In 2012, Lake Charlevoix was voted the second-best lake in America in a USA Today poll, behind only Lake Tahoe. Being awarded this honor is partly due to the many forms of recreation the lake provides, including swimming, kayaking, sailing, fishing, diving, boating, water skiing, and just relaxing on the beach. It is also due to Lake Charlevoix being one of Michigan’s largest and most magnificent lakes. (Click here to see all Lake Charlevoix Homes for Sale)

Lake Charlevoix is the 3rd largest lake in the state in terms of surface area, but due to its shape and the elongate South Arm, its shoreline length far exceeds that of any other inland lake in Michigan. If you kayak the entire shoreline of Lake Charlevoix, you will have traversed 60 miles! (Click here to see Northern Michigan's finest collection of Lake Charlevoix vacation rentals)

Because Lake Charlevoix is directly connected to Lake Michigan through the Pine River Channel in Charlevoix, its water level fluctuates with that of Lakes Michigan and Huron. In fact, the Pine River can flow in both directions! Most of the time, water flows out of Lake Charlevoix through the channel, but sometimes the flow is reversed due to a natural phenomenon called a seiche. A seiche is a rise in water level at one end of a lake caused by wind-driven waves; in this case, westerly winds push water up along Lake Michigan’s eastern shore, causing the Pine River to flow back into Lake Charlevoix. The current can be quite strong either way.

The Lake Charlevoix Watershed is quite large (234,000 acres) and includes the watersheds of the Jordan and Boyne Rivers, both of which have sections designated as Blue Ribbon Trout Stream by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The Jordan River is also the State’s first designated Natural River. The glacial processes that formed Lake Charlevoix produced two distinct basins. The Main Basin stretches from Boyne City on the east where the Boyne River flows into the lake to the City of Charlevoix on the west end. The South Arm, which is shallower and narrower, stretches from the confluence of the two basins near Ironton to East Jordan in the southern end where the mouth of the Jordan River is located.

Aquatic invasive species are a problem in Lake Charlevoix. The open connection with Lake Michigan allows any invasive species present in Lake Michigan to enter Lake Charlevoix unimpeded. The Lake Charlevoix Association, Charlevoix County Conservation District, and Watershed Council have worked diligently to educate residents about invasive species, as well as document and control specific invasives. In particular, watershed partners have focused much of their work on mapping and treating invasive Phragmites. The invasive Phragmites control efforts, which began in 2008, have been very successful in preventing the spread and dominance of this aggressive invader along the Lake Charlevoix shoreline.

Lake Charlevoix Beaches

  • Depot Beach. Named Depot Beach for the adjacent historic train depot, this beach features restrooms, stand up paddleboard rentals, and a pavilion. Make sure to see the incredible garden near the depot! 
  • Ferry Beach. Families love Ferry Beach as the sandy swimming area gradually deepens. Playground, concession, restrooms, picnic area, stand up paddleboard rentals, and pavilions make a day at the beach fun and easy!
  • Young State Park. This 560-acre state park located on the north arm of Lake Charlevoix between Charlevoix and Boyne City offers a great beach. 

Things To Do for Families Near Lake Charlevoix

  • Mt. McSauba: Just north of Charlevoix on Lake Michigan. There are dunes to climb, quiet beaches and one of the best venues for watching the sunset. Don't be surprised if those on this beach break into applause when the sun drops below the horizon. On a clear day you can see forever, actually, you can see Beaver Island, Northport and the Manitou Islands in the distance. A good place to find Petoskey stones. Great place to swim and body surf.
  • Lake Michigan Park: From the drawbridge downtown, walk along the sidewalk on the south side of the Pine River. This will lead to the Charlevoix Light House and Lake Michigan Park. Swing sets and other children's entertainment are found here as is a nice, clean bathroom. Great place to hunt for Petoskey stones and swim.
  • Fisherman's Island State Park: Every time we drive in, our teen son suggests that we bring our tent to camp here sometime. We always haul too much to bring the camping equipment but for the outdoorsy teen, a night of rustic camping here would do the trick. I don't care for rustic camping (aka I like running water and bathrooms) so I just enjoy the long stretch of beach that makes up Fisherman's Island State Park. Some years, we swim to the island. Other years it's too deep and rough. In other years we simply walk. We always find excellent Petoskey Stones here.
  • Rent a boat from Swann Valley Marina or the Ironton Landings Marina (Summertime rentals), even if only for a half a day.
  • Fishing in the morning and evening is fun, especially when the perch and bluegill seem to jump in the boat.
  • Anchor the boat in one of the many coves and practice cannonballs off the front or back.
  • Tubing, waterskiing, wakeboarding...all are possibilities.
  • Take a ride on the lake to admire the many beautiful summer homes and dreams!!! (don't miss the summer home on the South Arm that looks like it is Santa's workshop....it is truly the largest "cottage" I have ever seen!)
  • Make sure to take the boat through the narrows to experience the Ironton Ferry. It is slow and it is a tradition.
  • Make sure you take your car on the ferry at least once during your stay.
  • Also, we love to take the boat to The Landings Restaurant, pull up to the dock and tie up. We then have lunch before returning to the boat for more fun.
  • Kayaking, canoeing and jet-skiing on the lake are also a lot of fun!
  • Sailboat cruise on Lake Charlevoix with Sunshine Charters. They will even let your teen help with the sails.
  • Rafting through Jordan Valley Outfitters in East Jordan. The Jordan River is really rather lazy but the challenge is in navigating the vegetation that protrudes into the river, across the river, from under the river. The scenery is beautiful! Not recommended for parents with young children unless more than 2 adults are rowing.
  • Ziplining at Boyne Mountain. This is what I plan to do for my birthday in August. They have two simple ziplines and a zipline course.
  • Golfing: From Boyne Mountain Resort to Dunmagales to Ye Olde Nyne Holes, the choices are as varied as the golfers!
  • Biking: Little Traverse Wheelway Bike Trail: A 23-mile bike trail with gorgeous views of Lake Michigan that extends from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs. Rent bikes in Charlevoix, Petoskey or Harbor Springs.
  • Evening concerts in the park in Boyne City and Charlevoix. Combine the concert with an ice cream cone at Kilwin's. Many people like to stroll the town and visit the shops before and after concerts.

