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About Walloon Lake

Walloon Lake- Charlevoix County

Located in northern Michigan, in the Little Traverse Bay Watershed, Walloon Lake empties into Lake Michigan through the Bear River. This beautiful 4,270-acre lake is known for its clear emerald water. Made famous by Ernest Hemmingway’s former home, Walloon Lake is regarded as one of the best lakes in Michigan.

You’ll find that while this lake offers all the peace and quiet, you could hope for, it’s still within convenient distance of everyday needs. For any medical needs, McLaren Health Care and McLaren Northern Michigan are within 15 minutes of this area. There are also other larger hospitals in the area that can be reached within about 45 minutes.

Due to the remote nature of this area, the only airports in the area are small municipal and regional airports. Chippewa County International Airport is just over an hour and a half away.

On the Water

Walloon Lake’s large size makes it the perfect destination for boating, water sports, and swimming. The lake is public access and has multiple public boat ramps and marinas in the area.

Not only is this lake great for water sports, but it’s also a hub for fishing! Anglers can find lake trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout, as well as smallmouth bass, rock bass, bluegill, perch, and walleye.

Location for all Seasons!

While your first instinct might be to think of a lake home as a summer season-only location, Walloon Lake actually has an amazing array of activities and attractions all year long!

In the winter, you can go snowmobiling and sledding at Petoskey Snowmobile Club or sledding, skiing, and snowboarding at Petoskey Winter Sports Park.

During the spring and fall months, when the lake water is too cold for swimming, go check out some of the 90+ natural areas preserved by the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy. Go hiking or biking at one of the nearby trails through historic Horton Bay. The Boyne Valley Trailway is 6.3 miles, and if you’re looking for more of a challenge, Little Traverse Wheelway is 26 miles and runs between Charlevoix and Harbor Springs.

Go exploring at Fisherman’s Island State Park in Charlevoix. This beautiful park boasts sand dunes, campgrounds, and hiking trails.

Lake Overview

  • 31mi. of Shoreline
  • 28ft. Avg. Depth
  • 100ft. Deepest Depth

Information

  • Counties: Charlevoix County
  • Fish: Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye
  • Notable events: Harvest Festival Weekend, Fiber Festival, Golf Tournaments, Apple Festival
  • Sailing clubs: Bay Harbor Yacht Club
  • Interesting facts: Ernest Hemingway was born here and his family cottage still stands today.
  • Known for: "Best rainbow trout fishing in America." -Ernest Hemingway
  • History: It was originally named Talcott Lake.

Restrictions

  • Permit is not required to use the lake.
  • Jet skis are not allowed.
  • Houseboats are allowed.
  • Boating restrictions (Yes).
  • Dock restrictions (No).

Amenities

Marinas
(231) 347-1994
3039 St Louise Club Rd
Petoskey , MI 49770
(231) 535-6039
M75
Walloon Lake, MI 49896
(231) 535-2166
4730 US-131
Boyne Falls, MI 49713
Golf Courses
(231) 535-2799
5995 Country Club Shores
Petosky, MI 49770
Campgrounds
(231) 347-9742
03001 Church Rd
Petoskey, MI 49770
(231) 582-9191
3006 Camp Sherwood Rd
Boyne City, MI 49712
(231) 347-1027
901 W Lake St
Petosky, MI 49770

Nearby

Hospitals
(800) 248-6777
416 Connable Avenue
Petoskey, MI 49770
Airports
Gerald R Ford International Airport
5500 44th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
188 miles away
Torchport Airpark
1309 US 31, Petroskey, MI 49770
11 miles away