More Information about Rogers City, Michigan & Rogers City Marina
From Rogers City to…
Calcite (commercial harbor) - 1 mile SE
Presque Isle Harbor - 15 miles SE
Hammond Bay - 12 miles NW
Cheboygan - 35 miles NW
Mackinac Island - 48 miles NW
DeTour - 35 miles N
Meldrum Bay - 46 miles NE
Rogers City quick reference…
Type of harbor - Small city
Location - LAT 45.25.480; LONG 83.48.400
Charts - NOS 14864, 14880
Light List numbers - 11660-11700
Fuel - Gasoline & diesel
Provisions - Yes
Population - 2,900
Phone area code - 989
US Customs - No
Foghorn - No
Pumpout - Yes
Dockage - Yes
Anchorage - No
Repairs - Yes
Shower - Yes
Restaurant - Yes
Laundry - Yes
Introduction
Rogers City is a beautiful, well-protected marina, with an excellent State-funded facility. One will receive the highest possible cooperation from harbormaster Wayne Saile, his staff, and the townspeople.
The Marina (989-734-3808) has 123 slips – 103 are floating docks and 20 are stationary. Of the 123 slips, a minimum of 51 are available for transients.
Features nearby the marina make Rogers City a wonderful place for boaters with children. These include an excellent swimming beach, a playground, a fossil park, a fishing platform, volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts, and a movie theater, as well as the full facilities of a small City, all within walking distance.
The harbor is open between May 1 and October 15. Hours between July 1 and August 15 are 0800 to 2100, seven days a week. Hours may vary before and after these dates depending on boat traffic; contact the harbormaster at (989) 734-3808 if you anticipate a late arrival. For services before May 1 or after October 15, contact the harbormaster at (989) 255-8671.
Sites of interest include one of the largest limestone quarries in the world, located just south of the marina, which ships stone from Rogers City’s Port of Calcite to ports all over the Great Lakes. Also of interest to boaters are the nearby Sailors Memorial, Avenue of Flags, Great Lakes Lore Museum, Presque Isle County Historical Museum, and 40 Mile Point Lighthouse, all of which help tell the community’s nautical history.
Approaches
Stay about one mile offshore until the lighted entry buoys are in sight and then head southwest for the channel. The entry channel is in excess of eight feet depth at chart datum and the inner harbor has been dredged to an eight-foot depth at chart datum.
Note: The Port of Calcite breakwater has a flashing red entry light and fog horn. It is a commercial shipping port; do not confuse it for the Rogers City harbor entrance.
Entrance
Lighted buoys define the southwesterly (208° T) entrance channel. The outer entry pair (“1” and “2”) are larger than the rest of the buoys.
Make a turn to starboard, pass through the outer breakwall between the daymarks with flashing green and red lights, then turn to port and pass through the inner entry where a turn to starboard will bring you into the marina. A large orange and white windsock flies from the roof of the service dock, which will be located on your port side.
Docks
There are 30 30-foot slips, 30 32-foot slips, 32 38-foot slips, 22 45-foot slips, and eight 60 foot slips, plus more than 400 feet of wall space with full services available. The harbormaster’s phone is (989) 734-3808. Staff monitors VHF channels 16 and 9, and works VHF channel 14; please radio in prior to arrival so that dock hands can greet you as you enter the harbor.
Trailer Boat Launch Ramp
The launch ramp is located at the SE corner of the harbor. Three docks offer six places to launch a boat. The ramps are paved, not too steep, and have a bumper at the end where the trailer wheel would hit if one backs beyond the pavement. Generally, it is comfortable to launch boats short of 30 feet, though 32-foot boats have launched on occasion with no reported issues.
Once launched, the depth is eight feet, as it is throughout the harbor. Launch ramps face directly NE. There is no surge and very few winds that affect the ramp due to its protected surroundings.
It is $5 to launch daily, which can be paid at a stand just left of the launch site, or $50 annually. Fees are waived for those docking in the harbor.
