Michigan is known for its Great Lakes, and with good reason: our biggest and most famous bodies of water are absolutely breathtaking. Some of our lakes rival oceans with sprawling shorelines and an abundance of scenic splendor. While we adore the Great Lakes, we know these are only some of the prettiest lakes in Michigan. We asked our readers to fill us in on their favorite lakes throughout the state. If you’re curious to know more, dive in and find out what our readers had to say about the most beautiful lakes in Michigan – from the Great Lakes to lesser-known bodies of water scattered throughout the state.
We’ll start with what was certainly the most common answer to our prompt: the Big Lake herself. With upwards of 22,000 square miles and seemingly endless access points along the shore, it’s pretty tough to live in the Great Lakes State without falling fully in love with Lake Michigan. From lighthouses to campgrounds to soft sandy beaches, there’s a whole lifetime’s worth of fun associated with one of the best lakes in Michigan and beyond.
Frequently lauded as the bluest lake in the state, Torch Lake is undeniably gorgeous. This narrow inland body is dotted with cottages, boat launches, and enchanting vistas – and you might just feel like you’ve landed in a Caribbean paradise upon arriving. Whether you’re relaxing on the sandbar or unwinding in a vacation rental, it’s easy to see why this stunning destination is one of the most beautiful lakes in Michigan.
The Alpena area is home to one of Michigan’s biggest inland lakes: Hubbard Lake. For Michiganders who love to fish, Hubbard is a dreamy place, loaded with everything from walleye to yellow perch. Fishing enthusiasts are omnipresent here during the warmer months, but Hubbard Lake also offers options for ice fishing – with plenty of pretty scenery to round it all out.
Intermediate Lake might not be the most famous body of water in Michigan, but it sure is pretty. Situated within Elk River’s Chain of Lakes, it’s located near the community of Central Lake and boasts convenient waterway access to other Chain of Lakes locales. From fishing to swimming, Intermediate Lake provides a little something for everyone. Hence, it's deserving of being called one of the best lakes in Michigan.
Another obvious and frequent answer among readers was Lake Huron, which sits at the heart of Michigan’s so-called "Sunrise Coast." While many of its beaches are rockier than those of Lake Huron, its unique beauty makes it a heart-capturing destination here in the Great Lakes State. From beaches in Metro Detroit to Mackinaw City, Lake Huron’s reach, influence, and sheer splendor make it one of the most scenic lakes in Michigan.
Whether you’re a tourist or a local,
Black Lake has endless appeal. This gem, which extends into both Cheboygan and Presque Isle Counties, is perhaps most easily accessed via Onaway State Park. Within the park, visitors can enjoy everything from camping to shoreline hiking trails to classic beachfront activities on Black Lake itself.
Venture to Calhoun County to explore Duck Lake, which readers included among their list of the best lakes in Michigan. This peaceful body of water has multiple access points, from private spots at the Duck Lake Country Club to the publicly accessible Duck Lake State Park, which features a channel between Duck Lake and Lake Michigan. Boating, swimming, and other water activities are common here.
Leisure Lake might be among the most underappreciated lakes in Michigan, but that shouldn’t stop you from seeking it out. We recommend making a reservation at Leisure Lake Family Campground, which offers access to the 35-acre body of water for which it’s named. Sandy beach areas, fishing spots, and scenic views make Leisure Lake a truly special place to be in Mid-Michigan.
Tucked away in Ogemaw County, Sage Lake consists of over 780 acres and is perhaps most well known for its status as a popular fishing spot. Perch, bass, pike, and other types of fish are commonly caught here, so it belongs on your fishing bucket list in the Great Lakes State. Even if you’re merely admiring the lake from a destination like Kenyon’s Lakeside Resort in Lupton, you’ll appreciate why it's one of the prettiest lakes in Michigan.
Oh, Lake Superior – how could we discuss the most beautiful lakes in Michigan without including you? There’s no denying that Lake Superior plants itself in the hearts of all who visit, whether they’re admiring Pictured Rocks, dipping their toes in the cool water, or heading out for a calming boat ride. In fact, as the world’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Superior’s name says it all: this body of water truly stands out.
11. South Lake Leelanau
South Lake Leelanau Drive, S Lake Leelanau Dr, Lake Leelanau, MI, USA
Lake Leelanau is a Leelanau County treasure that consists of two bodies: the aptly named North and South Lakes Leelanau. Readers nodded to South Lake Leelanau as a particularly beautiful body, offering brilliantly blue waters and Northern Michigan beauty at its finest. Rent a vacation cottage or head out for a day of boating – you’ll never want to head home once you experience this place.
Frequently referred to as Whitefish Lake, South Manistique Lake is a can’t-miss body of water that sits within Mackinac County and provides year-round recreational opportunities and gorgeous views for visitors and locals alike. From ice fishing to tubing, there’s always something happening on the lake. Its forested surroundings and unbeatable natural beauty make it one of the nicest lakes in Michigan.
Now that you’ve read about some of the most beautiful lakes in Michigan as per our readers, we’d like to hear from you! Did we leave any of your favorite lakes off of this epic list? Are there bodies of water that should be included in a future article? Share your thoughts and photos with us by leaving a remark in the comments section.
Are you seeking more ways to enjoy the best Michigan lakes? If so, feel free to also check out our previous coverage of Great Lakes beaches that rival oceans.
