Straits State Harbor Boat Launch

Getting through the approach channel can be sporty with the constant Mackinac Island ferry traffic churning things up. Once you're inside the harbor breakwall, it's dead calm — but time your entry and exit so you're not fighting wakes broadside with a smaller boat.

You're looking at 12+ feet of water all the way through the channel and into the basin. No worries about scraping a keel or lower unit here — this is one of the deeper, better-maintained launches on the Straits.

You need a Michigan Recreation Passport to park legally. The lot has 72 trailer spots so space isn't usually an issue, but during peak summer weekends and especially around the Friday night fireworks, it fills faster than you'd expect for a launch this size. Get there early on holiday weekends.

The courtesy docks are floating style and sit pretty low to the water. If you're running anything with high gunwales or a taller deck, loading and unloading passengers or gear can be awkward. Bring a step stool or small ladder if that's your situation.

This is the rare launch where your non-fishing crew won't complain about waiting. The whole Mackinaw City tourist strip — fudge shops, restaurants, the Coast Guard icebreaker museum — is a short walk away. Makes it easy to drop people off before you trailer out.