Lake St. Clair overview
Lake St. Clair sits between Michigan and Ontario and actually connects Lake Huron with Lake Erie. Because of this, the lake is a part of the Great Lakes system and is widely known as “the sixth Great Lake.” Lake St. Clair offers visitors over 430 square miles of freshwater to explore. The lake is very shallow with an average depth of only 11 feet. To ensure an uninterrupted waterway, agencies from the US and Canada have maintained a deep shipping channel through the lake where visitors can see large lake freighters passing through.
Boaters will find a wide array of activities to enjoy when they visit Lake St. Clair. Whether you are looking to spend the day on the water fishing or spend some money at one of the waterfront towns, Lake St. Clair offers an option for everyone. Looking to adventure a little further? Grab your passport and head across the lake and subsequently, across the border to Ontario, Canada.
Best time to visit Lake St. Clair marinas by boat
Summer is peak boating season on Lake St. Clair with most activity happening from June to early September. Boaters can expect warm weather with temperatures between 61 and 81 in the summer, with clear blue skies – no better boating weather than that!
Although the winters are freezing and all boats have been winterized, activity doesn’t die down once summer ends. In the winter, you’ll find locals on the lake ice fishing or zipping around the snow on their snowmobiles.
Some fun things to do along the Lake St. Clair shoreline
Edsel & Eleanor Ford House
Head north of Detroit to Gross Pointe Shores and visit the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House. Does the name Ford sound familiar? Edsel Ford was the son of Henry Ford and built the house in the style of the Cotswold Villages in England. Now a National Historic Landmark, guests can enjoy the 87-acre lakeside property and explore the Ford’s antique furnishings and extensive art collection.
If you’re looking for a more guided tour, book the “House Tours and Grounds Pass” for a look at the estate. Or go even deeper into the history of the estate with the “Nooks & Crannies Tour,” which takes you through the tunnels, the infirmary, staff wing, and into the attic and basement of the house.
The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
If you’re familiar with Detroit, you know all about the city’s rich history when it comes to American-made cars, especially those by Ford. The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant is the oldest auto factory open to the public in the world and offers visitors a unique look at the birthplace of the Ford Model T Car. You’ll even get a look at Henry Ford’s office as it was in 1908 – maybe it will spark your own ground-breaking invention!
The factory is open Thursday – Sunday and you can join a guided tour at 10AM, 12PM or 2PM.
Lake St. Clair Metropark
For the boater looking for some fun in the sun, there is no better place to visit than Lake St. Clair Metropark. With everything from bird watching to windsurfing, biking and swimming, the Metropark appeals to everyone, no matter their interest.
Take a dip in the lake or dive into the park’s Olympic-sized swimming pool. Or for those looking to practice their swing, grab your clubs and check out the park’s Par 3 golf course. The Lake St. Clair Metropark is open from 7AM to 8PM daily.
Mr. Muskie Charters
If you’re looking to spend as much time as possible on the water, why not try fishing with Mr. Muskie Charters? Captain Kevin Backus and his crew are your guide when it comes to charters on Lake St. Clair and you can catch a range of fish from muskie, small mouth bass, walleye and sturgeon. Not a fisherman? Mr. Muskie Charters also offers beautiful, sunset cruises on Lake St. Clair, St. Clair River and Detroit River.