With so many lakes, rivers and streams dotted everywhere across the state, pursuing some kind of activity on the water takes on a whole new meaning. I mean, why wouldn’t you if you lived so close to the water?

Add-in sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, remote islands, waterfront villages and the nation’s longest freshwater coastline and it would seem somewhat rude not to take advantage of what nature has to offer.

And, what better place to try than Michigan – one of the top states in the country for the number of registered boats and the abundance of amenities for boaters of all types and skill levels – from public launch sites and harbours to high-end marinas.

There is also fishing. Commercial fishing is not permitted on Lake Michigan, but you can charter a captain and his boat and spend a glorious day catching your lunch as we have done many times in Wisconsin and Alaska.

But, as you would imagine, I have come prepared for a water adventure as we are carrying my inflatable kayak and my life jacket! I am hoping that in our next stop in Petoskey, that I will finally take to the waters of Michigan. We shall see …

The marina in Northport where we visited today. It was a super lovely picturesque town, some 20 miles outside of Traverse City and located on the Grand Traverse Bay.

The crystal clear water of Grand Traverse Bay.