Lake Margrethe is a lake of about 1,920 acres just west of Grayling in Crawford County, once known as Portage Lake.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Lake Margrethe, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
It sits between the Manistee and Au Sable rivers, with a state forest campground on its shore and sandy, clear water.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Lake Margrethe
No truck or trailer needed: everything you rent is ready and waiting at Lake Margrethe.
- Wakesurf and ski boat rentals – MasterCraft boats seating 12 to 18, set up for a full day of surfing, skiing and tubing on Lake Margrethe.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – quick, easy-to-ride watercraft for exploring every cove of Lake Margrethe.
- Private boat tours & lessons – a driver-instructor runs the boat and coaches first-timers and experienced riders alike.
- Tubes, paddle boards and floats – extras that turn a boat day at Lake Margrethe into a full beach party.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Lake Margrethe at a glance
| Location | Grayling Township, Crawford County |
|---|---|
| Size | About 1,920 acres |
| Formerly | Portage Lake |
| Nearby | Grayling, M-72 |
| Rivers | Manistee and Au Sable nearby |
| Region | Northern Michigan |
Best things to do on Lake Margrethe
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Wakesurfing – calm water out in the middle of the lake.
- Jet skiing – open water more than 100 feet from shore, docks and swimmers.
- Fishing – bass, pike and panfish.
Where to launch at Lake Margrethe
- Public launches – the state launch at McIntyre Landing on the west side off M-72 and the ramp at the state forest campground.
Keep to slow, no-wake speed within 100 feet of shore, docks, rafts and swimmers, and watch for posted local no-wake hours. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Lake Margrethe
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Michigan requires an observer besides the driver when towing.
- Jet skis can't run between sunset and 8 a.m. in Michigan.
Michigan boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children under 6 must wear one on the open deck whenever the boat is underway, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires an observer besides the driver, and the person being towed must wear a life jacket. Towing isn't allowed from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.
- Jet skis can't be operated between sunset and 8 a.m., must stay at slow-no-wake speed within 200 feet of a Great Lakes shoreline, and the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver.
- Stay at slow-no-wake speed within 100 feet of docks, rafts, swimming areas, moored boats and people in the water, and in shallow water near shore. Many inland lakes also have local slow-no-wake hours, so follow the posted rules at the launch.
Map of Lake Margrethe
Lake Margrethe rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Lake Margrethe?
Wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys, and private charters with a driver-instructor — everything for a full day on the water.
Will my boat be at Lake Margrethe when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Lake Margrethe, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Lake Margrethe?
Just west of Grayling in Crawford County, along M-72 in northern Michigan.
Can you jet ski on Lake Margrethe?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Lake Margrethe.
How big is Lake Margrethe?
About 1,920 acres.
What was Lake Margrethe called before?
It was once known as Portage Lake.