Ann Arbor Lakes

Lakes Around Ann Arbor

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming summer adventure. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Ann Arbor. A lake vacation can be amazing for people who love wildlife too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are numerous brilliant reasons for making a trip to a lake in Ann Arbor during the warmer months – the cool water for swimming, enjoyable summer activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Browse through the data directly beneath this paragraph and see your options from swimming lakes to all sports lakes for you and the family to visit.

Lakes Close to Ann Arbor

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Ann Arbor you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by people of all persuasions. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you arrive at a Ann Arbor lake:

Partake in some water sports. Should you be able to get access to a fast boat, why not get out on the water and start zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Take the family out for some tubing or skiing as the all sports lakes give you a number of options.

Start paddling. If paddling is your thing, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake with a boat launch and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Catch some fish. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or tossing a line in from the dock.

Lake Checklist

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique depending on which lake you go to, what the weather is going to be, and what you want to do for entertainment. For your benefit, we’ve created a list that will give some ideas for your lake getaway to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

General items

When the plan is to be outdoors for most of the weekend, the list below is an excellent starting point for essentials to have on hand.

  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Insect repellant
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Backup clothes
  • Sunblock
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Food
  • A beach blanket and umbrella

Additional lake gear

Depending on the itinerary when at the water and what your party looks like, the list of gear might also prove useful and worth a quick spot check before you get on the road.

  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Your tackle box
  • Toys for the beach
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Wine key
  • Life jackets
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Goggles or masks
  • Books

Lake Safety Tips

While your getaway on a lake in Ann Arbor can provide ample amounts of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some important safety tips.

  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside

Some More Tips

Few people get a chance to visit the lakes near Ann Arbor and might have a few questions about how to make the most of their time there. Certainly, no matter where you go each lake is going to possess their own character and trappings, but it’s worth noting a couple key points to review while planning that might help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Rent a boat. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or tubing with the kids. Asking a local will usually help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Ann Arbor may be really busy. To find 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. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most popular beach!
  3. Make the most of unique assets in the area. If you have time for a longer trip, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the ability to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water without breaking the bank.