The Harbor > About White Lake
Text courtesy of Lakeland Boating, "Lake Michigan Ports o' Call"
O'Meara-Brown Publications, Inc. ©2004
With its tree-lined shores and slower paced communities, White Lake marks a change from the busier, more touristy ports to the south, and many people consider it the unofficial starting point of Michigan's North Country.
In White Lake, the waters to the south of the channel from Lake Michigan are fairly deep, but the anchoring is good all along the shoreline down to White Lake Yacht Club, which has reciprocal privileges but no fuel. Gas and pump out are available at nearby South Shore Marina, which offers great views of White Lake as well as proximity to Lake Michigan's beaches. The marina offers a couple of transient slips, does some repairs and runs a ship's store. The Dockside Grill is a great place to enjoy a burger-you can even anchor out and call, and they'll pick you up in the dinghy. You can also grab some beer and wine to go.
Because much of White Lake is free of wake restrictions (for powerboats 40 feet and under), most powerboats make the six-mile trip to town quickly. The lake is blessed with a wide variety of services, making this a worthwhile cruising stop. The sister cities of Whitehall and Montague at the far end of the lake are home to a number of marinas, along with shops and restaurants.
Although Ellenwood Landing is an ultra-deluxe condominium development, it's a good bet for transient openings and does take reservations. There is no fuel, but the creature comforts are all here: a family clubhouse with kitchen facilities and an "adults only" clubhouse with fireplace and bar, plus premium movie channels on cable, pumpout facilities at every slip, a swimming pool and jacuzzis.
Gas and diesel are available at White Lake Municipal Marina, conveniently located at the base of Colby Road, the main shopping street of Whitehall. At Goodrich Park, the marina offers a number of transient slips, a playground and brand new bathroom, shower and laundry facilities.
Crosswinds Marine Service has courtesy docks for those who cruise in to dine at Scales Fish and Steak House. The fuel dock sells gas and diesel and the service facility performs major as well as minor repairs. The marina has shower and laundry facilities and cable TV service, and the scenic 22-mile Hart-Whitehall bike trail is just steps away.
Whitehall Landing Marina to the south is perhaps the busiest facility, site of many summer activities including a nautical flea market, a sailing regatta and children's fishing derbies. Offering a full range of services and amenities with the exception of fuel, extras here include a pool and a clubhouse with grills. Reservations are accepted if space is available during the week, but weekend space is usually extremely limited. The full range of small-town services are all fairly accessible as you walk east on Colby Road in Whitehall.
Text courtesy of Lakeland Boating, "Lake Michigan Ports o' Call"
O'Meara-Brown Publications, Inc. ©2004
With its tree-lined shores and slower paced communities, White Lake marks a change from the busier, more touristy ports to the south, and many people consider it the unofficial starting point of Michigan's North Country.
In White Lake, the waters to the south of the channel from Lake Michigan are fairly deep, but the anchoring is good all along the shoreline down to White Lake Yacht Club, which has reciprocal privileges but no fuel. Gas and pump out are available at nearby South Shore Marina, which offers great views of White Lake as well as proximity to Lake Michigan's beaches. The marina offers a couple of transient slips, does some repairs and runs a ship's store. The Dockside Grill is a great place to enjoy a burger-you can even anchor out and call, and they'll pick you up in the dinghy. You can also grab some beer and wine to go.
Because much of White Lake is free of wake restrictions (for powerboats 40 feet and under), most powerboats make the six-mile trip to town quickly. The lake is blessed with a wide variety of services, making this a worthwhile cruising stop. The sister cities of Whitehall and Montague at the far end of the lake are home to a number of marinas, along with shops and restaurants.Although Ellenwood Landing is an ultra-deluxe condominium development, it's a good bet for transient openings and does take reservations. There is no fuel, but the creature comforts are all here: a family clubhouse with kitchen facilities and an "adults only" clubhouse with fireplace and bar, plus premium movie channels on cable, pumpout facilities at every slip, a swimming pool and jacuzzis.
Gas and diesel are available at White Lake Municipal Marina, conveniently located at the base of Colby Road, the main shopping street of Whitehall. At Goodrich Park, the marina offers a number of transient slips, a playground and brand new bathroom, shower and laundry facilities.
Crosswinds Marine Service has courtesy docks for those who cruise in to dine at Scales Fish and Steak House. The fuel dock sells gas and diesel and the service facility performs major as well as minor repairs. The marina has shower and laundry facilities and cable TV service, and the scenic 22-mile Hart-Whitehall bike trail is just steps away.
Whitehall Landing Marina to the south is perhaps the busiest facility, site of many summer activities including a nautical flea market, a sailing regatta and children's fishing derbies. Offering a full range of services and amenities with the exception of fuel, extras here include a pool and a clubhouse with grills. Reservations are accepted if space is available during the week, but weekend space is usually extremely limited. The full range of small-town services are all fairly accessible as you walk east on Colby Road in Whitehall.
Montague, Michigan • 231-893-9663