The Indian River flows through the center of the town of the same name and, as part of the Inland Waterway, connects Burt Lake with Mullett Lake. This provides a clear way to locate Indian River within a specific waterway; at the same time, the waterfront, trails and activities offer different focal points. When planning your trip, it is helpful to start by asking whether you are looking for time at the beach, exercise on a trail, a tour on the water or another individual point of interest. Each of the following destinations offers a different focus.

Burt Lake shoreline

Burt Lake State Park is located in Indian River and has a large sandy beach and a swimming area on Burt Lake. DeVoe Beach Park is in Tuscarora Township, a short walk from downtown Indian River. The Veterans Pier, a universally accessible fishing pier on Burt Lake, is located at the park. This gives you two different waterfront options: a beach with a swimming area and a fishing pier.

The North Central State Trail

The North Central State Trail runs through Indian River and is 62 miles long. Its surface is crushed limestone, and cycling, walking and hiking are possible there. Visitors can reach the trail from Burt Lake State Park via a paved path. The 5.6-mile section between Indian River and Topinabee has a trailhead at the Indian Totem next to the Chamber of Commerce. The total length of 62 miles refers to the trail, while 5.6 miles describes the section mentioned. The figures therefore answer different questions: one gives the length of the entire trail, while the other describes the section between the two towns.

Tours and other highlights

Big Bear Adventures offers rafting, tubing and kayaking tours on the Sturgeon River. Unlike the North Central State Trail, which offers opportunities for cycling, walking and hiking, these are specific tours on the river. You can first distinguish the activities by type: trail use or a water tour.

The names of the waterways also help clarify the layout: the Indian River flows through the town center and connects Burt Lake and Mullett Lake; the tours offered by Big Bear Adventures take place on the Sturgeon River. Burt Lake, in turn, is the setting for the beach, swimming area and fishing pier. This makes it clear when planning whether a water experience takes place on a lake, on the central river or as a tour on another river.

The Cross in the Woods Catholic Shrine is located in Indian River and is home to the largest crucifix in the world. This adds a religious point of interest to the nature and recreational offerings. Indian River Golf Club is a semi-private, 18-hole golf course. The course type and number of holes describe what the golf club offers; the crucifix is the focus at the shrine. The two places therefore provide different thematic options for planning your trip.

For an overview of the wider area: Tuscarora Township.