Bois Blanc Boat Launch

There's no traditional launch ramp here — this is the Bois Blanc Island marina and ferry dock. If you're thinking you'll back a trailer down and splash your boat, that's not how this works. You're either taking the Plaunt ferry from Cheboygan or pulling into a transient slip.

The six long spots on the north side of the harbor lot are specifically for vehicle-and-trailer combos, not one or the other, and there's a 24-hour max. The angled spots along the causeway are reserved for ferry traffic coming and going. Don't get creative with parking or you'll hear about it.

The Plaunt ferry runs like clockwork and the crew is sharp, but plan around their schedule — miss a run and you're waiting. Fourth of July weekend gets hectic. Budget around $106 round trip for two people and a car, so it's not a casual day trip decision.

The mosquitoes and black flies on Bois Blanc are legendary. Bring industrial quantities. The island is mostly wild forest with minimal development — one bar, one store — and the bugs own the place from June through August.

If you're crossing Lake Huron under your own power, the marina has water and electric hookups and takes transient boaters. Self-serve pay or track down the harbormaster. Maintenance can be hit or miss, but it's the only public marina on the island, so it's this or nothing.