Why Lake Charlevoix
Lake Charlevoix is Michigan's third-largest inland lake, more than 17,000 acres, but its defining feature is the short channel that opens straight to Lake Michigan. A morning on sheltered inland water can end with an afternoon on the big lake.
Sailing, the Ferry and Three Shoreline Towns
The lake has an active sailing culture, with a yacht club and a summer racing series, and its three shoreline towns are each distinct: Charlevoix's downtown, Boyne City's main street, and East Jordan at the foot of the south arm. The Ironton Ferry still carries cars across the narrows, and the open water is used for cruising, fishing, and sailing.
What Homes Cost on Lake Charlevoix
The range of homes is wide, from cottages with shared or modest frontage to family homes with a private dock and, on the most sought-after shores, high-end estates. Value shifts by arm, town, and exposure, so Trish and Bob track sales around the whole lake and help buyers understand what a given stretch is worth.
On and Around Lake Charlevoix
On and around the water: the historic Ironton Ferry across the south arm narrows; the waterfronts of Charlevoix, Boyne City, and East Jordan; sailing and cruising the open water; fishing for bass, pike, and walleye; and long summer evenings on the lake.
Questions Buyers Ask About Lake Charlevoix
What Buyers Want to KnowLake Charlevoix against the inland lakes, which arm or town, boating out to Lake Michigan, and buying waterfront in MichiganView QuestionsClose▾
What makes Lake Charlevoix different from the inland lakes?▾
Size and the channel. It is Michigan's third-largest inland lake at more than 17,000 acres, but the defining feature is the short channel at Charlevoix that opens straight onto Lake Michigan.
Which arm or town should I look at?▾
The three shoreline towns are distinct. Charlevoix brings the downtown and the channel. Boyne City brings a main street and a shorter drive to the mountain. East Jordan sits at the foot of the south arm and is the quietest of the three. The water itself changes character between the arms, which is worth a day on the lake before deciding.
Can you take a boat from Lake Charlevoix out to Lake Michigan?▾
Yes, through the Pine River Channel at Charlevoix under the Bridge Street drawbridge. That access is a large part of why the lake supports an active sailing culture, with a yacht club and a summer racing series. The historic Ironton Ferry still carries cars across the south arm narrows.
What should I know before buying waterfront property in Michigan?▾
Buying waterfront property in Michigan involves considerations that don't apply to inland real estate. Understanding them upfront protects your investment and prevents surprises.
First, know the difference between riparian rights (natural waterfront) and deeded lake access. Riparian rights come with properties that physically border the water and include the right to build a dock, use the bottomlands, and access the lake directly. Deeded access through an association is more limited and may restrict dock placement or boat size.
Second, understand the regulatory environment. Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE, formerly DEQ) regulates shoreline construction, including docks, seawalls, and any structures within the ordinary high-water mark. Permits are required for most shoreline work, and the process can take several months. Local township zoning adds another layer of rules governing setbacks, lot coverage, and construction near the water.
Third, factor in the total cost of waterfront ownership: dock installation and removal (seasonal), seawall maintenance, flood insurance where applicable, higher property taxes, and the ongoing maintenance that comes with exposure to weather and water.
The Hartwicks specialize in waterfront transactions and walk their customers through all of these considerations before making an offer. Knowing what you're getting into is the first step to enjoying waterfront living without regret. The most common mistakes the Hartwicks see first-time waterfront buyers make include not researching what activities happen in front of a property — such as a sand bar that attracts dozens of boats throughout the day — not understanding water depth at the shoreline, not investigating which activities dominate the lake, not evaluating the lake bottom condition, and not confirming the nearest boat launch location.
