RowFest 2025 & Ford Lake Rowing Course FAQs
July 7th - 11th Setup of the event will take place at Ford Lake Park. Rowers may begin practicing July 11th once course is setup.
July 12th - 20th RowFest 2025 Event
Check for details of the racing schedule as they become available.
- Lights will be placed on the starting docs for boaters' safety
- Park and boat ramps will be available for public use
- Parking is $10 (season passes are not valid for Special Events)
- Event is free to the public to enjoy
- Water patrol will be in place to assist boat traffic and safety
6:00pm - 7:30pm at Ford Lake Park
Limited space. Register for FREE.
July 18th Learn to Row (adults)
6:00pm - 7:30pm at Ford Lake Park
Limited space. Register for FREE.
July 21st All buoys and lane lines out of the water
Visit annarbor.org for updates on volunteering and getting involved in Rowing and learn from Olympic athletes on how to row (free to the public).
Ford Lake Rowing Course FAQs
Does the course affect my ability to navigate the lake?
No, the course does not affect your ability use / navigate the lake. The course lines are constructed of steel wire and suspended nearly six feet below the water’s surface by floating buoys. These buoys are attached to the wire using 66-inch-long rope leaders which are specifically designed to break before damage would occur to a boat driving over them. Based on this design personal watercraft can travel up and down the lanes, across the lanes, and diagonally across the lines, as the course is fully navigable at all times. However, it is advised that boaters do not drive directly over the buoys as that may damage the buoys.
Are there any activities that should be avoided on the rowing course?
We suggest that water enthusiasts avoid tubing, water skiing, and swimming along the lines as it could heighten the risk of body parts becoming tangled in the rope leaders attached the buoys and could potentially cause injury. Water patrol will be in place to assist boat traffic and safety. There will be a "no wake" zone enforced near the course during the event.
Why is this course on Ford Lake?
Ford Lake is now one of only 13 venues in the US that has a Championship Level Rowing Course, and is the only course located in the state of Michigan to hold this distinction. This is an incredible opportunity for Ypsilanti Township to host regional and national events on the lake, welcoming visitors to our township and showcasing the natural beauty of Ford Lake. In addition, these events will have a substantial economic impact on the township and provide a direct revenue source for Ypsilanti Township Parks.
How much did Ypsilanti Township spend on the rowing course?
Ypsilanti Township did not make a financial contribution to the rowing course. The Township is working alongside Eastern Michigan University, Destination Ann Arbor, and the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti on this project.
When and how do Rowers use Ford Lake?
Rowing usually happens early in the morning, or afternoons. Ford Lake has been a home to local Collegiate, High School, and Club Rowing since 2001. On a daily basis in the Spring and the Fall 50-70 Rowers are on Ford Lake daily. In the past, Ford Lake has also hosted 2 International Training Camps for the World University Championships in Korea and China.
When will the full Course be in this Summer?
Ypsilanti is hosting USRowing’s RowFest this summer and the full course will be up from July 7th - 21st.
What are the benefits to Ypsilanti Township for hosting RowFest?
- Elevate Ypsilanti Township and EMU nationally as a destination for prospective students.
- Over the 10 days of RowFest we anticipate over 1,500 rowers and their families visiting the region and supporting local businesses (expected to contribute over two million to the local economy).
- Opportunity for locals to learn to row and create access to the sport for local youth (see above dates and registration information).
- Chance for locals to spectate high-level racing on Ford Lake.
