Thanks for the Bay Breeze tip.
My problem is that I'll be driving in from the west (Iowa), so getting to Traverse City is a long trip for me. That's why I'm looking for a starting place on the western shore; every hour in the car is an hour not on the boat. Anything from Chicago north would work, but I'd really prefer to explore the northern portion of the lake. Fewer people and more trees sound pretty good.
bob-f