The route passes through or near the communities of Conway, Oden, Ponshewaing, Alanson, Indian River, Topinabee, and Cheboygan.

The Inland Waterway was originally used by Native Americans to avoid the strong waves around Waugoshance Point on Lake Michigan.

Consequently, 50 Native American encampments have been discovered along the shores of the Inland Water Route.

One such encampment, located in Ponshewaing, has artifacts dating back over 3,000 years.

With the advent of the railroad as a cheaper means with which to move goods, the Inland Waterway fell into decline.