9 Most Gorgeous Lakes In Detroit, Michigan

1. Lake St. Clair

The scenic Lake St. Clair is 42 kilometers (26.10 miles) long and 39 kilometers (24.23 miles) wide and flows out into the Detroit River. It was named after a saint, whose feast day marked the day when the people discovered the freshwater lake. It borders Canada and the US, allowing both countries to enjoy recreational fishing and boating. Lake St. Clair Metropark has a 1,000-foot (305-meter) beach shore and a massive slide for guests to explore.

Lake St. Clair Metropark

Address: 31300 Metropolitan Parkway Harrison Twp, MI 48045

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 8:30pm

2. Lake Muskoday

Sunsets in Lake Muskoday are too mesmerizing for words. If you aren’t a big fan of fishing, you will enjoy the epic views. You get candy-colored clouds, a nice cool breeze, the lake waters in the background, and the beautiful Detroit skyline reflected on the lake. It is even more satisfying if you can have a bountiful catch if you decide to fish. Abundant fish species include northern pike, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass.

Nearby gorgeous lakes

3. Lake Huron

Lake Huron is the second largest among the five Great Lakes of North America, having a total surface area of 59,600 square kilometers (23,011.69 square miles). Its lower peninsula is known to many as the ‘Sunrise Side’ as the sun-splashed lake waters create a glorious scenery. Fishing on this side of the lake can turn into a romantic getaway, too. Lake Huron, which used to be a shipping route in the 1600s, now has over 1,000 sunken ships lying on its floor that attract hundreds of divers every year. There is even a beautiful lakeside park with sandy shorelines for family picnics.

4. Lake Erie

One of North America’s Great Lakes, Lake Erie is the fourth largest and the shallowest (an average depth of only 63 feet or 19.20 meters). Now, the lake stands beautifully, protected by environmental groups. Somewhere 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) of the shoreline is Lake Erie Metropark, which boasts wetlands with turtles, birds, and muskrats. If fishing and swimming aren’t possible, you can explore the nearby attractions such as a zoo and a waterpark or join private sightseeing tours.

5. Whitmore Lake

Are you a big fan of wet burritos? At Whitmore Lake, just 16 kilometers (10 miles) south of Brighton, Michigan, you can have the best-tasting local wet burritos. The lake is stunning, much more so the community that surrounds it. Packed with taverns, seafood restaurants, and other local shops, the town is worth a visit. You can take any of the easy hiking and biking trails around Whitmore Lake and cap your day with a drink at a nearby pub.

Whitmore Lake/Independence Park

Website: Whitmore Lake

Price: Free

6. Lake Orion

You can reach Lake Orion with a 40-minute drive from Detroit. The lake is an idyllic location on the outskirts of Michigan. Lake Orion actually can refer to either the 3,000-strong township or the moderately sized inland lake. The actual lake itself is a confluence of small lakes that have evolved. It is now a favorite destination for recreational fishing, boating, and island hopping. You can also cruise around Lake Orion’s several islands, such as Romance Island with its single cottage. Passes and operational hours vary depending on your choice of activity, .

Lake Orion

Website: Lake Orion

Opening hours: 12am - 12pm (daily)

Price: From 1 USD

7. Orchard Lake

The gorgeous, expansive views of the 795-acre (322 hectares) Orchard Lake is available for anyone willing to drive down about 40.2 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Detroit. Expect to see many residences fronting the lake. But feel free to go swimming when the weather permits. Better yet, join the Orchard Lake Country Club that grants privileges and access to amenities, including its golf course and sandy shoreline that is perfect for a family picnic. Approximately 43% of the village is covered with lakes and ponds. You’ll surely find an ideal spot for swimming here.

Orchard Lake

Address: Michigan, the United States

Website: Orchard Lake

Price: Free

8. Cass Lake

Cass Lake has an area of 1,280 acres (520 hectares) and lies in the northern area of Detroit. The fishing lake is the largest in the entire Oakland County. It is also the deepest, having 123 feet (37.4 meters) maximum depth. The area around Cass Lake has a broad range of outdoor things to do. You can go nature viewing, fishing, boating, camping, cycling, picnicking, or go on a scenic drive. Dodge #4 State Park can be found in the northeastern part of the lake and is a great place for water activities. You can stroll through the expansive grounds and watch kids play. Vehicular passes apply.

Cass Lake

Address: 4250 Parkway Drive, Waterford, Michigan 48327

Website: Cass Lake

Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)

Price: From 9 USD

9. Kent Lake

Kent Lake, a reservoir with 1,200 acres (485.6 hectares) of surface area, supplies potable water to the surrounding villages. It was originally 70 acres (28.3 hectares) in size, then later dammed to maximize its benefits. Kent Lake is now a recreational lake that encompasses two recreational parks in two Michigan counties, particularly Island Lake State Recreation Area in Livingston County and Kensington Metropark in Oakland County. Kensington Metropark has a nature park, a golf course, and hiking and bike trails. If you love fishing, expect to catch loads of catfish, northern pikes, and bluegills.

Kent Lake/Kensington Metropark

Address: Oakland County, Michigan, United States

Website: Kent Lake/Kensington Metropark

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

Price: From 10 USD

Fall in love with the lakes in Detroit, Michigan

Lake trips are therapeutic - great for family weekend getaways, friends’ birthday celebrations, or even for romantic dates. Fishing, for instance, is an intimate outdoor activity you can share with your loved ones. It is fun and satisfying and you can take in the nature views. You have to visit these nine most gorgeous lakes in Detroit, Michigan.

While you’re here, be sure to check out some museums and festivals in Detroit as well.