East Lansing Lakes

Lakes Around East Lansing

When the weather is right you should pack up and find a spot on the water. A stay at a lake is amazing for people that enjoy getting outside too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are numerous brilliant motivations for a getaway to a lake in East Lansing this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer entertainment such as paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Some of the lakes in East Lansing have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Browse through the data directly beneath this paragraph to have a look your options including swimming lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Lakes Near East Lansing

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near East Lansing there are many things to do for families, couples, or with a group of friends. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Every getaway on or in the water gives you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. Should you be able to get access to a fast boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of zipping around the lake showing off your water sports skills? Take the family out for some wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near East Lansing provide you with a number of options.

Pack a picnic basket. The lakes near East Lansing provide all sorts of excellent picnic areas for you to pack up some portable delicacies, or a quick snack as you enjoy the view. If you’re with that special someone, good food and a view should be suitably romantic.

Catch some fish. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Lake Getaway Prep

A lake day itinerary can vary quite a bit depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the weather forecast, and your plan of attack. However, we’ve built out a short list of some of the most common lake necessities for you to use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

The basics

If the plan is to be in the sun for most of the weekend, the following list of items should be an excellent starting point when it comes to the necessities you are likely to need.

  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Dry shirt
  • Something to dry off with
  • Snacks
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Portable phone charger
  • Bug spray
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Portable stereo
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)

More lake stuff

The following items might prove useful for trips to the lake based on your plans. It’s also worth checking so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Tackle box
  • Worms or other bait
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Fishing gear
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Goggles or masks
  • Inflatable pool toys

Lake Safety Tips

While a day to your favorite body of water should be ample amounts of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some important safety tips.

  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves

Some More Tips

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes around East Lansing, there are a few things that might make your trip plan much more rewarding. Case in point, each individual lake near East Lansing has their own qualities and surroundings which makes it important to consider what you need to make an unforgettable adventure when planning yours.

  1. Make the most of the best assets in the area. If you have time for a lengthier trip, find local state campgrounds and parks which give you the ability to stay directly on the water at an affordable price.
  2. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Asking a local will typically allow you to find a marina that has what you need.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches may be very busy. If you want a little more privacy, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!