Burt Lake vs. Mullett Lake: A Buyer's Guide

Sep 28, 2026 · @Geno D’Angelo

Two great lakes. One river apart.

Burt Lake and Mullett Lake sit side by side in Cheboygan County.

They're connected by the Indian River. They're almost the same size. And they're both part of Michigan's famous Inland Waterway.

So why do buyers who love one often pass on the other?

Because from the dock, they feel completely different.

I've spent 20+ years helping buyers find lake homes across Northern Michigan. Here's how I walk clients through the Burt Lake vs. Mullett Lake decision, so you can figure out which one fits the way you want to live.

Thinking about buying on either lake? Reach out and I'll send you what's on the market right now, plus the homes that never hit the MLS.

Burt Lake vs. Mullett Lake at a glance

Both lakes are in Cheboygan County and both sit on the 40-mile Inland Waterway. Figures from Burt Lake Preservation Association and Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council; drive times vary by shoreline.

Buying on Burt Lake: the family lake

Burt Lake is Michigan's fourth largest inland lake. But it doesn't feel intimidating.

The water is spring-fed and famously clear. Much of the shoreline has sandy bottom and gradual drop-offs, which means kids can wade out a long way. Weekend sandbar gatherings are part of the culture here.

What buyers love:

• Swimmable frontage. Many properties have the sandy, walk-in shoreline families want.
• Easy access. I-75 has two exits near Indian River at the south end. That matters if you're driving up from downstate every Friday.
• Close to the Petoskey side. The west shore is a short drive to Petoskey, Harbor Springs, and the Lake Michigan shoreline.
• Burt Lake State Park on the south shore, with a public beach and campground.
• Fishing. A strong walleye fishery with natural reproduction, plus a legendary lake sturgeon population.

What to watch for:

• Shallows cut both ways. Great for swimming, but check water depth at the dock before you fall in love. Bigger boats may need a longer dock or a lift in deeper water.
• West winds. At about 5 miles wide, Burt can build a real chop. Shoreline orientation affects your dock, your boat, and your sunsets.
• Busy summer weekends near the south end and the sandbars.

Best fit: Vacation Home Victor with young kids or grandkids. Families who want a swim-from-the-shore lake that's easy to reach from I-75.

Buying on Mullett Lake: the big-water lake

Mullett Lake is about twice as deep as Burt. At roughly 145 feet, it holds around 200 billion gallons of water.

That depth gives it a different personality. Colder, bluer, and more like a small Great Lake.

What buyers love:

• Deep water close to shore. Many lots let you moor a larger boat without a huge dock.
• Serious fishing. The Michigan state record lake sturgeon came out of Mullett. Walleye, perch, and pike are strong too.
• Lake Huron access. The north end drains to Cheboygan, so you can boat straight out to Lake Huron and the Straits.
• The North Central State Trail runs along the west shore on the old railbed. Great for biking and walking, and a real perk for homes nearby.
• Small-town charm. Topinabee, Aloha, and Mullett Lake Village are quiet and classic. Cheboygan has groceries, dining, and a hospital.

What to watch for:

• Colder water. Swimming season starts later and feels brisker.
• Steeper drop-offs in some areas. If you want a wade-in beach, you'll need to shop shoreline by shoreline.
• Road and trail frontage. M-27 and the trail parallel parts of the shore. Some homes trade privacy for convenience.

Best fit: Retirement Rick who wants peace, fishing, and a big boat. Buyers who love the Lake Huron side and want a quieter, less crowded lake.

Head to head: what really matters to a buyer

Water and swimming. Burt wins for families. Sandy bottoms and warmer shallows make it easy. Mullett is for people who love a deep, cold plunge.

Boating. It's close. Both connect to the Inland Waterway, so you can cruise from Crooked Lake near Petoskey all the way to Lake Huron. Mullett gives you the quickest route to Huron. Burt puts you closer to Crooked Lake and the Petoskey side.

Fishing. Both are excellent. Burt leans walleye. Mullett is the sturgeon and deep-water lake.

Frontage and lots. Shoreline varies a lot on both lakes. On Burt, ask about depth at the end of the dock. On Mullett, ask about slope, stairs, and what sits between the house and the water (road or trail).

Pricing. Both command strong prices, and value swings hard by shoreline. Sandy, level, west-facing frontage is the premium on either lake. I don't publish averages here because a handful of big sales can skew them. Ask me for current comps on the exact stretch you're considering.

Rentals. Rules depend on the township, and both lakes touch several. If rental income is part of your plan, verify short-term rental rules before you write an offer.

Year-round living. Burt's south end is close to I-75 and Indian River services. Mullett's north end is close to Cheboygan for groceries and healthcare. Either can work year-round; check road maintenance on your specific street.

So which lake is right for you?

Here's my honest take: most buyers know within one afternoon. Spend a Saturday on each lake. Stand on a few docks. Grab lunch in Indian River and dinner in Topinabee. You'll feel it.

Burt Lake vs. Mullett Lake FAQ

Are Burt Lake and Mullett Lake connected? Yes. The Indian River flows from Burt Lake into Mullett Lake. Both are part of the Inland Waterway, which runs about 40 miles from Crooked Lake near Petoskey to Lake Huron at Cheboygan.

Which lake is bigger? Burt Lake is slightly bigger, at about 17,000 acres versus Mullett's 16,600. Mullett is much deeper: about 145 feet versus Burt's 73.

Which lake is better for swimming? Burt Lake, for most families. Its sandy shallows warm up faster.

Which lake is better for fishing? Both. Burt is known for walleye. Mullett produced the Michigan state record lake sturgeon.

Can I rent out a lake home on Burt or Mullett? It depends on the township. Always confirm current short-term rental rules before you buy.

Let's find your lake

Choosing between Burt Lake and Mullett Lake isn't about which lake is better. It's about which one fits your life.

I help buyers compare shorelines, docks, and value on both lakes, including homes that sell before they're ever listed. Reach out today and let's set up a lake tour.

Geno D'Angelo

231-330-4863