Welcome to Boyne Thunder
21st Annual Boyne Thunder Poker Run
July 12 & 13, 2024
Boyne Thunder is a thrilling powerboat poker run hosted by Boyne City Main Street. It offers participants a chance to experience the stunning scenery of northern Michigan at a fast pace through our sparkling blue water. The run is known for its interesting terrain and beautiful backdrops, making it a must–do event for powerboat enthusiasts. There are several other events throughout the weekend, including welcome parties and a fun evening raising money for charity, and the Friday Night Street Show is not to be missed. If your planning to attend Boyne Thunder 2024 and stay at Boyne Mountain, please use code MTNTHUNDER, when making your reservation.
Important Dates
Sponsorships open December 4, 2023, 9AM EST
Registration opens March 1, 2024, 9AM EST
2025 Event Dates
July 11 & 12, 2025
Main Events
Stroll The Streets in Boyne City
Downtown Boyne City comes alive as it celebrates the Boyne Thunder Poker Run Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., with Stroll the Streets, a four-block long street party with a collage of music, entertainment, dining, shopping, a car show and some awesome boat displays. We roll out the welcome mat to all boaters, visitors and our community for the single largest event held in our downtown.
Get Spectator Information
Boyne Thunder Route
The 150 mile poker run route winds its way through beautiful Lake Charlevoix, through Round Lake, out to Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay, then all the way up to Little Traverse Bay, Harbor Springs, and back to Boyne City for the finish.
- Start in Boyne City, around 10:15 a.m. for parade laps.
- 1: Elk Rapids is the first card stop.
- 2: Northport is the second stop for cards.
- The participants then head to lunch in Charlevoix and return to the run after 1:30 p.m.
- 3: Bay Harbor where the boats head into the harbor for their cards.
- 4: Harbor Springs card stop is right in the harbor at the end of the dock.
- 5: Horton Bay is the final stop, generally filled with spectator boats.
- Poker hands are turned in back in Boyne City.
Boyne Thunder Partners
Camp Quality
Camp Quality Michigan serves children with cancer and their families by providing year-round programs, experiences, and companionship, at no cost. Camp Quality promotes hope and inspiration while helping children foster life skills and develop their full potential. At Camp Quality, they believe that no child should be denied a summer camp opportunity. They believe that, while quantity of life is beyond our control, they can have a positive impact on the quality of life. As such, CQMI offers many family weekend events and multiple summer camps for hundreds of Michigan children and families!
Camp Quality Executive Director,
Dave Meizels 231.582.2471
Challenge Mountain
Established in 1984 as a nonprofit organization, Challenge Mountain was the first independent adaptive skiing program in northern Michigan. Today, Challenge Mountain continues to connect children, youth and adults living with disabilities to a wide variety of life-enriching recreational, cultural and social opportunities. People of all ages and abilities take part in Challenge Mountain programs, including those with physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities.
Summer activities include Spirit Day Camp, adaptive biking, kayaking, boating and fishing. In the Fall and Spring, participants experience equine therapy, an adventure ropes course and adaptive biking. Winter brings adaptive skiing, of course, and more recently snowshoeing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing; while year-round, participants can enjoy arts programming and social club activities.
Thanks to the generous support from the Boyne Thunder patrons, Challenge Mountain is able to offer programs at little or no cost to participants and their families. Boyne Thunder is a significant partner in making Great Things Happen Together at Challenge Mountain!
Challenge Mountain Executive Director,
Elizabeth Gertz 231.582.1186
Learn More at challengemtn.org
Double Platinum Sponsor
Wise Men Distillery
Wise Men Distillery is a proud sponsor of Boyne Thunder. They produce an award winning selection of small batch spirits, including their Red Tape series Gin, and award winning Rum, in addition to their award winning Wise Men Vodka and a limited edition Maple Syrup Moonshine. And for you bourbon drinkers, have no fear, Red Tape Bourbon is aging slowly in the barrel room.
Visit wisemendistillery.com
Boyne Thunder Gold Sponsors
Boyne Thunder Silver Sponsors
