The Mystery of the Inland Waterway of Northern Michigan 🛶 Old Transportation Route

The inland waterway is a transportation route that spans almost from Lake Michigan to Huron, the 3000-year old history dates back when it was used by natives in order for them not have their journey cut short due how far away Macleay River would be.
➡️ Today you can take this scenic path and witness beautiful scenery such as forests on both sides while being surrounded by the vastness of nature.

This is the story of two adventure seekers: my son Noah and I.
➡️ We attempt to take the inland waterway from its western terminus in Conway Michigan to the lake here on our leaking Zodiac Killer boat.

It is a lonely time of year as the crisp air foreshadows winter when strong winds blow hard to pull a few days of rain into the region.
➡️ We wager that we can beat the downpour by cruising the 30 mile route to the safety of our warm Jeep parked at the mouth of the Sheboygan River and Lake Huron.

Join us as we practice our accents, joke about the sights, black the LAX and spend some father son time on another Great Lakes adventure.

💬 Let us know what you think of this video in the comment section below.

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Thank you so much for visiting 👋

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🎥 Welcome to the Official Restless Viking Youtube Channel where we peek behind Life's Curtain.

I'm Chuck "the Viking" and Martha "Poppins".
Chuck - I am the former director of the Fortune Bay Expedition Team.
➡️ Today, I am an expedition leader, adventurer, pilot, sailor and explorer. Poppins - I'm an educator, culture junkie and adventurer.

We travel the world less traveled. 🗺️
➡️ We hope to entertain, inspire and share knowledge through travel. We visit "non-tourist" destinations, remote locations and we get there in uncommon ways. 🎯
We'll explore unique and out-of-the-way places, meet others, and share interesting knowledge.

🎬 Definitely subscribe to our channel and hit the bell to never miss a Video 🔔

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⏰ Chapters:
00:00 – Intro/Launch
02:00 – Alanson Lock
03:37 – Crooked River
04:27 – Alanson Swing Bridge
07:08 – Devil's Elbow
08:16 – Burt Lake
08:40 – Indian River
10:44 – Mullett Lake
11:05 Cheboygan River
14:53 "Boblo" is how locals pronounce "Bois Blanc" Island
12:46 Cheboygan Lock

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#InlandWaterwayMichigan #IndianRiverMichigan #RestlessViking

[rickjackman]

Thanks for posting this! After watching this I drove up from Whitehall and did this roundtrip in 2 days with my 13 year-old daughter and we will never forget it!

[chrishatch]

I've lived in Michigan most of my life and I've been all over the state. I never realized that the inland water way was there. Now I got a new item added to my bucket list

[rashick]

We (Wife, 5 kids, future daughter In Law, dog and cat) put a 32 ft cruiser in at Conway and then dropped off the truck and trailer in Petoskey. We then took our time to motor out the inland waterway just as you did. We made several recreational stops to swim. The cat was usually first in the water (weird cat) and loved to visit other people and boats. We spent the night in Cheboygan. Thank for a great memory. From there we part ways as we continued into Lake Huron for a few days at Mackinac Island. The evil kitty made trouble multiple times at Mackinac Island by escaping several times to visit other boats, sometimes soaking wet. We left Mackinac, went under the bridge and tried to keep up with a 70 ft Viking to Charlevoix. We failed, but met him later. A night in Charlevoix, one in Boyne City then on to Petoskey. In Petoskey I took the dingy to Harbor Beach for a business meeting. A first for me. We spent a night in Petoskey and our trip was complete just about three miles from where we started…..

[peggykutskill]

Even living in Michigan all my life, I have never seen this route documented. Thanks for the tour.

[vniemo]

When I was a teen in the 80’s we used to camp Burt Lake State Park in Indian River, we would rent a 14 foot fishing boat with a 10hp motor and cruise up and down Indian River all day long. The video brings back good memories.

[khibbard]

My husband and i did the upper chain in 17ft sea kayaks around 2000. We atayed at state parks every night - Indian River, Aloha, and Cheboygan. The Indian River taxi company shuttled our car to the next state park with all our food, tent, etc. each morning. The crooked river lock fee was $1.00. Epic trip for 2 50yr olds.

[boe]

I have always anted to do this trip. The Fall sure made for beautiful secrecy. Awesome you got to do this with your son.
Thanks, Boe 👍

[kellyrosenthal]

When I was younger my parents took me through the locks in a big boat with rooms and such! It was very cool. I also in 2004 stayed at the Grand Hotel for my honeymoon. ❤

[christopherlepage]

My family has a small summer home on Crooked Lake - one of the lakes on the waterway. The Inland Waterway is very special and I am always amazed that we are only a few miles from Lake Michigan yet we are actually part of the Lake Huron watershed. I’ve been as far as the Black River on the boat - it is a fun trip! Thanks for sharing.

[dianebarrieau]

My old stomping grounds, by land, not via the waterway! Tho we spent plenty of time in & on Burt Lake, the spreads, Mullet Lake, & the Indian River. Petoskey, the world's best Marzipan cookies in Alanson, Cheboygan, and of course my home, Indian River! Thanks for stirring up so many great memories!

[ellenchelf]

Love this!! Thank you for posting this.

[tullyontherocks]

As a Chain o laker, who grew up on Torch and lived on Clam and Bellaire over the scores I've always wanted to do the waterway. I'm jealous and motivated now, thank you! Truly, Wotan does smile upon you both, as do Huginn and Muninn. Sláinte!

[mikealthoff]

Adding that one to the bucket list! Thanks for sharing!

[quadscrib]

My wife and I want to thank you for this episode. We were previously unaware of this route and after watching this episode we decided to take this journey last weekend. It was a great (albeit slow) adventure. Keep the awesome shows coming!

[jdhinckley]

Thank you gentlement, that was a great video, and I learned of another waterway to dream about traveling on!

[arekclark]

I need to start my bucket list while I can still carry a bucket. So much to do right here in our backyard

[blauer]

It’s fun to rent a pontoon and make a day of it exploring this waterway.

[crossface]

When I was a kid my uncle had a place on Burt Lake and we use to go to Cheboygan all the time. My parents took a boat to Mackinac Island a couple of times.

[danielshires]

Every video I’ve watched so far has been so so informative. I have lived in Michigan for darn near 57 years and have learned more watching you then traveling I love it not that I do not travel Michigan. I do the upper peninsula still my favorite place in my heart but wow, your wealth of information is incredible. Keep it coming.

[thomasmacek]

I never knew this existed in Michigan. Thanks for sharing this video.❤ Peace