15 Best Lakes in Michigan

Imagine a place where freshwater seas stretch to the horizon, where golden sand dunes meet turquoise waters, and where charming lakeside towns beckon with unique adventures. Welcome to Michigan, the Great Lakes State, a true paradise for water lovers. With over 11,000 inland lakes and four of the five Great Lakes gracing its shores, Michigan offers an unparalleled aquatic playground.

From the towering cliffs of Lake Superior to the Caribbean-like hues of Torch Lake, each body of water tells its own story and promises a distinct experience. You will discover vibrant recreational opportunities, serene natural beauty, and a rich maritime history waiting to be explored. To truly soak it all in, aim for a visit between late May and early October when the weather is warm, and all activities are in full swing. Fall also offers breathtaking foliage, especially in the northern regions.

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan, the third-largest of the Great Lakes, offers an incredible diversity of landscapes and experiences along its expansive Michigan coastline. You will find towering sand dunes, including the iconic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which provides breathtaking panoramic views and challenging climbs. The lake’s western shores are dotted with picturesque towns like Traverse City, Holland, and Grand Haven, each offering unique charm, vibrant culinary scenes, and lively festivals.

You can spend your days swimming in the clear waters, kayaking along the shoreline, or sailing on its vast expanse. Sunsets over Lake Michigan are legendary, painting the sky with fiery hues as the sun dips below the horizon. The lake is also a major shipping route, and you might spot massive freighters navigating its waters. Its sheer size and varied coastline make it perfect for extended road trips and exploring different facets of Michigan’s beauty.

Lake Huron

Lake Huron, the second-largest Great Lake by surface area, beckons with its rugged northern coastline, stunning sunrises, and rich maritime history. You will discover the serene beauty of the “Sunrise Side” of Michigan, characterized by quieter beaches, charming lighthouses, and quaint resort towns like Oscoda and Harrisville. The lake is also home to the famous Mackinac Island, a car-free historical gem accessible by ferry, offering horse-drawn carriage rides and Victorian architecture.

For adventurers, the waters of Lake Huron hold numerous shipwrecks, making it a prime destination for scuba diving and snorkeling, particularly around the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary near Alpena. The lake’s vastness provides excellent opportunities for sailing, fishing for salmon and walleye, and exploring hidden coves. Its northern reaches, near the Upper Peninsula, offer a more wild and untamed experience, perfect for those seeking solitude and natural grandeur.

Lake Superior

Lake Superior, the largest and deepest of the Great Lakes, offers a truly majestic and rugged experience unlike any other. Its pristine, cold waters are framed by dramatic sandstone cliffs, dense forests, and remote wilderness, especially along the Upper Peninsula. You will be awe-struck by the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, where colorful cliffs, sea caves, and waterfalls cascade directly into the lake, best viewed from a boat tour or kayak.

Isle Royale National Park, a remote island wilderness accessible only by ferry or seaplane, is a haven for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts. The lake’s powerful, often unpredictable nature means it’s less about swimming and more about awe-inspiring scenery, hiking, and exploring charming, hardy towns like Marquette and Munising. This is a destination for those seeking solitude, stunning natural beauty, and a true sense of the wild.

Lake Erie

Lake Erie, the shallowest and second smallest of the Great Lakes, offers a different kind of charm on Michigan’s southeastern border. While a smaller portion of its shoreline lies within Michigan, this area is vital for its ecological significance and recreational opportunities. You will find excellent fishing, particularly for walleye, making it a popular spot for anglers.

The lake’s proximity to Detroit and Toledo means it’s easily accessible for a day trip or weekend getaway. Sterling State Park in Monroe provides the only public access point to Lake Erie in Michigan, featuring a sandy beach, picnic areas, and boat launches. While not as rugged as Superior or as dune-laden as Michigan, Lake Erie boasts warmer waters, making it ideal for swimming and boating in the summer. It’s a key habitat for migratory birds and offers a more urban-adjacent lake experience.

Torch Lake

Torch Lake, often hailed as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, is truly a sight to behold. Located in Antrim County, its incredibly clear, turquoise waters resemble a Caribbean paradise, a stark contrast to typical northern lakes. You will be mesmerized by its vibrant blue hues, a result of its limestone-rich bottom and great depth.

