Lake Charlevoix – Pontoon Adventure
It’s easy to see why Lake Charlevoix was once rated the second-best lake in the country by USA Today readers. Lake Charlevoix is the third-largest inland lake in Michigan with several small towns to explore surrounding the pristine body of water.
Our boating adventure takes us to the small town of Charlevoix. We start the day by launching at the public launch and quickly head to Ironton to show the kids the car ferry and to grab some food at The Landing Restaurant. Our meal at The Landing is fantastic and the entire facility has been recently renovated and offers the perfect nautical charm. Sitting on the open-air deck and watching the boats cruise by in the no-wake channel is the perfect start to our day!
To ensure a relaxing experience for the three adults aboard we know that getting some energy out of the kids is a must! After a short cruise back into the open water we find a calm, deep-water cove and toss the anchor for some LilliPad Diving Board time! The kids love to call out a “jump” which must be performed by everyone on the boat. Of course, standard jumps like, “cannon-ball” are always on the list but we get some crazy things like “dance-in-the-air” or “lawn-chair.” Regardless, we all have a great time and share lots of laughs!
After an hour or so of LilliPad Diving Board time we decide to venture into Charlevoix. The voyage into Round Lake which then leads out to Lake Michigan is absolutely breath taking. Round Lake is surrounded by jaw dropping homes and the perfectly manicured landscape of downtown Charlevoix. The kids love the experience of boating under the bridge. Whether the bridge is opening, and you get to be part of the parade of boats venturing through, or closed, allowing the kids to see the vehicles driving overhead… they think it’s pretty cool!
Feeling slightly adventurous we decide to head out into Lake Michigan. Our plan was to round the point and head toward shore for a short cruise. Needless to say, we made it out of the channel, took a wave to the bow which threw up a nice splash, snapped a couple of pictures, and headed back to the serenity of Round Lake.
With a few transient slips in the Round Lake Marina we were able to snag one and take a quick walk around town. The smell of fudge and fresh baked waffle cones fill the air so we make our way to Kilwins! Although I could spend the entire day shopping downtown that would have to wait for another day. We explore the band shelter, check out the trout stream, and head back to the boat. There simply aren’t enough hours in the day!
If you’ve never boated Lake Charlevoix and want to make this your next adventure, give yourself a few days just for the “Charlevoix” experience– you won’t regret it!