HomeMichiganCheboygan County

Mullett Lake

Cheboygan County, Michigan Lake Connected Water
16,630 acres148 ft deep3 launchesRec Passport required
Mullett Lake Access Map 3 launches
Depth Map → 🎣 Fishing Guide → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Mullett Lake
Aloha State Park
Aloha State Park · Unimproved ramp, 2 lanes, 35 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
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Jewell Road Boat Launch
Cheboygan Field Office · Paved ramp, 2 lanes, 35 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
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Mullett Lake Village Boat Launch
Cheboygan Field Office · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 30 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Mullett Lake is a central link in Michigan's famous Inland Waterway. The Indian River flows in from the south, connecting Mullett to Burt Lake (and beyond that to Crooked and Pickerel Lakes). The Cheboygan River flows north out of Mullett to Lake Huron, making it possible to boat from the interior chain all the way to the Great Lakes. The Pigeon River, Little Pigeon River, Sturgeon River, and Mullett Creek also feed into the lake.

Winter & Ice Safety

At 148 feet deep, Mullett Lake is slow to freeze and ice thickness varies dramatically across the lake. Shallower bays and the south end near Indian River freeze more reliably than the deep main basin. Always check current local ice conditions — this is not a lake where you assume safe ice based on air temperature alone.

Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Mullett Lake?
Mullett Lake covers 16,630 acres — roughly four miles wide — making it one of Michigan's largest inland lakes. It's 148 feet deep at its maximum, which is exceptionally deep for a Michigan inland lake.
Is Mullett Lake connected to other lakes?
Yes — Mullett Lake is a central link in Michigan's Inland Waterway. The Indian River connects it south to Burt Lake, and the Cheboygan River flows north from Mullett to Lake Huron. Several rivers feed into it, including the Pigeon River and Sturgeon River. You can boat from Mullett Lake through to Lake Huron without trailering.
Can you swim in Mullett Lake?
Absolutely. The water is notably clear with sandy bottom in many areas — reviewers mention walking out a quarter mile before it gets deep. Aloha State Park has a sandy public beach with a play area, volleyball court, and horseshoe pits. The water stays cold due to the lake's depth, so expect refreshing rather than bathwater temperatures.
Are there campgrounds on Mullett Lake?
Yes, several. Aloha State Park on the southeast shore is the most popular — it's a full Michigan state park with electric sites, beach access, and a boat launch. East Mullett Campground and Pigeon Bay Campground offer additional options. Indian River RV Resort is nearby on the south end. Aloha fills up fast, especially around Labor Day and summer holidays.
Where are the boat launches on Mullett Lake?
There are three public launches on the lake. The newer facilities feature paved ramps, vault toilets, and 40+ paved parking spaces with dual skid piers. They're generally not too crowded on weekdays, though expect waits on summer weekends — especially at Aloha State Park. Note that weed growth can clog the channels at some launches during peak summer.
Is there a fee to launch a boat on Mullett Lake?
Aloha State Park requires a Michigan Recreation Passport ($17 for Michigan plates, $34 for out-of-state). Other public launches on the lake are generally free to use.
Where is Mullett Lake?
Mullett Lake is in Cheboygan County in northern Lower Michigan. Indian River sits at the south end, and Topinabee is on the west shore. Cheboygan is about 15 minutes northeast. It's roughly 280 miles north of Detroit.
Is Mullett Lake good for water skiing and boating?
Yes — at 16,630 acres it's huge with plenty of open water. The lake is popular for water skiing, tubing, and general cruising. One reviewer noted it's not great for sailing due to its shape and wind patterns, but for powerboating it's excellent. Several marinas offer services and boat rentals.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Mullett Lake is one of Michigan's largest inland lakes at 16,630 acres in Cheboygan County — about four miles wide with a maximum depth of 148 feet. That depth puts it in rare company for an inland Michigan lake and keeps the water cold and remarkably clear. Reviewers consistently mention being able to walk a quarter mile out on sandy bottom before it gets deep, and visibility that rivals much smaller lakes. The lake is a key link in the Inland Waterway — the Indian River connects it south to Burt Lake, and the Cheboygan River flows north out of Mullett to Lake Huron. That connectivity means you can boat a significant stretch of northern Michigan without trailering.

Fishing draws a lot of attention, especially smallmouth bass — multiple anglers report 3-5 pound fish with regularity. The deep, cold water also supports walleye, while the shallower bays produce bluegill and perch. Aloha State Park sits on the southeast shore and is the main hub for camping, swimming, and launching. The towns of Indian River (south end) and Topinabee (west shore) anchor the lake community, and multi-generational cottage families going back to the early 1900s give the lake a deep-rooted "Up North" identity. Three public launches serve the lake — the newer facilities get strong reviews for paved ramps and ample parking, though weeds can choke the channels at Aloha during peak summer.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment