service conversations often drift toward weather conditions and weekend anchoring spots.

You know that spot where locals quietly slip their boats into Grand Traverse Bay without the crowds? That's East Arm Boat Launch. This no-frills concrete ramp sits right on the east arm of the bay, giving you direct access to some of the clearest water in Northern Michigan. The launch stays busy with fishing boats heading out for lake trout and salmon, especially during dawn hours when the water's like glass. Parking's decent, and you can actually back your trailer down without playing bumper cars with other boaters. Simple, functional, and gets the job done.

Dock Road Boat Launch serves as one of Traverse City's most reliable access points to the crystal-clear waters of Grand Traverse Bay. This no-frills launch has been getting boats into the water for decades, earning a reputation among local anglers and recreational boaters for its straightforward functionality. The concrete ramp handles everything from small fishing boats to larger pleasure craft, while the adjacent parking area accommodates trailers of various sizes. Located away from the busier downtown launches, Dock Road maintains a quieter, more local atmosphere that regulars appreciate for its uncomplicated approach to getting on the water.

Captain Mike Torrino started Grand Traverse Parasail in 1994 with a simple mission: give people the chance to soar above Grand Traverse Bay like the eagles that circle these waters. What began as a one-boat operation has grown into Traverse City's most trusted parasailing outfit, launching thousands of adventurers skyward each summer. Mike's crew treats every flight like it's their first time up there too, sharing stories about the bay's hidden coves and pointing out landmarks 400 feet below. Three decades later, families still return year after year, creating traditions that span generations.