Detroit Lakes

Lakes Around Detroit

Sometimes you should gather your family and friends and make time to be near the water. As it turns out, when you make a trip to Detroit you have some options when it comes to spending time on the lake.

There are countless great motivations for making a trip to a lake in Detroit during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer entertainment such as boating, fishing or swimming. Some of the lakes in Detroit have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Browse through the local listings directly beneath this paragraph to see your options from swimming lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you to visit.

Lakes Near Detroit

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip, or a longer trip provides an almost endless list of activities for families or couples.

A day, weekend, or a week at the lake gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. Detroit’s lakes offer many top-notch picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite portable delicacies, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach should be suitably romantic.

Fishing. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or tossing a line in from the dock.

Water sports. If you’ve got access to a speed boat, why not spend the day zipping around the lake showing off your water sports skills? Hit the water and go wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the all sports lakes give you several choices.

Lake Checklist

A day at the lake can honestly be all over the map depending on which lake you choose, when you decide to go, and your plan of attack. To make things easier we’ve put together a list of our favorite go-to items that you can use as a checklist for your getaway.

Lake basics

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the majority of the weekend, the list below should be a good starting point for essentials to have on hand.

  • Sunscreen
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Beach blanket
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • Something to eat
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Insect repellant

More lake gear

Take into consideration the itinerary for the day and what your party looks like, the following items will likely be helpful and worth a quick spot check before you get on the road.

  • Something to read
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Bait
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Fishing poles
  • Goggles or masks
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Legal flotation devices

Lake Safety Checklist

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. These safety measures should make sure that everyone stays safe on the water.

  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Make sure no one swims alone

More Detroit Lake Tips

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes around Detroit, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that will make your weekend gameplan much more successful. As an example, each lake near Detroit has their own qualities and surroundings which makes it important to think about what you need to make a memorable adventure when planning yours.

  1. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Using a search engine will usually help you locate a marina that has what you need.
  2. Maximize the best local resources. If you have time for a lengthier getaway, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to camp right on the water for a reasonable price.
  3. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches can get exceptionally crowded. If you want some more space to spread out, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!