No-Motor Lakes in Michigan
4 lakes · every row cited to an official source
Quick answer
These 4 Michigan lakes ban every kind of boat motor, electric included. They are paddle-only waters: kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and float tubes. Each lake below links to a full rules page citing the official regulation and its verification date.
A no-motor listing is stricter than electric-only, and mixing the two up is the most common mistake we see. On the 4 lakes here, mounting even a small electric trolling motor puts you outside the rule. These tend to be small, agency-owned fishing lakes or park waters managed for quiet. Paddle craft still follow state basics — PFDs on board, registration where required — covered in our guide to kayaks and canoes on restricted lakes.
No-Motor Lakes in Michigan: the list
| Lake | Motor rule | HP limit | Acres | County | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cranberry Lake | No Motors Allowed | — | 22 | Oakland | |
| Dunham Lake | No Motors Allowed | — | — | Oakland | |
| Walden Lake | No Motors Allowed | — | — | Kent | |
| Whites Lake | No Motors Allowed | — | — | Kalamazoo |
Frequently asked questions
Does a no-motor rule really include electric trolling motors?
Yes. No-motor listings ban all mechanical propulsion, and agencies write them precisely because people assume electric is exempt. If the lake's official source says no motors, an electric trolling motor is a violation.
Can I launch a boat that has a motor attached if I don't use it?
States and agencies split on this: some require the motor removed, others allow it trimmed up and unused. The lake's own page here notes it when the source says; otherwise ask the agency before you launch.