The lake is famous for its massive sandbar at the southern end, which becomes a lively party spot in the summer, drawing boats and revelers from all over. Beyond the social scene, Torch Lake offers exceptional opportunities for boating, paddleboarding, and swimming in its pristine waters. It’s also part of the Elk River Chain of Lakes, allowing for extended explorations by boat. This lake is a magnet for those seeking both vibrant social experiences and breathtaking natural beauty.

Elk Lake

Elk Lake, a jewel in the Elk River Chain of Lakes, offers a more serene and intimate experience compared to its bustling neighbor, Torch Lake. Its deep, clear waters are perfect for a variety of water sports, from sailing and kayaking to fishing for trout and salmon. You will appreciate the tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by lush forests and charming lakeside homes.

Elk Rapids, the quaint village situated at the lake’s northern end, provides easy access to the lake and offers delightful shops and eateries. The lake connects directly to Torch Lake and Lake Skegemog, allowing for extensive boating adventures through the chain. Elk Lake is ideal for families and those seeking a peaceful retreat, where you can truly unwind and connect with nature, enjoying quiet mornings on the water and stunning sunsets over the trees.

Lake Leelanau

Lake Leelanau, nestled in the heart of the picturesque Leelanau Peninsula, offers a quintessential Michigan lakeside experience surrounded by rolling vineyards and charming small towns. The lake is divided into two distinct basins, North and South Lake Leelanau, connected by a narrow channel, providing diverse boating and fishing opportunities. You will find excellent fishing for bass, pike, and walleye, and the calm waters are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.

The surrounding Leelanau Peninsula is renowned for its burgeoning wine industry, so you can easily combine a day on the lake with a tour of local wineries. Towns like Leland, with its historic Fishtown, and Suttons Bay offer unique shops, art galleries, and delicious dining. Lake Leelanau is ideal for those who appreciate natural beauty, gourmet experiences, and a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere.

Lake Charlevoix

Lake Charlevoix, a large and stunning inland lake, is a centerpiece of Northern Michigan’s resort lifestyle. It’s connected to Lake Michigan by a channel in the charming city of Charlevoix, allowing for seamless boating between the two. You will be captivated by the lake’s clear, deep waters and the vibrant communities that hug its shores, including Charlevoix, Boyne City, and East Jordan.

These towns offer a plethora of activities, from boutique shopping and fine dining to lively festivals and farmers markets. The lake itself is a haven for sailing, powerboating, and fishing, with ample opportunities for water skiing and wakeboarding. Its expansive size and picturesque setting make it popular for yachting and leisure cruises. Lake Charlevoix is perfect for those seeking an active, upscale lakeside vacation with plenty of amenities and a lively social scene.

Mullett Lake

Mullett Lake, one of the largest lakes in Michigan’s famous Inland Waterway, offers an expansive and serene setting for all types of water enthusiasts. Located in Cheboygan County, this deep, clear lake is a prime destination for fishing, known for its populations of walleye, pike, and perch. You will find ample space for powerboating, sailing, and jet skiing, with long stretches of open water perfect for cruising.

The lake is part of a chain that connects to Burt Lake, Crooked Lake, and the Cheboygan River, allowing for incredible multi-lake boating adventures all the way to Lake Huron. Its shores are less developed than some of the more popular resort lakes, providing a more natural and peaceful environment. Mullett Lake is ideal for avid anglers, boating families, and anyone looking for a quiet escape with vast waters to explore.

Lake St. Clair

Lake St. Clair, often called “the Sixth Great Lake,” is a large, shallow lake connecting Lake Huron and Lake Erie, making it a crucial part of the Great Lakes system and a fantastic recreational hub. Its proximity to the Detroit metropolitan area makes it incredibly popular for boaters, anglers, and ice fishers. You will discover a vibrant boating scene, with countless marinas, yacht clubs, and public access points.

The lake is renowned for its world-class muskie and smallmouth bass fishing, attracting anglers from across the globe. In winter, it transforms into a massive ice fishing village. The lake’s shallow depth means its waters warm up quickly in summer, making it ideal for swimming and watersports. Lake St. Clair offers a unique blend of urban accessibility and vast open water recreation, perfect for anyone seeking an active day on the water without traveling too far north.

