Detroit might not always be associated with natural beauty, but there are so many pockets of splendor surrounding our wonderful city. In fact, one beautiful county–Oakland County–near Detroit boasts hundreds of lovely inland lakes – and you’ll want to see some of them for yourself. Don’t let our city’s fast-paced vibe fool you: we love to relax, unwind, and appreciate the wonders of the natural world as much as anyone else. Come along as we share with you some of the best lakes near Detroit.

Oakland County is familiar to most Detroiters, as it’s an important part of the Metro Detroit region.
Google Maps
While the city of Detroit itself sits in Wayne County, Oakland is home to many of the area’s most well-known Michigan suburbs.
While you might associate Oakland County with Royal Oak, Ferndale, Pontiac, Southfield, Troy, and other bustling spots...
Google Maps
..., it’s equally impressive for another reason: its abundance of breathtaking inland lakes.
Exact numbers vary by source, but it’s widely known that Oakland County houses more than 300 lakes.
Wikimedia Commons/Snapdragon66
The list of publicly accessible lakes is much smaller, but this doesn’t detract from the county’s wonder, drawing Michigan residents from all over for a day of fun.
If you’re a sucker for waterfront fun, you’ll find plenty to appreciate when you explore this region of Metro Detroit.
Pa Houa/Google Maps
The most well-known destinations include Pontiac Lake, Cass Lake, and Lake Orion, among other Michigan lakes.

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Many of the county’s lakes are accompanied by green space and parks.
Google Reviews/W B
The Pontiac Lake Recreation Area offers trails, camping, and more alongside Pontiac Lake itself, not to mention a slew of smaller inland gems.
Try your hand at fishing in Big Lake, take your boat to the water via a public launch site on Cedar Island Lake.
Facebook/WhoaZone at Heron Lake
Or take to the beach on Heron Lake within the Holly Recreation Area. There’s no shortage of fun to be had.
Of course, if it’s larger lakes you’re after ...
Google Reviews/Charles Serdoner
... venture out of Oakland County to experience the many wonders of nearby Lake St. Clair and Lake Huron – not to mention the remaining Great Lakes that set Michigan apart.
As you plan for your next outdoor adventure near Detroit, keep Oakland County and its incredible lakes in mind.
Flickr/Ken Lund
Whether you prefer to relax along the shore or take to the water, you’ll surely find a new favorite vacation spot.

Have you made memories along any of the public or private lakes that set this beautiful county near Detroit apart? Which of the lakes in Oakland County are your personal favorites? We love to hear from our readers, so share your thoughts with us in the Facebook comments or recommend another natural attraction in Metro Detroit by completing our nomination form.

Love spending time along the water? You’ll enjoy reading about this peaceful park and beach near Detroit.

If you’re still in the mood for more Michigan adventures, take a look at this video about the Haunted Felt Mansion:

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We love you, Michigan!

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | June 19, 2023

Where can we find places to go tubing in Michigan?

  • The Chippewa River Mt. Pleasant has been named one of the best lazy rivers for tubing in Michigan.
  • The Thornapple River in Hastings offers a leisurely several-hour journey passing by some beautiful scenery.
  • The portion of the Huron River that runs through Ann Arbor is one of the most popular places in the state to go tubing.

Read on to learn about some of the many other fun places to go tubing in Michigan.

Where can we find historic homes in Michigan?

  • The Brinkerhoff-Becker House (also known as the Becker–Stachlewitz House) in Ypsilanti is a private estate built between 1863 and 1869.
  • The Hecker House in Detroit is a lavish, 49-room mansion built in 1888 by Col. Frank J. Hecker, founder of the Peninsular Car Company.
  • The Henry Ford Square House in Garden City is a four-room house built by Henry Ford for him and his wife in 1888-89.

Read on to learn about some of the many other stunning historic homes in Michigan.

Where can we find the best museums in Michigan?

  • The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum in Grand Rapids is a multi-level wonderland of costumes, make-believe storefronts, giant bubbles, and more.
  • The Detroit Historical Museum in Detroit has been one of the best places to discover more about the Motor City since it was originally established in 1928.
  • The United States Postal Museum in Marshall is home to the largest collection of Postal Service memorabilia outside of the Smithsonian in Washington DC.

Read on to learn about some of the many other fantastic museums in Michigan.

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Oakland County, MI, USA