10 Most Beautiful Lakes in Michigan

When browsing about the best lakes in Michigan, one almost always finds Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Erie, and Lake Huron on the top of the list. While these four lakes are indeed beautiful, their sheer scale overshadows other smaller but equally picturesque ones. Michigan, the "Great Lakes State", is home to a plethora of such not so much hidden, but just underrated gems. Here are ten lakes in the "Mitten State" that when visited offer a lake experience like no other.

Torch lake (Antrim County)

There are two Torch Lakes in Michigan, and not to disparage the Torch Lake in Houghton County, but the Torch Lake of Antrim County is considered an attraction in and of itself. The lake is sizable, featuring the deepest depth and largest volume of all inland lakes in Michigan. A shoreline view is tantalizing. The cyan skies and horizon blues seem to dance and mingle under light fluffy clouds. Fishing is one of the many active sports at Torch lake, where pike, trout, and even Atlantic salmon are abundant. Obviously, with fishing comes hiking- many trails surround Torch lake with hidden spots for diving and canoeing nestled into the shoreline.

Lake Charlevoix

Lake Charlevoix, the state's third largest lake, covers an area of 70 km² and features 90 km of shoreline. Several adjacent towns offer options for residence and shopping. Both sailing and fishing are popular activities, with numerous public boat ramps for access. The primary inflow rivers are the Boyne River and Jordan River, and sandy beaches around Lake Charlevoix create perfect spots for relaxing and sunbathing.

Lake St. Clair

Lake St. Clair, one of the world's largest fisheries, was named "whirlpool” by the indigenous people before being sighted by a French explorer on the feast day of Saint Clair. The lake features clear waters that can turn rough depending on the conditions. However, there are designated areas for activities like water-skiing, tubing, and kayaking. For newcomers, Belle Isle Beach is a recommended spot due to its well-maintained environment and the high quality of its water and sandy bottom.

Burt Lake

First surveyed in 1840 by William Austin Burt, Burt Lake covers 69 square kilometers and is fed by the Maple River. The lake is easily accessible, bordered by towns, an interstate, and even a YMCA camp. Some of the largest sturgeon in the U.S. inhabit Burt Lake, contributing to its notable history. Families can enjoy a variety of attractions in the area, including Crooked Vine Vineyard and an 18-hole adventure golf course.

Portage Lake

Portage Lake is an ancient lake, possibly tens of thousands of years old, formed during the Wisconsin Glacial Age. This distinctive process created a landscape that local parks, like North Point and Orchard Beach State Park, have utilized for their hiking trails. Scattered around this nearly 5 km long lake are various sports fields, including volleyball and soccer. While paddleboating is relatively popular here, you'll also find anglers looking for Pike, Largemouth Bass, and even Walleye in Michigan's many inland water bodies.

Glen lake

Glen Lake is a unique gem, with the Sleeping Bear Dune to the west and heavily forested moraines to the east, creating a nearly mythical landscape. The sand from the dunes filters out muddier sediments, resulting in a stunningly clear, turquoise lake that seems like it was taken from the Caribbean and dropped in the northern US. Plenty of fishing, boating, and relaxing swimming days can be enjoyed at Glen Lake. A nearby historic village in Glen Haven provides a glimpse into a simpler, or perhaps wilder, frontiers past.

Higgins Lake

The north shore of the 40 square kilometer Higgins Lake is where the action is at: crystal clear waters hug a large beach with all the necessary facilities like playgrounds and bathhouses. Even the name prior to colonials was “sparkling water,” coined by the Chippewa. Fishing is naturally part of the conversation, including ice fishing during the winter, because plenty of shallows dot across the shoreline. 50 inch Pike have been reported, typically up to as deep as 30 feet. Recent efforts by Higgins Lake residents include ecological pushes to enforce boat cleaning, as a way to prevent foreign pests like the infamous zebra mussel.

Lake Muskegon

This notable lake played a vital role in western Michigan history, with nearly 50 saw mills using the water and forests to float white pine timbers across the region. The lake express ferry provides accessible and scenic transport from city to city, even all the way to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. King salmon are a popular target for fishermen here, alongside steelhead, trout, and perch. Music events happen across the area during the summer and furthermore ice fishing in the winter is a common occurrence.

Gull Lake

In the southern part of Michigan lies the modest Gull Lake, covering 8km². Nestled near the southern shore is a sizable island, while various areas of the lake extend to depths of 34 meters! This water is home to a variety of fish, including bass, pike, trout, and salmon. Observing the numerous boats gliding across the lake in pursuit of their daily objectives adds a unique thrill. The area was settled around 1830 and has retained a modern charm, partly due to scuba divers eager to challenge themselves in the lake’s deep spots and crystal-clear waters. Attention, divers—sailors race on weekends!

Crystal Lake

In Benzie County, the largest Crystal lake (for there are several) sits surrounded by boat ramps adjacent to swaths of cozy lawns. Bordered by golf courses and campgrounds, the lake takes up 40 square kilometers and has a max depth of 50 meters. White caps accumulate on the surface- Hobie Cats beware! Despite the winds deeper into the lake, certain stretches of the shore offer snorkeling and swimming, famous for beautiful scenery and a lack of crowds. A pleasant 21°C water temperature can be expected in summer months.

Buried beneath the shadows of the great lakes lie these gems, which need not be neglected. Fishing, music festivals, quiet days of swimming without crowds, and boating of all kinds. Michigan's inland bodies of water offer memories and satisfaction to lovers of nature. Modernity has assisted in making many of these destination spots accessbile to interstate highways linking up to nearby cities, without enveloping the gentle forests in the disturbance of urban development. Some times, the best way to get away from it all really is just getting away- and there are no better places to start than a day at the lake.