Walloon Lake is a 4,270-acre glacial lake in Charlevoix and Emmet counties, fed mostly by groundwater and stretching out in several long arms.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Walloon Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Ernest Hemingway spent his childhood summers at Windemere, his family's cottage on the north shore, and Walloon Lake village sits at the east end where the Bear River flows out toward Petoskey.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Walloon Lake
Your rentals are waiting for you at Walloon Lake, so there's no truck, no trailer and no towing to worry about.
- MasterCraft surf boat rentals – big, clean wakes for surfing and wakeboarding at Walloon Lake, with boards, skis and tubes on board.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – rent one or a pair, including 3-seat models that can tow a tube or skier.
- Boat tours & private charters – relax while an experienced driver-instructor handles the boat, with wakesurf, wakeboard and ski lessons for every level.
- Water toys and towables – tubes, lily pads and paddle boards for kids and grown-ups alike.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Walloon Lake at a glance
| Location | Between Petoskey and Boyne City |
|---|---|
| Size | About 4,270 acres |
| Source | Mostly groundwater |
| Village | Walloon Lake |
| Outlet | Bear River |
| History | Hemingway's Windemere cottage |
Best things to do on Walloon Lake
- Wakesurfing – calm coves on still mornings.
- Water skiing and tubing – long stretches of open water.
- Jet skiing – open water and quiet bays.
- Arm cruising – the lake's long, winding arms.
Where to launch at Walloon Lake
- Public access sites – ramps near Walloon Lake village.
Weekday mornings are the quietest time on the water. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Walloon Lake
- 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 Walloon Lake
Walloon Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Walloon Lake?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, and captained boat tours with lessons.
Will my boat be at Walloon Lake when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Walloon Lake, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Walloon Lake?
Between Petoskey and Boyne City in northern Lower Michigan.
Can you jet ski on Walloon Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Walloon Lake.
How big is Walloon Lake?
About 4,270 acres, spread across several long arms.
Did Hemingway spend time on Walloon Lake?
Yes. He spent his childhood summers at Windemere, his family's cottage on the north shore.