Michigan got its name from the Ojibwe word ‘mishigami’ which means large water. Mackinac Island is a popular attraction in Michigan and is only accessible by water or air. Visit this island which takes you back to a period when there were no cars. Explore it on foot, a bicycle, or horse-drawn carriage and see the old town shops and Fort Mackinac. Michigan is bordered by four of the five Great Lakes, Lake Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie. These lakes divide it into the upper and lower peninsula which are connected by Mackinac Bridge. Stand at any point in Michigan and you will be 85 miles (137 kilometres) from one of the Great Lakes. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on the shores of Lake Superior features a rugged shoreline, picturesque sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and stunning beaches. Read on to know more about most gorgeous lakes in Michigan, USA.
1. Bass Lake
Located in Grand Traverse County, Bass Lake is a 344-acre (139-hectare) glacial lake that is 28 feet (8.5 meters) deep and 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers) long. On its shores are sandy beaches lined with trees that provide ample shade. Bass Lake is popular with recreational activities such as swimming, boating, water skiing, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Popular fish species include northern pike, bluegill, walleye, and rock and largemouth bass. Michigan Department of Natural Resources runs a boat ramp at this lake. Enjoy the quiet and wild vibe that comes with spending time at Bass Lake.
Bass Lake
Address: Michigan 49685, USA
2. Elk Lake
Elk Lake is a deep glacial lake located in Antrim and Grand Traverse Counties. It is 9 miles (14 kilometers) long and about 194 feet (59 meters) deep. Grab your fishing gear and head out to this lake that is a popular fishing spot for lake trout, yellow perch, rock bass, and muskellunge. Elk lake is also a great place to indulge in various watersport activities such as water skiing, tubing, sailing, kayaking, and ice-boating during winter. Relax and unwind in the seclusion and serenity that this lake offers.
Elk Lake
Address: Antrim / Grand Traverse counties, Michigan, USA
3. Glen Lake
Glen Lake is found in Leelanau County and has a maximum depth of 131 feet (40 meters). It comprises Big Glen Lake and Little Glen Lake. Glen Lake is one of the pristine and purest lakes in the state. Its beauty, cleanliness, and calm nature attracts many people who visit it for boating, swimming, and fishing. Common fish species include rainbow trout, pickerel, and smallmouth and largemouth bass. The Sleeping Bear Dunes and surrounding lush vegetation and villages along the white sandy shores give Glen Lake a stunning backdrop. Athletes use trails around it to train. This picturesque lake offers a perfect getaway.
Glen Lake
Address: Leelanau County, Michigan, USA
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4. Gull Lake
Gull Lake is a 2,030-acre (822-hectare) glacial lake found mainly in Kalamazoo County. It has a maximum depth of 110 feet (34 meters) and possibly got its name from the seagulls that visit it sometimes from Lake Michigan. The shoreline of Gull Lake is lined with several homes and is very developed. Its clear water is the perfect spot to soak up the sun as you fish for rainbow trout and yellow perch, relish the lake breeze sailing on a sailboat, or have fun scuba diving. On its eastern shore is Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, where birders can enjoy watching waterfowls such as trumpeter swans, Canada geese, and herons.
Gull Lake
Address: Kalamazoo / Barry counties, Michigan, USA
5. Burt Lake
Burt Lake is located in Cheboygan County and is a hub for tourists. It covers a total area of 17120 acres (6928 hectares) and is 72 feet (22 meters) deep. Burt Lake Watershed has widespread forested wetlands with different types of beautiful trees like white cedar, black ash, and balsam fir. On its southern shore is Burt Lake State Park, a public recreation area for camping, swimming, boating, and fishing. Depending on the season, fish species present include trophy walleye, sturgeon, and smallmouth bass. Maple Bay State Forest Campground on its western shore offers rustic campgrounds and a swimming beach.
Burt Lake
Address: Cheboygan County, Michigan, USA
6. Higgins Lake
Higgins Lake is a natural glacier lake found in Roscommon County. It covers a total area of 9900 acres (4006 hectares) and has a maximum depth of 135 feet (41 meters). Have fun fishing for brown and brook trout, smelt, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass. This lake is known to have deep crystal-clear waters that attract snorkelers. South and North Higgins Lake State Parks provide boat launch ramps, lakeside camping, scenic hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, and swimming beaches. Marvel at gorgeous sunrise and sunset views as you relax and unwind in the stunning natural beauty of this lake.
Higgins Lake
Address: Michigan 48653, USA
7. Clam Lake
Clam Lake is a long and slender lake that is 437 acres (177 hectares) in size and has a maximum depth of 27 feet (8.2 meters). It cozily lies in a valley between Torch Lake and Lake Bellaire in Antrim County. The Elk River Chain of Lakes comprises 14 lakes and connecting rivers, and Clam Lake is part of its lower peninsula. This lake offers recreational activities like water skiing in its calm waters, boating, sightseeing in its scenic waterways, and fishing. The shallow marshes are home to northern pike and panfish, while the deep waters feature walleye, bluegill, muskie, perch, crappie, and rock bass.
Clam Lake
Address: Clam Lake Township, Michigan 49601, USA
8. Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake lives by its name and boasts exceptionally clean and clear water and pristine sand beaches. Located in Benzie County, this lake covers 9884 acres (4000 hectares) and is 164 feet (50 meters) deep. The only town on the lake is Beulah, which offers a public beach, beach homes, playground, and a park with barbecue facilities, picnic tables, and tennis courts. Indulge in various water sports such as swimming, boating, canoeing, and water skiing. Fishing guides will show you the best spots to catch rock and smallmouth bass, coho salmon, and lake, brown, and rainbow trout. Have fun while at this picture-perfect location.
Crystal Lake
Address: Benzie County, Michigan, USA
9. Lake Bellaire
Lake Bellaire is a 1793-acre (724-hectare) freshwater lake in Antrim County. This lake has a maximum depth of 95 feet (29 meters) and is surrounded by wetlands with conifer swamps and marshy areas. These wetlands are ecologically important as they filter water pollutants and are a habitat for various plants and animals. Lake Bellaire provides opportunities for swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, boating, sailing, and fishing. With luxurious resorts, hotels, lakeside cabins, private vacation homes, and modern campgrounds surrounding the lake, you have a variety of options on where to spend your lakeside getaway.
Lake Bellaire
Address: Forest Home Township, MI 49615, USA
10. Lake Michigan (from USD 41.0)
Go on this tour that takes approximately 30 minutes and explore Lake Michigan’s shoreline on a speedboat. Starting at Navy Pier, you will ride past popular attractions such as Willis Tower, Grant Park, and Buckingham Fountain as you learn about the history and architecture of Chicago. Marvel at the stunning unmatched views of Chicago’s skyline and waterfront. Have fun on this exhilarating and enlightening speed boat ride along beautiful Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes. The tour then ends with a drop off at the starting point.
30 Minute Lake Michigan Speedboat Ride
Duration: 30 minutes
Unmatched lake views for a relaxing getaway
Clean and clear lakes tucked into the serene wilderness is the beauty that these lakes in Michigan have to offer. With varying depths and total surface area, these lakes provide plenty of watersport activities to indulge in. Have fun at the most gorgeous lakes in Michigan, USA.
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