Boardman River Boat Launch

This ramp is deceptively shallow. If you're running anything bigger than about 15 feet, you'll be backing your tow vehicle into the water just to get enough depth under the hull. Small sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and SUPs are really what this launch is built for.

Five trailer spots and a parking fee — that's it. In summer you'll be circling if you show up after mid-morning. Downtown Traverse City street parking is technically an option, but good luck with a trailer.

There's dam work on the Boardman that blocks through-passage to Grand Traverse Bay. If your plan was to paddle or motor downstream to the bay, check the current status before you bother loading up.

Spring runoff and heavy rains will flood this launch out entirely. The ramp and surrounding area sit low, and when the Boardman is running high, it's unusable. Best window is mid-summer through early fall in a normal year.

This is smack in the middle of Traverse City, so expect foot traffic, tourists, and a fair number of people hanging around the park who aren't there to fish. It's safe enough, just not the quiet put-in you might picture when you hear 'river launch.' Nice free transient dock for daytime tie-ups, though.