Burt Lake

Burt Lake, another magnificent gem in Michigan’s Inland Waterway, offers a classic Up North lake experience. This large, deep lake is a paradise for anglers, boasting a healthy population of walleye, bass, and trout. You will find pristine waters perfect for swimming, boating, and waterskiing, with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the tranquility.

Burt Lake State Park, located on the southern shore, provides excellent camping facilities, a sandy beach, and a boat launch, making it an ideal base for exploring the area. The lake seamlessly connects to Mullett Lake via the Crooked River and to Crooked Lake via the Indian River, allowing for extensive boating journeys through the entire Inland Waterway system. Burt Lake is perfect for families seeking a traditional lakeside vacation, with opportunities for both relaxation and adventure.

Crooked Lake

Crooked Lake, true to its name, is a winding, irregularly shaped lake that forms a crucial part of the Inland Waterway system in Northern Michigan. Its unique shape creates numerous bays and coves, offering sheltered spots for fishing and quiet paddling. You will enjoy its clear, relatively shallow waters, which are ideal for swimming and small boat activities.

The lake is accessible from Petoskey via the Crooked Lake waterway and offers direct connections to Burt Lake and other parts of the Inland Waterway. The quaint village of Oden offers charming lakeside amenities and a relaxed atmosphere. Crooked Lake is known for its excellent fishing, particularly for panfish and bass, and its scenic beauty, with lush forests lining its shores. It’s a wonderful choice for those seeking a more intimate and navigable lake experience, perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and leisurely boat rides.

Lake Gogebic

Lake Gogebic, Michigan’s largest inland lake in the Upper Peninsula, is a sprawling wilderness gem offering incredible outdoor adventures. This long, narrow lake is surrounded by dense forests, providing a truly remote and natural setting. You will find some of the best fishing in the state here, with abundant walleye, pike, and smallmouth bass, making it a dream destination for serious anglers.

Beyond fishing, the lake is popular for boating, kayaking, and enjoying the serene beauty of the untouched wilderness. In winter, Lake Gogebic transforms into a snowmobiling paradise, with miles of groomed trails surrounding the lake. Its rugged beauty and abundant wildlife make it an ideal spot for nature photographers, hikers, and anyone looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the U.P.

Black Lake

Black Lake, located in Cheboygan and Presque Isle counties, is a large, relatively undeveloped lake offering a peaceful retreat in Northern Michigan. Known for its excellent fishing, particularly for muskellunge, walleye, and northern pike, it attracts serious anglers seeking a quiet, productive fishing experience. You will appreciate the tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by vast state forest lands and minimal commercial development.

The lake also features several public access points and a state forest campground, providing easy entry for boating and camping. Its clear waters are suitable for swimming and kayaking, though it’s less of a “resort” lake and more of a natural escape. Black Lake is perfect for those who prioritize fishing, quiet nature, and a more rustic, off-the-beaten-path outdoor adventure.

Portage Lake

Portage Lake, near the charming village of Onekama in Manistee County, offers a unique blend of calm inland waters and direct access to Lake Michigan. A channel known as “The Portage” connects the two lakes, allowing boats to easily pass between them. You will find Portage Lake to be a fantastic spot for fishing, known for its bass, pike, and panfish, as well as being a popular area for watersports like tubing and waterskiing due to its generally calmer conditions.

The village of Onekama itself is a delightful stop, with a historic downtown and welcoming atmosphere. The lake’s proximity to Lake Michigan means you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the protected, warm waters of an inland lake and the vast, cool expanses of a Great Lake. Portage Lake is ideal for families and boaters who want convenience, variety, and a picturesque setting.

Plan Your Visit

From the majestic, cliff-lined shores of Lake Superior to the Caribbean-esque hues of Torch Lake, Michigan’s diverse collection of lakes offers an unparalleled spectrum of aquatic adventures. You have discovered that whether you seek exhilarating watersports, world-class fishing, serene natural escapes, or vibrant lakeside communities, there is a perfect watery haven waiting for you.

Each lake promises its own unique charm, history, and set of activities, ensuring that every visit unveils a new facet of this incredible state. Don’t just dream about it – start planning your Michigan lake getaway today! Remember to factor in a Michigan State Park Recreation Passport for easy access to many beautiful spots, and consider renting a car for ultimate flexibility. With options ranging from budget-friendly camping to luxurious resort stays, there’s a way for every traveler to immerse themselves in Michigan’s freshwater paradise.