Indian River: Waterways, Beach, and Culture

Indian River brings together waterways, a long trail, and a range of interests for outings. The Indian River flows through the center of town and, as part of the Inland Waterway, connects Burt Lake with Mullett Lake. Burt Lake State Park has a large sandy beach with a swimming area; the North Central State Trail also runs through Indian River, and tours on the Sturgeon River offer more options. To plan your stay, you can first consider whether water, outdoor activities, culture, or golf will shape your visit.

Beach and Fishing Pier at Burt Lake

Burt Lake State Park has a large sandy beach and a swimming area on Burt Lake. If you want to plan time by the water, you can make this a focus of your visit. Another point of interest is DeVoe Beach Park, a short walk from downtown Indian River. The park is home to Veterans Pier, a universally accessible fishing pier on Burt Lake. You can choose between spending time at a beach with a swimming area or visiting a fishing pier. The note about universal accessibility refers to Veterans Pier.

The North Central State Trail

The 62-mile North Central State Trail runs through Indian River. Its crushed limestone surface is a defining feature of the trail; activities include biking, walking, and hiking. The trail offers several ways to get outdoors, without requiring everyone in your group to choose the same activity. If you’re interested in a specific section, you can consider the 5.6-mile stretch between Indian River and Topinabee. This section has a trailhead at the Indian Totem next to the Chamber of Commerce. Independently of that, visitors can access the trail from Burt Lake State Park via a paved path.

Tours on the Sturgeon River

Big Bear Adventures offers rafting, tubing, and kayaking tours on the Sturgeon River. If you’re considering a water tour in addition to walking, hiking, or biking, you can choose from these specifically named options. The activities offer different kinds of experiences: the trail provides opportunities on land, while these tours take place on the river. This gives you a chance to consider which type of activity would interest you and your travel companions when planning your trip.

A Religious Landmark and Golf

Cross in the Woods Catholic Shrine is in Indian River and is home to the world’s largest crucifix. This distinctive religious landmark offers a cultural point of interest alongside the beach, trails, and river activities. If you’re interested in religious sites, you can consider including it in your trip plans.

Indian River Golf Club is a semiprivate 18-hole golf course in Indian River, Michigan. The details “semiprivate” and “18 holes” describe the course and help identify golf as a potential focus of your visit. Along with the shrine, the North Central State Trail, and the waterfront activities, Indian River offers a variety of interests that may factor into your choice of a vacation rental.

For the broader travel overview: Tuscarora Township.