There is plenty of trailer parking at the launch site itself, as well as long-term parking at the north end of the harbor for those that choose to launch here and spend a week or so cruising around. Police patrol the area, and are keeping an eye on things 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
Facilities
Gas and diesel fuel, oil, pump-out, and ice are available at the service dock. Thirty-amp electricity and water are available on all slips, with 50 amp electricity (and water) available on all 45- and 60-foot slips. A few 100-amp pedestals also are available.
The comfort-station building has showers and heads plus weather and community information. On site coin operated laundry facilities and a small ship’s store are in the same building. A small boaters lounge in a nearby building is open 24/7 during the season.
Marine engine and fiberglass repair services are available locally. Haul out is now available at the facility, courtesy of the City’s brand new sling-lift trailer.
Eateries and Watering Holes
The Pavilion Grill is in the park adjacent to the marina, Up North 23, Chee Peng, the Lighthouse, Sugar Coated, the International, and Karstens are within walking distance, and Scills Grill, Kortman’s, Chi Chi’s, McDonalds, and Subway are about a mile away.
The nearby Painted Lady has latte, expresso, muffins, etc. The Tradewinds Bakery features donuts and other baked goods. Ice cream is available at the Pavilion Grill and at the Super Scoop, located in the theater building.
Greka’s tavern is a short stroll from the harbor, while the Pinewood Bar is a short drive away. Neither serves food. Liquor also is served at the International, the Lighthouse, Up North 23, and Scills Grill.
Marina staff can provide directions and/or transportation via the City’s harbor car.
Shopping
For groceries, Save-a-Lot and Rygwelski IGA are a short walk. Other shopping opportunities just a short walk away include Plath’s Meats, the Painted Lady, Domaci Gallery, Rogers City Home Furnishings, North Shore Gifts, Jean’s Gifts, Crafts Around the Corner, Mr. Moustache toy store, Sugar Coated, Richard’s Clothing, McLean Pharmacy, Radio Shack, the Port O Call party store, Grulke Hardware, Tour America Bike Shop, Fur Babies pet supplies, Kevin’s Discount Tobacco, Rogers City Screen Art, Seconds on Third, the Wheelhouse, Family Dollar, Bob’s Auto Parts, and Napa Auto Parts.
The Family Fare grocery, Dollar General, Rite Aid, Ace Hardware, Adrian’s sporting goods, and the Dry Dock convenience store are among the shopping opportunities located on the highway, about a mile from the marina.
Marina staff can provide directions and/or transportation via the City’s harbor car.
Entertainment
The movie theater offers a combination of new releases, film festivals, and live plays throughout the boating season. Nautical Lanes offers open bowling throughout the season as well.
The Presque Isle County Historical Museum and Great Lakes Lore Museum also are just a short walk away.
Bicycles are available to rent at the Marina and Good Guys Adventure Co.. Peddle power is a great way to experience the City’s fantastic 11-mile paved pathway, which winds through the woods and along Lake Huron toward the historic 40 Mile Point Lighthouse.
Good Guys Adventure Co. also leases kayaks and paddle boards, affording users an opportunity to get a bird’s eye view of the miles of Rogers City area shoreline from the water.
There are two athletic facilities within a short walk of the harbor, the Presque Isle Athletic Club and Ship Fitness, both of which provide the opportunity for a great workout.
The City band conducts concerts every Thursday night throughout the summer, and other concerts put on by talented area musicians are conducted on many Friday evenings. All concerts are held at the band shell adjacent to the marina.
Other
Medical care is available at Thunder Bay Community Health Services, MidMichigan Health, and McLaren Family Practice, all just a short distance from the marina. First responders and paramedic staffed life support ambulances are available 24/7, and the City also provides local police patrol 24/7. Those with serious health issues should dial 9-1-1.
Bus service and car rentals are available locally. The use of golf carts is permitted in town. An airport with a 4,105-foot runway can accommodate most general aviation flights, and commercial air service via Alpena is within 40 miles.
As for lodging, there are four motels located within the City, as well as several cottages and vacation rentals available, and historic Hoeft State Park is located approximately five miles north of town.
A pair of apple orchards, a trio of lighthouses, and the Ocqueoc Falls (the largest in the lower peninsula of Michigan) are just a short distance from town, for those who want to explore the area.
The harbormaster and staff are available to provide additional information, directions and/or transportation upon request.
