Michigan is the ideal state for a family lake house vacation. Not only does Michigan border on four of the Great Lakes, but it also boasts many smaller lakes where you can rent a beautiful lakeside house that’s big enough for your big family.
Black Lake
Black Lake offers activities for adults and children of all ages. There’s plenty of fishing, both via boat and from the shore. Older children can enjoy the excitement of an ATV or even a jet ski.
Burt Lake
With miles of sandy shoreline and a prime location in Michigan’s Inland Waterway, Burt Lake is the ideal spot to begin a family adventure. The Inland Waterway alone boasts 38 miles of open water to explore. There are bike tours, hiking, and exciting seasonal events.
Crystal Lake
Situated in Benzie County, Crystal Lake lives up to its name with almost 9,870 acres of sparkling water, and sandy beaches that make it perfect for swimming. Boating of all kinds is available and there are plenty of fish. The area also offers biking and other activities.
Elk Lake
The clear blue waters of Elk Lake are a magnet for boaters and fans of fishing. The lake is nine miles long and set in some of the most spectacular scenery in the state. Whether you’re hiking amid fall foliage, enjoying a dip on a hot summer’s day or enjoying some exciting winter sports, there’s something for everyone.
Higgins Lake
One of the largest lakes in Michigan, Higgins Lake is famed for its clear blue water and sandy shoreline. There’s plenty to do, with fishing and all kinds of boating available. Explore nature trails through the nearby national parks, or simply rent a pontoon boat and enjoy a lazy day of swimming and sunbathing.
Houghton Lake
Houghton Lake is impressively clean and perfect for swimming. You can rent a sailboat, catamaran or motorboat for a day’s fishing and sightseeing, or enjoy a tour of the lake via kayak or canoe. There are jet skis for rent and plenty of excitement.
Lake Charlevoix
Lake Charlevoix is a little more secluded than some of the more high-traffic spots, making it ideal for a family escape. There are great activities year-round, from boat rental in the summer to winter sports later in the year.
Lake Erie
With miles of unspoiled wilderness to explore and big, beautiful lakefront homes to rent, Lake Erie is the perfect location for a getaway. As one of the famed Great Lakes, Lake Erie offers every imaginable activity: boating, fishing, swimming, diving, kayaking — everything you can think of.
Lake Huron
Famed for the beautiful sunrises that you can view over its clear blue waters, Lake Huron is hugely popular with tourists of all ages. Older children can enjoy exciting snorkel tours of the many shipwrecks in the lake.
Lake Leelanau
The area around Lake Leelanau is famous for its wineries and orchards, its world-class golf courses, and of course the ample fishing and boating on offer.
Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan has many family-focused activities, with everything from kayaking on the lake to flying on a trapeze at the nearby Trapeze School. There’s also biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
Lake Mitchell
Large families can enjoy an exciting lake house vacation in one of the many spacious rental properties available. The lake is stocked with many species of fish and is home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife.
Lake Superior
Lake Superior is famous for the many shipwrecks that scuba divers love to explore. The lake boasts swimming, all kinds of boating, and plentiful fish. The area offers golfing, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
Mullett Lake
Mullett Lake is ideal for swimming, boating, water-skiing, and other water sports. Hiking, biking, and winery tours are all popular activities.
Otsego Lake
Otsego Lake offers fishing from boats or from a fishing pier, with walleye and trout being the most popular catch. If you’re looking for a winter vacation spot, Otsego Lake is great for ice fishing and other winter activities.
Torch Lake
Visitors to Torch Lake can enjoy paddle-boarding, kayaking, and other fun activities. The deepest lake in Michigan, Torch Lake offers exceptional fishing.
Spring, summer, fall, and winter, Michigan’s lakes are the perfect destination for your big family’s next vacation. Many lake houses accept pets (with prior arrangement), so your family’s best friend can come along too.
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