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Michigan's 20 largest inland lakes. This is a list of lakes in Michigan. The American state of Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes. The number of inland lakes in Michigan depends on the minimum size. There are: 62,798 lakes ≥ 0.1 acres (0.00040 km 2) 26,266 lakes ≥ 1.0 acre (0.0040 km 2) 6,537 lakes ≥ 10.0 acres (0.040 km 2)
Jul 25, 2023 · How many inland lakes are there in Michigan? According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan has an estimated 11,000 inland lakes, many covering 1,000 acres or more.
Inland lake maps. Michigan has more than 11,000 inland lakes. For about 2,700 of these, we have inland lake maps available. Click on a county for a list of available lake maps in that county. While we make every effort to provide useful and accurate information, these maps may not be completely representative of current conditions.
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- 25 Best Lakes in Michigan (For Swimming) with Map
- The Great Lakes
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Our Michigan lakes are some of our greatest tourist attractions. From our expansive Great Lakes to smaller serene inland lakes, a day at the lake is a Michigan summer staple and finding the right lake for a swim can make or break a trip. With hundreds of lakes to choose from all around the state, the choice can be a tough one. So we’ve made it easy...
The Great Lakes are Michigan’s most iconic lakes and there’s plenty to do when visiting them. Four out of five Great Lakes prefer Michigan, and each offers something different. Lake Michigan to the west is popular, lively, and lined with great breweries to grab a drink at the end of the day, while Lake Huronto the northeast is more relaxed with phe...
Mullett Lake
Mullet Lake near Cheboyganis one of Michigan’s biggest inland lakes. It once played an important role in Native American trade routes, but today, people mostly use it for recreation. Aside from swimming in the lake, visitors love to explore the trails, beaches, and parks which surround it, often making a trip of it by staying at a campsite at nearby Aloha State Park. This popular Cheboygan County park is one Michigan’s best-kept secrets.
Bass Lake
Spanning 344 acres, Bass Lake is a glacial lake that provides a serene place to take a dip and escape downtown Traverse City’s lively atmosphere. Sandy shores beckon barefoot beach goers to the water while tall trees supply shade from the hot summer sun. Like many lakes, visitors spend a lot of time here swimming or kayaking, but locals know that there’s no better way to spend a day at Bass Lake than with a rod and reel catching walleye, pike, and of course rock bass. Located in Grand Travers...
Crooked Lake
Despite its large size, Crooked Lake, just outside of Petoskey only has a maximum depth of about 20 feet, which makes it perfect for swimming. Calm warm waters and cozy cabins draw summer visitors in to explore all that Crooked Lake has to offer. Jump into the water for a swim, glide on top of it in a kayak, or parasail over top of it, then explore one of the communities around the shore. This popular Emmet County Lake is connected by the inland waterway to Pickerel Lake. Round Lake in Petosk...
Muskegon Lake
As the name suggests, you can find Muskegon Lake in Muskegon County, on Michigan’s west coast. One of the most popular inland lakes in Michigan, visitors to Muskegon Lake love to swim here, but boating is also massively popular. Sandy beaches offer plenty of space to relax or swim along the shore and marinas dotting the coast provide homes for sailboats when they aren’t racing along the surface.
Gull Lake
BetweenKalamazoo and Battle Creek, Gull Lakedraws crowds for summertime with its beautiful blue-green waters. Fishing for rainbow trout, bass, and perch is a favorite summer pastime on the lake, but sailing, swimming, or simply relaxing in the shade all make for a great time here. Birding is also a popular activity near Gull Lake, especially at the Kellogg Biological Station on the eastern shore.
Kalamazoo Lake
Hugged by the Lake Michigan beach towns of Douglas and Saugatuckon either side, Kalamazoo Lake is a smaller alternative to Lake Michigan for those in the area. Locals and tourists both love to swim in the lake, but it’s also a great spot for kayaking, canoeing, and general lakeside relaxation. While here be sure to visit Douglas and Saugatuck and maybe take a drive along US-31, stopping to to spend some time at one of the many art galleries in the area.
Lake St. Clair
Sometimes called the forgotten sixth Great Lake, Lake St. Clair is a metro Detroit favorite. Lake St. Clair connects Lake Huron and Lake Erie and has historically been used for shipping routes, but today its use is far more recreational. Access the lake through Lake St. Clair Metropark near Mount Clemens and hop in the water for a swim or onto a boat for a cruise, otherwise enjoy some great fishing and water sport opportunities. Then, when you’re done on the lake, you can grab dinner at one o...
Pontiac Lake
Those in the metro-Detroit area love Pontiac Lake and it’s easy to understand why. The Pontiac Lake Recreation Area is a haven where you can escape from the sprawling cityscapes of southeast Michigan and get back to nature. Here you can find the longest beach in southeast Michigan which stretches for over a half-mile, leaving plenty of space to set up towels and run to the water for a swim. If swimming isn’t your thing, scenic trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding can be found all a...
Lake Michigamme
Nothing quite captures the wild spirit of the upper peninsulalike Lake Michigamme. This massive inland lake is over 4,000 acres in its area and boasts 16 islands that can be explored, but you’ll need a boat to get to them. If you don’t have a boat, though, there’s still plenty to do along one of Lake Michigamme’s three beaches. Start your rugged getaway at Van Riper State Park and set up camp, fish for your next meal, and go for a swim or lounge out on the beach. This massive lake sprawls ove...
Manistique Lakes
The Manistique Lakes are a system of several lakes located in the upper peninsula. With the help of Seney National Wildlife Refuge and the fresh water that flows steadily, birdwatchers come often to catch glimpses of bald eagles, sandhill cranes, osprey, and loons. Over 10,000 acres of surface area means plenty of space for activities and exploration. Hop on a boat and traverse the waters, take a swim near the shallow sandy shores, or fish up some walleye, perch, or bluegill. Big Manistique L...
Silver Lake
On Michigan’s west coast, Silver Lake has a unique location against towering sand dunes which separate it from Lake Michigan. Visitors to Silver Lake State Park come for golden sandy beaches, warm waters, and plenty of cottages for rent on vacation. Of course, the lake is most popular during the summertime when the water is warm enough to swim in, but that’s not all visitors do here. Plenty of people enjoy kayaking and fishing on the lake, or hiking the nearby dunes to Lake Michigan. Silver L...
Feb 19, 2024 · Michigan features 1,148 lakes surpassing 100 acres, 98 lakes exceeding 1,000 acres, and 10 lakes over 10,000 acres in size. Approximately 67% of Michigan’s inland lakes maintain healthy, high-quality aquatic ecosystems. Michigan’s inland lakes support 154 freshwater fish species by providing critical aquatic habitat.
This replaces Michigan's former MiSWIM tool. Department of Natural Resources Inland Lake Maps - Michigan boasts more than 11,000 inland lakes. Here you can access 2,700 inland lake maps online. Click on a county for a list of inland lakes in that county. The Michigan Inland Lakes Partnership (MILP) is made up a broad range of organizations and ...
Michigan has over 52,000 miles of streams, and more than 10,899 inland lakes. These precious water resources and the benefits they provide are protected by several state laws from impairment due to pollution, physical alterations and nuisance aquatic species. The state's water resources are monitored by the Michigan Department of Environment ...