Biology:

Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Cisco, Lake Whitefish, Lake Trout, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rainbow Trout, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and Yellow Perch.

Vegetation According to a 2012 study:

  • Most common aquatic plant found in the lake was Eurasian watermilfoil
  • 18.65% of the shoreline is covered in heavy to very heavy vegetation
  • 35.94% of shoreline had moderate to heavy vegetation
  • 45.41% of shoreline had little to no vegetation.

Invasive Species:

Life on Lake Charlevoix:

  • The Landings10231 Ferry Rd., Charlevoix. American-style restaurant with gas dock.
  • Café Sante:  1 Water Street, Boyne City. European Style Bistro. 
  • Sommerset Pointe Yacht Club00970 Marina Drive, Boyne City. Marina, Fitness Center, and Event Center. 
  • Dunmaglas Golf Club9031 Boyne City Road, Charlevoix. Golf course with lodging options. Views of Lake Charlevoix.
  • The Weathervane106 Pine River Lane Charlevoix. American/Seafood options. Outdoor and indoor seating with views of the water in downtown Charlevoix. 
  • East Park Tavern307 Bridge Street, Charlevoix.  Pub style. 
  • Smoke on the Water103 Park Avenue, Charlevoix. BBQ restaurant that delivers anywhere downtown Charlevoix including the marina. 
  • Mushroom Houses of Charlevoix211 Bridge St, Charlevoix. 28 unique stone and boulder homes built by Earl Young along the shoreline in Northern Michigan. 
  • Young State Park2280 Boyne City-Charlevoix Rd, Boyne City 

Off the Water:

  • Villager Pub427 Bridge Street, Charlevoix. Pub style.
  • Scovie’s Gourmet111 Bridge Street, Charlevoix. Delicatessen, pastries, and catering. 
  • Red Mesa117 Water Street, Boyne City. Mexican cuisine.    
  • Bella Vita2911 Boyne City Road, Boyne City. Italian cuisine.  
  • Lake Street Market306 S Lake Street, Boyne City. Deli with Wine selection.  
  • 7 Monks Tap Room202 S Lake Street, Boyne City. Pub Style. 
  • Boyne City Tap Room220 S Lake Street, Boyne City. Pub Style. 
  • Fifth Third Bank and ATM: 102 S Lake St, Boyne City
  • Huntington Bank and ATM: 101 River St, Boyne City
  • Chase Bank and ATM: 1153 S M 75, Boyne City
  • 4Front Federal Credit Union: 308 N Lake St, Boyne City
  • ATM (Citizen’s National): 120 N Lake St, Boyne City
  • Charlevoix State Bank: 111 State St, Charlevoix
  • Chemical Bank: 1425 Bridge St, Charlevoix
  • 4Front Federal Credit Union: 1031 May St, Charlevoix
  • Huntington Bank: 201 State St, Charlevoix
  • Marathon Gas: 470 N Lake St, Boyne City
  • Marathon Gas: 201 S Lake St, Boyne City
  • Shell Food Mart: 1320 Boyne Ave, Boyne City
  • BP: 1176 M-75 S, Boyne City
  • Mobil: 12665 US 31 North, Charlevoix
  • Shell: 1308 Bridge St, Charlevoix
  • Marathon Gas: 1505 Bridge St, Charlevoix
  • Citgo: 101 Water St, East Jordan
  • McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital: 416 Connable Avenue, Petoskey

Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Charlevoix

What is the water temperature of Lake Charlevoix?
Temperatures in the summer vary at different locations depending on where you are in Lake Charlevoix, but generally in most areas temperatures are between 70-72 degrees.

What are the Lake Charlevoix's primary inflows?
Jordan River, Boyne River

What are the Lake Charlevoix's primary outflows?
Pine River

What is the surface area of Lake Charlevoix?
17,200 acres

What is the shoreline on Lake Charlevoix?
60 miles

What is the maximum depth of Lake Charlevoix?
122 feet

Focused on Northern Michigan Investment Real Estate

Brook is focused on lifestyle real estate investment properties as most people want a vacation home to make lifelong memories that endure for their entire family, leave a profound legacy for generations, and they want a solid financial investment at the same time.  While the area does have many good realtors, there aren’t many with the unique financial, vacation home investing, and technology marketing background. Brook uses his diverse skill set to help clients properly evaluate and determine whether a vacation home makes financial sense.

"I have significant experience buying and selling Northern Michigan real estate and I'd like to help you find the perfect home. Send me a message or give me a call at 231.459.3179 to learn more today."

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