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Riparian Rights FAQ

Frequent Asked Questions

In Michigan, riparian rights are the legal property rights that come with owning land that directly borders a lake, river, or stream. These rights are considered part of your property ownership.

Only lakefront property owners—those whose property physically touches the water—have riparian rights. Off-lake property owners and the general public do not.

Under Michigan law, riparian owners generally have the right to:

  • Direct access to the water from their property
  • Swim, boat, and recreate in the water in front of their shoreline
  • Install and maintain docks, hoists, and similar structures (subject to permits and local ordinances)
  • Permanently moor boats at their dock
  • Use and enjoy the water surface and the lake bottom in front of their property

In most natural inland lakes in Michigan, yes. Riparian owners typically own the lake bottom (bottomlands) from their shoreline out toward the center of the lake, unless deeds or historical rulings state otherwise.

No. In Michigan, your shoreline and bottomlands are private property. Public use of the lake does not give anyone the right to walk along your shoreline, sit on your dock, or use your riparian area without permission.

Yes. Michigan law allows the public to navigate over the surface waters of a lake. However, they may not:

  • Tie up to your dock
  • Interfere with your dock or moored boats
  • Use your shoreline or bottomlands without permission

No. Riparian rights must be exercised reasonably and in compliance with:

  • Local township ordinances
  • State environmental laws
  • Safety and navigation rule

These limits are intended to balance private property rights with public safety and environmental protection.

Riparian rights protect lakefront property owners’ ability to access, use, and enjoy the lake while clearly defining the limits of public use. Understanding these rights helps prevent conflicts and supports responsible lake stewardship.