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The glaciers of the last Ice Age retreated to the north some 25,000 years ago, leaving behind the lakes that rank as Michigan's most notable and geographical feature. Among the state's largest inland lakes is Burt Lake, named after William A. Burt, who, together with John Mullett, made a federal survey of the area from 1840 to 1843. By following the Cheboygan River, Mullett Lake, and Indian River to Burt Lake, then up Crooked River to Crooked Lake, Indians and fur traders had only a short portage to Little Traverse Bay. Thus they avoided the trip through the Straits. Completion of a lock on the Cheboygan in 1869 opened this inland waterway to the Cheboygan Slack Water Navigation Company, whose vessels carried passengers and freight until railroads put it out of business. Day-long excursions over these waters became popular with tourists. 

• 150 miles of shoreline. 30 miles of river.

• Dredged to 5'. Width of 30' by U.S. Corps of Engineers (subject to shoaling).

• Route completely laid out with channel markers. River entrances marked with flashing lights.

• Accessible from I-75, M-27, M-33, and U.S. 31

• Ramps with varying water depths available all along the waterway.

• Can handle boats up to 65 feet long (18 foot beam), with up to a 5 foot draft.

• Route is 38.2 miles long

• Route features 2 locks. 15 foot gate lock in Cheboygan, $3.00 for recreational vehicle. 2 foot clam lock near Alanson is toll free.

• Longest distance between gas stops is 10 miles.

Approximate Maximum Depths:
Burt Lake: 73 ft.
Mullett Lake: 120 ft.
Crooked Lake: 61 ft.
Pickerel Lake: 70 ft.