The geography of this region was kind to the early Indians and French voyageurs traversing the Lower Peninsula: A chain of lakes and rivers forms a 45-mile water route, very nearly linking Lakes Michigan and Huron. The route was safer and faster than traveling on the big lakes, and certainly beat the heck out of portaging.
Today, the inland waterway remains extremely popular, mostly for fishing and recreational boating. Narrower portions are dredged to a depth of five feet and a width of 30 feet. Boats up to 30 feet long can join in on what sometimes looks like a nautical parade.