10 Things You Should Know Before Buying a House on Burt Lake

Your inside guide to life on one of Northern Michigan’s most loved lakes.

Burt Lake is one of those rare places where the water feels endless, the communities feel welcoming, and every sunset looks like it was painted on purpose. Whether you’re dreaming of a year-round home, a seasonal getaway, or a long-term investment property, Burt Lake offers a special kind of living you won’t find anywhere else.

But—like any waterfront market—there are important things you should know before you buy. Here’s your complete local guide.

1. Burt Lake Is Part of the Inland Waterway — And That Changes Everything

Burt Lake isn’t just a lake. It’s a gateway.

With access to the entire Inland Waterway system, you can boat from Burt Lake into:

• Crooked Lake
  
  
• Pickerel Lake
  
  
• Mullett Lake
  
  
• The Cheboygan River
  
  
• And even into Lake Huron
  
  

This means more boating, more exploring, and more value long-term — especially if you’re buying with summer recreation or rental potential in mind.

2. The Shoreline Varies — And So Does the Lifestyle

Not all Burt Lake properties feel the same. In fact, the lake has distinctive “personalities” depending on where you settle:

• East Side (Indian River side): Gorgeous morning sun, quick access to town, popular for boaters.
  
  
• West Side: Quieter, more natural, incredible sunsets.
  
  
• South End: Closer to Alanson/Petoskey; some areas feel more tucked-in and woodsy.
  
  
• North End: Near Burt Lake State Park, great for summer activity and access to the Sturgeon River.
  
  

Choosing your side matters. It affects sun exposure, boating traffic, ice movement, and even how breezy your shoreline can be.

3. Understanding Water Depth Matters

Burt Lake has a mix of:

• Sandy, shallow entries great for families
  
  
• Deeper drop-offs ideal for boating and docking
  
  
• Rocky stretches that need proper water footwear or shoreline maintenance
  
  

If you plan to install or maintain a dock, lift, or swimming area, depth and bottom type make a big difference.

4. Winter on Burt Lake Is Stunning — But Real

Full-time lake living in Northern Michigan comes with a few realities:

• Roads can get icy and drifted in during storms
  
  
• You’ll want a backup generator (power outages happen a few times a year)
  
  
• Make sure the home has proper insulation and a heating system sized for lakefront winds
  
  
• North and east shorelines often get harder wind and snow accumulation
  
  

Winter living is magical… but don’t underestimate it.

5. Short-Term Rental Rules Are Location-Specific

STRs are allowed in some Burt Lake townships and restricted in others. The lake touches multiple jurisdictions, including:

• Tuscarora Township
  
  
• Burt Township
  
  
• Maple River Township
  
  
• Alanson nearby
  
  

Always check township-specific ordinances if you plan to rent. A property 0.5 miles away could have completely different rules.

6. Burt Lake Homes Often Come With Private Associations

Some shoreline communities have HOA or lake association fees that cover:

• Road maintenance
  
  
• Shared water access
  
  
• Winter plowing
  
  
• Dock rights
  
  
• Trails or park access
  
  

Other homes are completely private with no association at all. Knowing which one you’re buying into affects both lifestyle and long-term cost.

7. Waterfront Regulations Are Strict (For Good Reason)

Any changes to the shoreline — docks, dredging, tree removal, rip-rap, or beach grooming — may require:

• EGLE permits (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy)
  
  
• Local township approval
  
  
• Coordination with the lake association
  
  

Buying a property with a fully permitted existing setup is often a major advantage.

8. Property Values on Burt Lake Are Strong and Stable

Burt Lake is one of the most desirable lakes in Northern Michigan because of:

• The Inland Waterway (huge recreational value)
  
  
• Large size
  
  
• Clean water
  
  
• Limited shoreline development
  
  
• Proximity to Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Cheboygan, Alanson, and Indian River
  
  

This makes it an excellent option for long-term appreciation or holding as a generational family property.

9. Daily Life on Burt Lake Is Surprisingly Convenient

Depending on location, you’re usually minutes from:

• Indian River
  
  
• Alanson
  
  
• Cheboygan
  
  
• Petoskey (20–25 minutes for the south/west side)
  
  
• I-75
  
  
• Groceries, marinas, ice cream stops, and restaurants
  
  

It’s peaceful lake living without being isolated.

10. Burt Lake Living Is a Lifestyle — Not Just a Property

When you buy here, you’re buying:

• Early morning glass-flat paddles
  
  
• Kids and grandkids tubing for hours
  
  
• Campfires at sunset
  
  
• Bald eagle sightings
  
  
• Snowshoeing along the shoreline
  
  
• A place people love to gather
  
  

Burt Lake is one of the few spots in Northern Michigan where every season offers something unforgettable.

**Thinking About Buying on Burt Lake?

Here’s How We Can Help.**

Whether you’re relocating, searching for a second home, or exploring investment opportunities, our team knows Burt Lake inside and out — from water depth and zoning to associations and hidden-gem neighborhoods.

If you want:

• A list of Burt Lake homes currently available
  
  
• An off-market property list
  
  
• A shoreline suitability breakdown
  
  
• Or just an honest conversation about what fits your budget and lifestyle…
  
  

We’re here to help.