Fall Activities in Northern Michigan
Inland Waterway
You will enjoy this unique chain of lakes as the weather changes
and the trees begin to turn into the glorious reds, gold’s and
oranges of autumn. Whether you are enjoying a leisurely boat
trip, kayaking, canoeing or trying to catch the big one, the
vistas you will see from the waterways are truly breathtaking.
Crooked and Pickerel Lakes
Both Crooked and Pickerel Lakes are noted for good fishing, and
relatively deep lakes given their more compact size in
comparison to Burt and Mullett Lakes.
Crooked River
To continue your boating journey from Crooked Lake to Burt Lake
boaters must travel through the Crooked River and go through the
Crooked River Locks which lowers boats two feet to the level of
Burt Lake. Navigation on the Crooked River generally limits
boats to 25 feet.
Burt Lake
This is Michigan's fourth largest inland lake and is known for
its wide span of water and its beautiful bays. There are two
nature preserves on the shores of Burt Lake, Seven Springs
Nature Preserve and Colonial Point Forest/Chaboiganing Nature
Preserve.
Indian River
Connecting Burt and Mullett Lakes is the 5 mile stretch of the
Indian River. The area where the Indian River flows into Mullett
Lake is a marshy area known as the Indian River Spreads. The
Indian River Spreads is a wildlife habitat for a variety of
wildlife including Bald Eagle, Osprey, Otters, Loons and other
waterfowl.
Mullett Lake
This is Michigan's fifth largest inland lake. Enjoy fishing on
this deep lake.
Cheboygan River
This is the largest river in the Waterway system and it flows
into Lake Huron. At is mouth, the Coast Guard Cutter "Mackinaw"
makes its home. A drawbridge spans the river downtown and a gate
lock raises and lowers boats 12 feet.

Elk Viewing
September and October are the two most popular months to view
this large elk herd. The Pigeon River State Forest, just minutes
from Indian River, is the primary location of the largest free
roaming elk herd east of the Mississippi River. Dawn and dusk
are the best times to catch a glimpse of elk feeding in the
fields and forest clearings. Maps are available to help locate
viewing areas.
For more information contact:
Dept of Natural Resources
Gaylord District Office
Phone: (989) 732-3541
Website:
www.michigan.gov/dnr
North Central State Trail
The newly re-surfaced and dedicated trail offers 62 miles of
non-motorized trail, from Gaylord to Mackinaw City. This
picturesque trail takes the cyclist, jogger or walker through
quiet woodlands, past streams and along the west shore of
Mullett Lake. Opportunities to visit small towns along the way
add to the interest.
View map (pdf)
View brochure (pdf)
For more information Contact:
Top of Michigan Trails Council
Phone: (231) 348-8280
Website:
www.trailscouncil.org

