Craft & Seasonality
✓
Motorboat ✓
Kayak / Canoe ✓
Jet Ski / PWC ✓
Large Boat ✗
Winter Access Site Details
Conditions change rapidly due to water levels, prop wash, and weather. Always visually inspect before backing down.
RampPaved, 1 lane
Dock1 boating pier · ADA
Trailer Parking2 spots · asphalt
Vehicle-Only2 spots
FeeMI Recreation Passport (annual, on vehicle registration)
HoursOpen at all times
RestroomsVault toilet (1)
PierYes
AccessibilityAccessible pier
Not Available Fish cleaning · Fishing pier
Scout's Notes
Ramp Quirks & Etiquette
Small Boats Only
Don't try to bring anything bigger than a 16-footer in here. The single lane is tight and the approach doesn't give you much room to maneuver a larger rig. Aluminum fishing boats and small bass boats are the sweet spot.
Parking Fills Fast
Only 2 designated trailer spots, though you can squeeze maybe 6-8 vehicles total along the edges. On any decent summer weekend, you're playing musical chairs. Get there early or have a backup plan — there's no real overflow area.
Quiet Water Upside
Lake Ellen is a small, quiet lake in the UP, and it feels that way. Not a lot of traffic, no big wake boats tearing around. If you want a peaceful morning on the water without the circus, this is your spot. Just don't expect trophy fishing — it's more about the experience than the catch.
State Park Connection
This launch is administered through Bewabic State Park, so it's reasonably well maintained for what it is. The ramp and surrounding area stay clean, which is more than you can say for a lot of remote UP launches with this little infrastructure.
Sources: DNR GIS data, Google Reviews
About This Lake
Lake Ellen →