You want lake life, but which lake matches your style? If you’re choosing between Burt Lake and Mullett Lake in Cheboygan County, you’re looking at two connected, but distinctly different, experiences on Michigan’s Inland Waterway. Each offers beautiful water, four seasons of recreation, and strong resale appeal. In this guide, you’ll compare shoreline feel, boating, access to town, and typical properties so you can decide with confidence. Let’s dive in.
How the lakes connect
Burt Lake and Mullett Lake sit back to back on the Inland Waterway, with the Indian River channel linking them. From Burt, you can head south through the channel into Mullett, then follow the Cheboygan River out to Lake Huron. This corridor shapes boating patterns, traffic levels, and even what kind of waterfront experience you feel from shore.
Because boats move between lakes and out to the big water, you’ll see more through‑traffic on Mullett, especially on nice-weather weekends. Burt tends to feel more contained, with many stretches that offer a quieter shoreline experience away from the channel.
Shoreline feel and views
The character of the shoreline often decides whether a place feels like home.
- Burt Lake: You’ll find more coves, tree cover, and gently sloping stretches. The setting often feels sheltered and natural, with a relaxed, intimate shoreline experience and calmer water in many bays.
- Mullett Lake: The views stretch wide. You’ll find more exposed points and broad, open-water vistas. Wind and boat wakes can be more noticeable on the open reaches, which some buyers love for the big-lake energy.
If you crave privacy, shade, and a softer shoreline, Burt Lake often wins. If you want panoramic views and wide-open runs, Mullett Lake usually delivers.
Property types and lot patterns
Both lakes offer a mix, but the emphasis differs.
- Burt Lake: A blend of seasonal cottages, updated older cabins, and many modest year‑round homes. Lots often keep more trees and privacy, and you’ll see a mix of shallow to moderate drop‑off frontage. Some bays have smaller, older parcels; you can also find buildable wooded lots in less developed pockets.
- Mullett Lake: A broader range that includes larger, newer homes and frontage marketed for deeper water, suitable for bigger boats. You’ll still find classic cottages and seasonal places, but there’s a noticeable share of properties built to capture long views and support more substantial docks.
On both lakes, most waterfront parcels use private wells and septic systems. Plan for a septic inspection and well testing during due diligence. Local townships and Cheboygan County oversee shoreline setbacks and permits, so check your project plans early.
Boating patterns and traffic
Understanding daily waterway rhythms helps you pick your pace.
- Through‑traffic: Mullett typically sees more boats running longer routes toward Cheboygan and Lake Huron. Burt usually has less long-haul wake traffic, though the Indian River channel and nearby areas can be busier.
- Hotspots: The village of Indian River concentrates marinas, fuel, and services, so activity builds around the channel connections. Expect localized no‑wake zones near marinas and public beaches. Michigan boating laws apply across both lakes.
- Navigation notes: Seasonal water levels, vegetation, and bridge clearances along the channel can affect certain boats. If you run a tall cruiser or sailboat, verify current clearances and marked channels with local marinas before you plan a route.
If big-water cruising is your priority, you may lean toward Mullett. If your perfect day is a slower lap along a wooded shore or a paddle at sunrise, Burt often suits that pace.
Recreation highlights
Both lakes support a full menu of fun.
- Fishing: Anglers prize walleye, bass, and perch on both. Mullett is often highlighted for walleye and open-water trolling, while Burt offers productive structure fishing and quieter coves.
- Paddling and quiet water: You can paddle on either lake, but Burt’s sheltered bays often feel calmer and more protected, especially for newer paddlers or families.
- Day trips: The Inland Waterway is your playground. From either lake, you can day-trip by boat through Indian River for lunch or continue a longer cruise toward Cheboygan.
Access to town and services
Your shoreline address shapes everyday convenience.
- Indian River: This is the local hub for both lakes. You’ll find marinas, fuel, restaurants, small shops, and tourism services right where the lakes connect. For day-to-day lake needs, it is the closest service cluster for most properties.
