Welcome to Indian River, Michigan
Indian River is at the center of all that makes Northern Michigan a treasured vacation destination and place to call home.
Dense woodlands for camping and exploring, rivers made for float boats and kayak adventures, two of the state’s largest and cleanest lakes, miles of biking and hiking trails and unforgettable family fun spots combine with a community that cares about the environment in which thousands of people work, live and play.
Access to the best of what nature has to offer is integral to the Indian River lifestyle, including 625 feet of sandy beachfront at DeVoe Public Beach, 62 miles of crushed limestone on the North Central State Trail, hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails, 360 feet of boardwalk along the Indian River and 52 acres of sports and fun at Cooperation Park.
Central to life here are the rivers and lakes that define this region. Indian River is at the axis for Michigan’s longest Inland Waterway, which includes three rivers (Indian, Cheboygan and Crooked) and four lakes (Mullett, Burt, Crooked and Pickerel). Also flowing through the local landscape are Blue-Ribbon Trout Streams, the Pigeon River and Sturgeon River, which is celebrated as the Lower Peninsula’s fastest-flowing river.
Summer to spring, the 180,000 acres of state land in Cheboygan County provide the natural geography for a host of activities. Further, a portion of the renowned Pigeon River Forest within Indian River’s borders is home to the largest free-roaming elk herd east of the Mississippi River.
Each season of the year, Indian River provides opportunities for visitors and residents alike to take advantage of the community’s location in a wilderness wonderland. It is the ideal place to boat, fish, hunt, camp, golf, bike, swim, walk, jog, hike, kayak, canoe, raft, tube, sail, snowmobile, ski, sightsee, bird watch and mushroom hunt.
Restaurants and shops throughout Indian River complement the natural surroundings with their fares and wares. Casual, family, upscale and waterside dining opportunities are found next to unique shops and tourist stops.
Welcome to the center of the Northern Michigan experience, Indian River, a place where adventures come naturally and memories are made season to season.
Rebecca Behm, Executive Director, Indian River Chamber of Commerce
Fun Facts:
• Michigan's 4th largest lake: Burt Lake
• Michigan's 5th largest lake: Mullet Lake
• North Central Trail is 62 miles
• The Sturgeon River is fastest flowing river in the lower peninsula
• World’s largest wooden crucifix
• Inland Waterway has 17 species of fish
• 180,000 acres of State Forest
• 1,000 free roaming elk
Photos courtesy of:
Sheryl Marsh, Brenda Archambo, McGinnnis Video Production, Eric Wegner and Randy Goss.