This summer, we're marking the 75th anniversary of Michigan's waterways program, a modern concept meaning the access and infrastructure needed for boating. Think launches, marinas, gas docks, locks and dams, and the maintenance to keep these destinations accessible and operational.

The Michigan State Waterways Commission, a seven-member advisory commission appointed by the governor, was created in 1947 to advise on how Michigan would place, fund and manage harbors to provide safe, navigable boating on Michigan’s Great Lakes. Years later, the commission took on acquisition and development of public boating access sites.

Today, the commission provides guidance for 82 state-sponsored harbors located on the Great Lakes and some 1,300 boating access sites (often called boat launches) on Michigan’s abundant inland lakes, too.

As it has for 75 years, the commission continues to look toward the future of boating to ensure our state remains a world-class freshwater boating destination. Learn more about the commission and the summer-long celebration at Michigan.gov/DNR/CelebrateBoating.