Color Tour
Indian River is ideally located as a home base for a color tour.
From our beautiful area you can travel all about Northern
Michigan to view of some of the gorgeous, colorful Autumn
landscapes for which Michigan is famous.
Cooperation Park
This 51.78 acre recreation park has something to offer for every
age and interest group. Located just south of Indian River, the
park offers baseball fields, skateboard park, nature trails,
tennis courts, basketball courts, children’s playground,
horseshoe pits and soccer fields.
For more information contact:
Tuscarora Township Parks Commission
Phone: (231) 238-7865
Fishing
In addition to the Inland Waterway, there are numerous other
rivers, lakes and streams located nearby on which you may enjoy
a variety of fishing opportunities. There is no time like the
fall to enjoy fantastic fishing. See the current Michigan
fishing guide for regulations.
For more information contact:
Dept of Natural Resources
Gaylord District Office
Phone: (989) 732-3541
Website:
www.michigan.gov/dnr
Indian River Golf Club
This beautiful 18-hole championship golf course is carved out of
virgin pine. There are four different teeing areas for golfers
of all calibers. This 3 ˝ star rated golf course is truly a gem,
and we hope you, will stop in and enjoy the experience the
Indian River Golf Club has to offer.
For more information contact:
Indian River Golf Club
Phone: (231) 238-7011
Website:
www.indianrivergolfclub.com
Sturgeon River Trips
CANOE – KAYAK – RAFT – TUBE
The Sturgeon River is the fastest river in Michigan's Lower
Peninsula with an average descent of almost 14 feet per mile.
The average depth is 3-4 feet. However, there are deeper pools
that can reach 5-8 feet in depth, usually around the outside of
the bends.
Families have enjoyed canoeing, rafting, kayaking and tubing the
Sturgeon River for years. Currents vary enough to please
everyone: smooth and slow sections for a relaxing ride and swift
meandering sections for a bit more challenge.
All river trips include:
U.S. Coast Guard approved and safety-inspected equipment
(Paddles and PFD's -comfortable Type III Life vest)
Shuttle service to the put-in location (all trips end back at
sign up location)
Viewing of safety video
Maps and litter bags
Departures every 1/2 hour!
River Hours & Reservations
9:00 am - 6:30 pm
For more information contact:
Big Bear Adventures
Phone: (231) 238-8181
Hunting
Hunting opportunities abound in the area. There are many
thousands of acres of state land available for you to pursue the
various types of hunting northern Michigan offers, including
waterfowl, small game, whitetail deer, black bear, coyote,
bobcat and wild turkey. In addition there is a limited license
drawing elk hunt. Numerous land and water trapping opportunities
also exist. See the current Michigan hunting and trapping guide
for regulations and seasons.
For more information contact:
Dept of Natural Resources
Gaylord District Office
Phone: (989) 732-3541
Website:
www.michigan.gov/dnr
ORV
Indian River and the surrounding areas have an abundance of ORV
trails for you to enjoy. The Tomahawk trail has its trailhead
and parking lot just minutes away from downtown Indian River.
Indian River is also near the Black Mt. Forest Recreation Area,
which has many miles of trails to ride.
For more information contact:
Dept of Natural Resources
Gaylord District Office
Phone: (989) 732-3541
Website:
www.michigan.gov/dnr

Hiking
There are many beautiful hiking trails in the Indian River area
and there is no time like Autumn to be out enjoying the beauties
of nature. The Wildwood Hills pathway, the Ocqueoc Falls
Bicentennial pathway and the Black Mountain Forest pathway are
all within a few minutes of Indian River.
For more information contact:
Dept of Natural Resources
Gaylord District Office
Phone: (989) 732-3541
Website:
www.michigan.gov/dnr
Geocaching
Opportunities to participate in this fun worldwide game of
hiding and seeking abound in the Indian River Area. There are
traditional, multi and earth caches for every skill level. The
Indian River zip code is 49749.
For more information contact:
Geocaching – the official Global GPS Cache Hunt
Website:
www.geocaching.com
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding opportunities exist in the nearby Pigeon River
Country and Lee Grand Ranch area. For those horse owners who
enjoy peaceful, quiet, wooded areas, these trails are for you.
For more information contact:
Dept of Natural Resources
Gaylord District Office
Phone :(989) 732-2541
Website:
www.michigan.gov/dnr
Horseback riding and lessons,
field trips, training, and camping are available at Maple Ridge
Stables.
For more information contact:
Maple Ridge Stables
8097 Sunshine Trail
Vanderbilt MI 49795
989-980-7866
www.mapleridgestables.com
The Cross in the Woods
Join us for worship
Year Round:
Saturday: 4:30 pm
Sunday: 8:30am (indoor) and 10:30am
Monday thru Friday: 8:30am and Noon
In 1954, the Cross, made from a Redwood tree was erected.
Renowned Michigan sculptor, Marshall M. Fredericks created a
bronze image of the crucified Jesus which was raised into place
in 1959 to complete the Crucifix.
Interesting Statistics about the Cross
1953 Redwood tree cut down in the mountains of Oregon.
1954 Cross is 55 feet high, 22 feet wide
1959 Corpus (or body) designed by Marshall Fredericks was cast
in bronze at a foundry in Norway, weighing 7 tons, 28 feet head
to toe, and outstretched arms span 21 feet.
1992 Corpus was cleaned and Cross repainted beige to emphasize
the bronze corpus.
Corpus is cleaned and waxed every two years.
For More Information Contact:
The Cross in the Woods
Phone: (231) 238-8973
Website:
www.crossinthewoods.com
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