The Top 10 Reasons Michigan Has the Absolute Best Lakes in the Country

Michigan has shorelines on four out of the five Great Lakes, making it very deserving of its nickname, “The Great Lakes State.” Aside from the Great Lakes, Michigan is home to 10,000 other lakes between the state’s upper and lower peninsulas. The sheer number, size, and variety of lakes in this state are unlike any other. In fact, we’re going to show you the top reasons Michigan has the best lakes in the country. Get ready to learn about what makes this state’s lakes so special.

1. Michigan Has the Best Lakes in the Country Because Some of Them Are Massive

Let’s get the obvious answer out of the way to start. Michigan’s lakes are among the best in the country because they are the largest in the nation and rank among the top largest lakes in the world. These freshwater lakes contain a huge portion of the country’s freshwater supply!

These lakes have provided drinking water for cities, facilitated travel, and helped grow the economy of the area for centuries. Gazing out on the seemingly endless waters of Lake Superior from the Upper Peninsula is an unforgettable experience.

2. The Lakes Provide Natural Beauty in Urban Areas

The Great Lakes in Michigan provided settlers with everything they needed to rapidly grow their towns and cities. Detroit grew along the banks of the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair, a moderately sized lake that straddles the border between the U.S. and Canada.

One of the best things about these lakes is that they help cities retain some natural beauty in the midst of skyscrapers, factories, and a growing urban sprawl. So, even if a person finds themselves visiting highly populated areas of Michigan, the numerous lakes soften the landscape.  

3. Michigan’s Lakes Are a Fisher’s Paradise

The Great Lakes cover a huge area, and the inland lakes combined add quite a bit more. Anglers have more places to go fishing than they could visit if they went on a year-long fishing trip.

People love fishing in the Great Lakes so they can catch northern pike, trout, salmon, muskies, walleye, and more. The inland lakes also have many different types of fish as well. Some of the inland lakes are large enough to take out a boat, and others are small hidden gems.

4. A Huge Variety of Swimming Holes

Michigan’s lakes are a great place for people to go swimming in the summer. While the Great Lakes are a bit cold for some people to swim in, other lakes in the state are outright pleasant. Although Michigan doesn’t have as many lakes as some other states, it still has tons of great places to keep cool when the weather gets warm.  

5. The Lakes Draw Abundant Wildlife

The other benefit of the lakes in Michigan is that so many different animals live in and around them. Bald eagles nest in the Great Lakes region, and many species of fish, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles thrive alongside them.

That means people that enjoy birding, hunting, or just looking at what nature has to offer can all find a reason to head out to Michigan’s lakes.  

6. The Long Lake Shorelines Lets People Seek Peace and Quiet

People may have trouble fishing or embracing nature if they’re shoulder to shoulder with other people seeking the same respite from their daily lives. That’s why one of the major reasons Michigan has the best lakes in the country is that it has plenty of space for people to spread out.

Michigan has a population of slightly over 10 million people. Between the vast swaths of rural areas and the numerous lakes, everyone can find a nice place to relax.

7. Michigan Has Abundant Areas to Camp Near Lakes

Sometimes, a day-long trip is enough to satisfy one’s desire to be close to nature. Other times, people want to stay longer. Fortunately, many campgrounds have sprung up near Michigan’s lakes.

People can stay for a couple of nights, a long weekend, or even longer at these places. Visitors can explore the areas, see the wildlife, and bask in the beauty of the lakes. Just don’t watch any 80s horror movies before you settle into your cabin or put up your tent.

8. Travelers Can View Many Lighthouses Along the Great Lakes

Lighthouses were built along the shorelines of the Great Lakes to guide ships. Although they’re not all in use these days, about 200 lighthouses are still in operation along the shores. In addition to getting to experience the vastness of the Great Lakes, travelers can see the various lighthouses in the region.

9. There’s No Better Place to Get in a Boat

Taking a boat out on any of the lakes in Michigan can be exciting. Yet, nothing quite matches the thrill of boating on the Great Lakes. These vast bodies of water are perfect for a nice day on the water. Boaters can travel along the coast or venture farther out into the water. However, it is a good idea to have some experience before setting out into the Great Lakes.

10. Endless Opportunities for Hiking

The last reason that Michigan has the best lakes in the country is that they’re great for hikers. Michigan has about 3,288 miles of shoreline for people to walk along. That gives people all kinds of sights to see and places to explore. They can hike along a small lake or travel around a portion of the largest lakes in Michigan. With so much area to cover, it’ll be a new adventure every time.

For all these reasons and more, Michigan has the best lakes in the country. No other state offers such amazing access to the Great Lakes as well as thousands of others. Whether you’re near a major city or in the middle of the Upper Peninsula, plenty of lakes are around to enjoy.

Summary of 10 Reasons Michigan Has the Absolute Best Lakes in the Country

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