Michiganders are no stranger to lakefront fun. For those of us who call Detroit home, shoreline exploration typically begins along the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, or Lake Huron itself. While these larger and more popular bodies of water have their many appeals, inland lakes are just as fantastic – and one Metro Detroit county is sure to impress with its incredible array of scenic waterfront options.
If you’re a Detroit local, you’re undoubtedly familiar with Oakland County. After all, this section of land encompasses beloved Metro Detroit cities like Pontiac, Southfield, and Royal Oak.
While the county is primarily lauded as the homeplace of bustling cities and towns, its natural beauty is often overlooked. In fact, Oakland County itself boasts a truly incredible array of inland lakes.
Of course, this assessment of the area’s lakes is compiled by the Department of Natural Resources, but the Oakland County Parks system has previously placed the number of lakes at over a thousand.
We’re inclined to believe that the actual number sits somewhere in the middle. No matter how many “official” lakes make their home in Oakland County, though, they’re undoubtedly worth exploring.
There are 317 lakes in the county with names, while others remain less recognized. The largest is Cass Lake in West Bloomfield, which covers a whopping 1,280 acres and provides stunning scenery.
Another local favorite is Lake Orion, which offers public access by way of parks, a public boat launch, and more. Crescent Lake and Crooked Lake also offer space for visitors to launch their boats.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect place for a relaxing day along the shore or hunting for a hidden gem, simply head to Oakland County. You’re almost guaranteed to find a new waterfront favorite.
Have you and your loved ones made memories at any of the many lakes in Oakland County? Which lakes are your favorite? We would love to hear your thoughts, so drop us a line in the Facebook comments or make an official recommendation for a future piece by filling out our nomination form here.