Burt Lake is one of several waterways that connect Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Located about twenty miles from the Straits of Mackinac, this lovely lake is a popular tourist destination, and although it is heavily populated, it still contains quiet stretches of natural spaces. Most of them are protected, such as the Colonial Point Memorial Forest, the Chaboiganing Nature Preserve, and Seven Springs Nature Preserve. The most popular is Burt Lake State Park with more than 2,000 feet of sandy beach. Maple Bay County Campground and Beach offer rustic camping and a nice swimming beach. The only village on the lake is Indian River, and its marina provides boat rentals and repairs, slips, and permanent facilities. Fishing is the most popular activity, with trophy walleye, sturgeon, brown and rainbow trout, rock bass, and many other fish species biting depending on the season. The Maple Bay area’s sheltered bay provides warm, pleasant shallows that are great for swimming and sailing.

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