- Cheboygan: As the county seat, Cheboygan provides full-service options like larger groceries, medical facilities, vehicle services, and a broader supply base. For year‑round living, proximity to Cheboygan can be important for healthcare and routine errands.
- Commute realities: Drive times vary widely by shoreline segment. Confirm your specific parcel’s route and winter road conditions with local maps and road departments. School district boundaries and emergency-service response also vary by location, so verify assignments early.
Utilities, permits, and stewardship
Waterfront ownership comes with a few extra steps that protect the lakes you love.
- Wells and septic: Most properties rely on private systems. Budget for inspection and testing, plus regular maintenance. If replacement is needed, permits go through the county health department.
- Zoning and building: Townships and Cheboygan County regulate shoreline setbacks, accessory structures, and shore protection. Some projects, like shoreline stabilization or extensive dock work, may require state approvals. Start conversations with township zoning early to avoid delays.
- Invasive species: Both Burt and Mullett participate in lake stewardship efforts. Follow boat-cleaning protocols, especially when you move between lakes, to help limit the spread of aquatic invasives.
Which lake fits your lifestyle
Use these quick cues to narrow your shortlist.
Choose Burt Lake if you want:
- A quieter shore experience with tree cover and coves.
- Calmer water for paddling and family swimming in protected areas.
- A mix of classic cottages and modest year-round homes.
- Slightly less through‑boat wake away from the channel.
Choose Mullett Lake if you want:
- Big, open-water views and long runs for cruising.
- More frontage marketed for deeper water and larger docks.
- A wider share of newer, larger lake homes.
- Direct access downstream toward Cheboygan and Lake Huron.
Smart buyer checklist
Before you write an offer, verify a few essentials for any specific parcel:
- Confirm parcel boundaries, riparian rights, and any easements with county records, and order a survey if needed.
- Order septic inspection and well water testing as purchase contingencies.
- Verify township zoning, shoreline setbacks, and any short‑term rental rules if income is a consideration.
- Ask nearby marinas about dock space, fuel access, and any waitlists, especially if you plan a large boat.
- Check with local lake associations and regional conservation groups for water quality history and invasive-species advisories.
- Review winter access, plowing arrangements, and the seasonality of local contractors for maintenance.
How we can help
A good lake fit is about more than water depth and view. It is about lifestyle, convenience, and long‑term stewardship. Our team pairs multigenerational local roots with technical know‑how on wells, septic, docks, and shoreline rules so you can buy with clarity and confidence.
Ready to compare specific Burt and Mullett properties, or to plan a dock and boating setup that fits your boat? Reach out to Coldwell Banker Fairbairn Realty for neighborhood‑by‑neighborhood guidance, private showings, and a tailored shortlist.
FAQs
Which lake suits larger boats on the Inland Waterway?
- Mullett Lake generally offers more deep‑water frontage and broader open-water areas, though suitable deep‑water lots exist on both lakes; verify dock depth and local marina options for your exact boat.
Which lake offers quieter paddling near Burt Lake, MI?
- Burt Lake’s coves and sheltered stretches typically provide calmer conditions and less through‑wake outside the Indian River channel.
How close are Burt and Mullett homes to Cheboygan services?
- Indian River is the nearest day‑to‑day hub for both lakes, while Cheboygan provides full‑service options; drive times depend on the specific shoreline location, so confirm for each parcel.
What inspections and permits should Burt or Mullett buyers plan for?
- Plan for septic inspection, well testing, and checking township and county shoreline setbacks; larger shoreline or dock projects may require state approvals depending on scope.
Do school districts differ around Burt and Mullett Lake?
- Yes, district boundaries vary by parcel; confirm assignment with county maps or the local assessor for each property you consider.
How do invasive species programs affect boating between the lakes?
- Both lakes promote cleaning protocols and seasonal outreach; if you trailer or move boats between waters, follow decontamination steps to reduce the spread of aquatic invasives.
