Cheboygan County Marina

Location, location, location.

Cheboygan, Michigan, has always been a boating destination on the Great Lakes, but back in the ’80s there were very few marinas on the entrance to the lower river. In 1988, Cheboygan County built the county marina at the mouth of the Inland Waterways, providing both a safe harbor and fuel to boaters.

A couple of years later, the marina added a four-well launch, and then, with the help of the Cheboygan Salmon Tournament, a fish cleaning station. Recently, a brand-new fueling facility and two new pump-outs have expanded the marina’s offerings, providing a stop for boaters exploring the area, including 40 miles of inland lakes and rivers.

The customer service is truly a highlight of Cheboygan County Marina. “I always hear people saying how friendly our staff is, we’re willing to go out of our way and help people,” says Harbormaster Keith Knecht. That includes giving people a short ride into town to grab groceries and supplies.

The marina offers the perfect easy-in, easy-out location for fueling up and enjoying a laidback rest before your next adventure. Bicycles are available for boaters to use, and restaurants and shopping are a quick drive down the street. The first weekend in August, the marina hosts the big event of the year: The salmon fishing tournament.

Knecht has been with the marina for five years. As a licensed Great Lakes Captain, he’s enjoyed boating and being on the water since an early age.

“I get to go to an office with the best view in the world,” Knecht says. “Our boaters are wonderful, they come from all walks of life across the country. It’s a lot of fun to be with these people and catch up with them year after year. They’ve kind of become like family.”

So if you find yourself planning a boating adventure near the Inland Waterways, make a stop at the Cheboygan County Marina, fuel up and enjoy the help and support of a great crew. ★

2021 ZODIAC MEDLINE 6.8 NEO Loaded! Second battery, box & dual charger, 6 amp, 120V inlet. Garmin 943xsv w/GT23 transducer. Rockford Fosgate stereo, 4 speakers. Custom canvas covers for helm, helm seat and aft lounge. Retractable roll bar Bimini fore and aft. Full EVA decking. Fold-up seat, ski mast. Handrail kit. Epoxy barrier coating and bottom Paint (new Spring 2022). Includes 2021 Integrity Trailer. Asking $98,900. Call Bob @ 616-842-1225. RYS

2020 ZODIAC N-ZO 680 RS Yamaha F300XCA (131 hours all freshwater), custom mooring cover, custom Integrity Aluminum Bunk trailer, dual battery and dual bank battery charger, Lowrance Fishfinder/GPS Elite 5TI, Boss Bluetooth stereo with 4 speakers, VHF and antenna, EVA Decking. Asking $74,900. Call Mark @ 414-651-3100. RYS