Drop anchor lineup These are Michigan’s 10 best harbors for a boating vacation

A boating getaway is “one of Michigan’s best-kept vacation secrets,” and now we have a list of the 10 best places to rent that transient slip, courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR provided MLive with a list of “10 harbors that are ideal options for people who don’t necessarily sleep on their boat but want to experience the marina lifestyle.” downtown skyline from your boat.

However, Michigan has 80plus state-sponsored harbors that circle the Great Lakes – and any one is great for a getaway.

• Ludington Municipal Marina: This thriving town is built around its waterfront. A slip here o ers access to many events that happen on the waterfront. Attractions include concerts in the park, the historic S.S. Badger car ferry making its daily roundtrip across Lake Michigan, breweries, art galleries and more – all within walking distance. There are many quaint motels for those who don’t want to overnight on their boat.

• Snail Shell Harbor: Located on Lake Michigan and accessed from the Garden Peninsula of the Upper Peninsula, this small harbor is alongside a historic townsite and at the base of limestone cli s that are home to the oldest trees in Michigan. You can always camp at Fayette Historic State Park, which is just a short walk from the marina.

• Duncan L. Clinch: You’ll be in the heart of it all in downtown Traverse City with a slip at this harbor. With the spray park, beach and TART Trail next to the dock, it’s easy to enjoy a summer day on shore, the evening fishing at the mouth of the Boardman River, then bike to your hotel or Airbnb.

• East Jordan: This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a peaceful, small-town vibe on Lake Charlevoix, which o ers all kinds of things to see.

Located just one block from Main Street, the harbor o ers 27 transient slips for inland boaters to enjoy. Take a ride into Round Lake or even out into Lake Michigan through the channel in Charlevoix, or ride over to Boyne City and grab lunch. The fishing all is great all season.

• East Tawas State Harbor: Right in downtown Tawas, this harbor is close to dining, the lighthouse, camping and local events. It’s a great Lake Huron adventure destination.

• Straits State Harbor: Located in downtown Mackinaw City, this harbor makes it easy to ride your own boat over to the island, or just enjoy a ride along the shoreline or under the bridge. The waters can be choppy, so this trip is better for experienced boaters. There are hotels nearby for anyone not wanting to sleep on their boat.

• Grand Haven Marina: Located within view of the musical fountain, this harbor is a hidden gem for enjoying Grand Haven’s happening downtown. You can boat Lake Michigan, Spring Lake and the Grand River from this destination.

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• Lime Island Recreation Area: Located in the St. Marys River, this island destination o ers on-site rustic cabins, hiking, history and lots more to enjoy. Because it’s only about a one-mile trip from the mainland, this is a great option for smaller trailered boats. You can put in at the boating access site in Raber, at the eastern edge of the U.P., then take the short trip over to Lime Island. You’ll need a harbor reservation and a cabin reservation if staying on the island. Bring your hiking shoes and get ready to enjoy freighter watching from the island. Enjoy this less-traveled paradise for up to two weeks at a time.

• Eagle Harbor: Located on the Keweenaw Peninsula, this quiet harbor is the ultimate getaway. Gaze at the lighthouse, watch the sunset, grab a slice of lobster pizza or just enjoy the breeze.

Reservations can be made at MiDNRReservations. com; select the Harbor tab. Some harbors take reservations directly.

• Petoskey City Marina: Located just down the hill from downtown, the marina o ers on-land recreation, fun day trips to Harbor Springs across the bay and if you happen to just want to shop for a few hours, they o er shopping docks at no charge, just hail the harbormaster on channel 16 to be guided to the best slip.

“Transient slips o er a great way to experience Michigan’s bigger waters and the marina lifestyle,” the release said. “You’ll also have easy access to fishing runs, ferry watching, and sunrises and sunsets from your boat.”

• Milliken State Harbor: On the shores of downtown Detroit directly on the Detroit Riverfront, this location has so much to enjoy.

The Outdoor Adventure Center, biking the Dequindre Cut to Eastern Market, fish the Detroit River or just enjoy the evening lights of the

State marinas also o er modern restrooms, showers, grilling areas and other waterfront amenities. On average, rates are about $1.60 per foot, which means a 20-foot pontoon costs about $32 a night.