Skip to main content

Michigan has 11K inland lakes. Here are three that EGLE staffers love

July 01, 2026

With 11,000 inland lakes and more freshwater shoreline than any other state in the nation, Michigan has plenty of water bodies to choose from.

Yet some inland lakes stand out in people’s minds – a meaningful place connected to a family tradition or an enjoyable hidden gem visited time and time again.

As part of Lakes Appreciation Month, we asked staffers at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to let readers know about their favorite lakes. Here are three responses.

Lake Missaukee, located near Lake City

Lake Missaukee showing the beach, a dock and boats on a cloudy day. Lake Missaukee, submitted by Ashley McElmurry, Water Resources Division

"My family has been going to Lake Missaukee for over 20 years.  We love all the seasons on the lake.

In the summer there is a great beach for lying out, reading a good book, playing ball with the dogs, bonfires, swimming or even just wading out and jumping waves and, of course, all the water activity fun.

In the fall we love walking along the shore and enjoying the sunsets.

Winter is a whole lot of snow and seeing all the shanties for ice fishing.

Spring has all the little ducklings following their mamas and the return of loons.

My favorite part about this lake is the early morning calm and that there aren’t a lot of seawalls so the wave action doesn’t get overwhelming."

Lake Lansing, located in Haslett

Sunset at Lake Lansing showing docked boats. Credit: Cheri Riemer. Lake Lansing, submitted by Elizabeth Worden, Finance Division. Photo credit: Cheri Riemer.

"One of my favorite lakes is Lake Lansing.  Back in the day, it was not a county park like it is now. When I was a kid, it also had an amusement park with lots of rides. We would have a blast, and the Lansing School District Safety Patrol picnic was held there just before the rides were taken down.

In the summertime, they now have live concerts scheduled with local bands. When I left the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to come to work at EGLE, that’s where we had my picnic going away party. I have lots of great memories at this lake."

Perry Lake, located north of Fairview

Sun over Perry Lake in Oscoda County. Perry Lake, submitted by Kris Lauckner, Environmental Support Division

"One of my favorite places is Perry Lake, north of Fairview, in Oscoda County (Northeastern Michigan). I grew up 3 miles away and frequently rode my horse there to swim and hang out or ride the nearby trails.  It’s a nice lake to kayak, and usually three families of loons call it home. It is also known as a great fishing lake, but like many Northern Michigan lakes, much of it is a bit mucky for swimming. Perry Lake consists of two lakes connected by a channel; it’s not big enough for power boats, and so it’s usually very peaceful.

Fun fact: back in the 1940’s, my dad, who was a teenager, and his friends would camp by the lake. There weren’t any homes around it back then—just a few cabins. Northeastern Michigan was very hard hit by the Great Depression (it still has the lowest income per capita in the Lower Peninsula). Someone would bring a loaf of homemade bread, and they would catch fish to eat. One of the farmers grazed his cows around the lake, and the boys (being farm boys) would catch one of the cows and milk it to have milk with their meals."

Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Water Resources MI Environment Great Lakes

Media Contact:

MI Environment Team

EGLE-Media-Office@Michigan.gov

517-284-9278

Related News

For these are jolly good Fellows

The MI Healthy Climate Fellows program is accepting new applicants.

Passion for cleaning up litter unites two EGLE staffers, now among world’s top litter picker-uppers

Two EGLE staffers are spurring each other on to be among the world’s top litter collectors.

Remember to 'Clean, Drain, Dry' to protect waterfowl habitat

To protect Michigan’s waterfowl habitat, hunters are urged to take certain precautions.

Leading by example: EGLE staff riding and driving electric vehicles part of State’s EV fleet

MI Environment is highlighting the experience of EGLE staffers with the State’s electric vehicle fleet in a series of “ride and drives.”

Michigan launches PFAS Awareness Week

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed the week of Sept. 21, 2026, as PFAS Awareness Week, highlighting Michigan’s leadership in addressing this class of chemical contaminants and urging continued focus on the environmental and health risks associated with these pollutants.

SepticSmart Week features free webinar promoting septic maintenance, public health, water conservation and more

For SepticSmart Week, learn more about Michigan’s Septic Replacement Loan Program and a free webinar for homeowners.

EGLE kicks off Career Fair season at Michigan universities

EGLE is ready to meet, greet and educate students on the careers and internship opportunities the department has to offer at upcoming career fairs.

From Ypsilanti to Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo to Traverse City, events will shine a spotlight on ‘forever chemicals’ during PFAS Awareness Week

Fifteen events – including three webinars – are being held around the state as part of PFAS Awareness Week.

EGLE grant helping to build new affordable recovery housing at site of former paper mill in Kalamazoo

The project will turn vacant property in Kalamazoo into three new buildings with a total of 48 apartments, plus space for support services like coaching and counseling.

EGLE community open house draws crowd in Detroit

The gathering, which attracted over 50 people, took place at the Georgia Street Community Collective in Detroit.