11 Of the Most Beautiful Lakes in Michigan for Your Next Mini Vacation

The Great Lakes State

Beyond the big lakes, Michigan has 11,037 smaller lakes spread across its two peninsulas.

Here you’ll find everything from spring-fed waters to lakes with rare fish, making these spots perfect for fun all year round.

These 11 lakes offer pristine views and outdoor recreation for just about anyone.

Crystal Lake

This clear lake is the ninth-biggest in Michigan, covering 9,854 acres. Thanks to underground springs, the water stays a cool 48 degrees.

Even the lake trout love the deep waters that stretch 165 feet down. There’s a big beach at Beulah where you can rent a cabin on the shoreline.

Crystal Lake is also adjacent to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Here you can try boating and sailing, since the lake’s calm waters present perfect conditions in summer.

Maybe don’t swim here. Swimmer’s itch can occur in shallow areas of the lake, particularly near coves or rocks. 

Lake Charlevoix

This huge lake connects to Lake Michigan via the Pine River Channel with old Victorian houses lining its shore.

You can visit Charlevoix and Boyne City for their beach side fronts or try fishing for fresh catch. The lake is 122 feet deep in some parts, mostly brimming with walleye and northern pike.

People come here to fish for smallmouth bass in June and sail on Thursday nights. Young State Park near Boyne City has plenty of space to camp right by the water. The lake’s watershed is large and includes several Blue Ribbon Trout Streams.

Torch Lake

Looking at Torch Lake’s blue water, you might think you’re in the Caribbean though watch out for Golden Brown algae. T

he water gets its color from special minerals, going down 285 feet near the Clam River outlet, just north of Alden village.

Attend the annual Torch Lake Sandbar Party in July that stretches for two miles. Torch Lake is designated as a Type D trout lake. Fishing season starts from the last Saturday in April through October.

When you’re hungry, stop by the Dockside or Torch Lake Café for local treats like fish dip and cherry pie.

Higgins Lake

At a depth of 135 feet, this clear lake has a large watershed covering 19,000 acres.

Two state parks (South Higgins Lake State Park and North Higgins Lake State Park) give you plenty of space to enjoy the beach and camp with modern bathrooms and showers.

In winter, this 9,900-acre lake becomes perfect for ice fishing, yellow perch, smelt, and pike. The Winterfest at Higgins is the best time to visit, complete with cross country skiing, hot cocoa, and bonfire at Trapper’s Cabin throughout the weekend, if you’re up for it.

Lake Leelanau

This 21-mile lake was carved by glaciers long ago: North and South Lake Leelanau.

When spring comes, cherry trees bloom around the 121-foot-deep lake (late April to early May), casting beautiful reflections in the water.

You can catch 20 different kinds of fish here (including lake herring and lake whitefish) or visit 15 wineries like Bel Lago. Try their special ice wine in December.

The old village of Leland, located at the northern end of Lake Leelanau has had a historic restaurant called Riverside Inn from 1901.

Houghton Lake

Michigan’s biggest inland lake covers 20,044 acres and has 30 miles of shoreline. It serves as the headwaters for the Muskegon River, playing a crucial role in Michigan’s water system. ​

Every winter, 125,000 people come here for the Tip-Up Town festival, where they catch huge northern pikes. Some have reported catching fish up to 40 inches long. The state adds 50,000 baby walleye to the lake each year, while bluegill and bass grow naturally.

The south part of the lake has 2,500 acres of open water where lots of people enjoy water skiing in summer.

Glen Lake

Split into two parts, the Big Glen and Little Glen, by the M-22 road, Glen Lake is class.

Renowned for its exceptional clarity, with water so clear that submerged objects can be seen at depths of up to 20 feet.

While Big Glen is deep at 130 feet, Little Glen stays shallow at 13 feet, making it perfect for swimming in late July.

Next door, Sleeping Bear Dunes gives you towering sand dunes. If you’re out for a drive, try Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. To explore the 12-mile shoreline, Crystal River Outfitters can rent you a kayak for the day.

Lake Gogebic

You’ll find this 13,380-acre lake in the Upper Peninsula, surrounded by acres of the Ottawa National Forest.

Two parks offer 300 camping spots and four places to launch boats. And it’s not just famous for walleye fishing. If you’re lucky, you might spot a white-tailed deer nearby.

Birdwatchers can walk the Lake Gogebic Forest Trail or drop by the county state park to spot raptors and songbirds in motion. When winter comes, the ice gets 24 inches thick, strong enough to hold 400 ice fishing shacks and connect to 150 miles of snowmobile trails.

Elk Lake

The Elk River, flowing from Elk Lake into Grand Traverse Bay, was named after elk antlers discovered in the rapids in 1858.

This deep lake stays super cold at the bottom (just 40 degrees). Some anglers have caught lake trout weighing over 20 pounds. The water is so clear that you can see 70 feet down. The nearby town of Elk Rapids has good food at Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen.

This year, they’re hosting a Bourbon Dinner Series throughout 2025. Let’s not forget that 10,000 people come for the Harbor Days festival in August to see wooden boats and fishing contests. 

Portage Lake

Established in 1871, this 2,110-acre lake connects to Lake Michigan through a manmade channel. At a maximum depth of about 18 meters (59 feet), the water here stays around 75 degrees in summer (warmer than Lake Michigan’s chilly 65 degrees) making it great for swimming.

The Portage Point Inn has been a hub for travelers and sailors since 1903. Check out their private beach area, join a cleanup event, or watch people make sand castles during the day.

You can also rent kayaks or paddle boards through Papa J’s Rentals in downtown Onekama. 

Grand Lake

Grand Lake covers approximately 5,660 acres and features 19 islands. This 8 mile long lake area  supports a variety of fish species, including bluegill, northern pike, and walleye (all warm water species).

The lake’s connection to Lake Huron allows for boating access to the Great Lakes. Local marinas provide boat launches and docking facilities. It’s close to Presque Isle State Harbor where you can rent fishing gear from the pier.

This year a northern pike fishing tournament is scheduled for June, inviting anglers to compete.