The 10 Most Beautiful Lakes in Michigan

Michigan is known for its thousands of freshwater lakes. If you’re a Michigander, you know just how important our lakes are to us, and you probably have a favorite lake that holds thousands of wonderful memories for you and your family. We polled thousands of Michiganders to see which lakes they think are the most beautiful in our state. Did your lake make the list? Keep reading to find out!

10. Elk Lake

If it weren’t for the pine trees, you’d feel transported to Jamaica when you’re at Elk Lake. There is nothing quite like Elk Lake’s crystal-clear beauty in the summer. If you haven’t experienced it yet, it’s time
that you do!

9. Lake Leelanau

Lake Leelanau is one of northern Michigan’s hidden gems. Far away enough from the tourist attractions in Downtown Traverse City to be able to relax, but it’s just close to enough to Sleeping Bear Dunes to be able to do some sightseeing. It provides a rustic retreat without being too removed from all that Northern Michigan has to offer.

8. Grand Traverse Bay

While it’s not technically a lake on its own, Grand Traverse Bay is so highly lauded by Michiganders that we made an exception to put it on this list. Grand Traverse Bay has the best of both worlds, the trendy city life of Traverse City with the calming views and wildlife of Lake Michigan. Does it get better than that?

7. Walloon Lake

Walloon Lake is your quintessential Michigan lake. It offers everything for water sports to just relaxing with your friends and family, which is why it’s so loved by Michiganders. Its turquoise water will make you feel like you’ve left Michigan and traveled to the Caribbean.

6. Silver Lake in Oceana County

Sleeping Bear isn’t the only place you’ll find dunes in Michigan! Silver Lake has dunes that rival even the prettiest places in Michigan, and its basin-like shape and bright blue color will have you dreaming of summers there for years to come!

5. Lake Charlevoix

According to USA Today, Lake Charlevoix is the second-best lake in the entire country, making it a must-visit if you live in Michigan. Its crystal-clear water will make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean, not Northern Michigan-- not that we’re complaining about that!

4. Glen Lake

You get two gorgeous lakes for one with Glen Lake! It’s widely loved in Michigan as one of the bluest lakes in the state, and is adjacent to Sleeping Bear Dunes, which offers some of the most beautiful views you’ll ever see!

3. Crystal Lake in Benzie County

Crystal Lake is a fisherman’s dream. You’ll find some of the best fishing in the world on this beautiful lake, which is one of the reasons it made our list. Plus, it’s called Crystal for a reason- it’s one of the clearest lakes in the state!

2. Torch Lake

Torch Lake is a water-sport lover’s paradise. Torch Lake is known for its turquoise, crystal-clear water and huge 4th of July parties on the infamous sandbar. Whether you’re looking for a party or a family getaway, Torch has something for everyone!

1. Higgins Lake

Higgins Lake won our poll by a landslide, putting it in first place for list of the most beautiful lakes in Michigan! If you’ve never been to Higgins, you must. It’s known for being one of the clearest lakes in the world-- you can see straight down to the bottom in water as deep as 20 feet. Plus, you’ve never seen a sunrise until you’ve seen one on Higgins Lake.

The lakes of Michigan have long been one of the biggest attractions in our beautiful state, loved by all who call it home.

People from Michigan know that you’re not a true Michigander unless you have a favorite lake to call home.

Chances are that if you’re a Michigan lake person, your family has called a certain lake home for decades.

That’s what makes Aerial Graphics so special.

Aerial Graphics is an aerial photography company that specializes in capturing aerial shots of the beautiful lakes of Pure Michigan.

They’ve taken images of every single lake in the Lower Peninsula. Each lake print is offered on a canvas wrap or can be framed, making it the perfect Father’s Day gift for the dad or grandpa who loves the lake more than anyone!

Who wouldn’t want a beautiful, crystal-clear shot of their favorite lake as a gift? With an Aerial Graphics Canvas Lake Print, you’ll be able to bottle up all of those memories you’ve made on your favorite lake and hang them on your wall.

Who knows, you may even be able to see your cottage or cabin in the shot! It’s the perfect, unique Father’s Day gift for the lake-loving dad or grandpa.

Our customers love our lake prints -- here’s what they have to say:

“I got a canvas print of Torch Lake for my grandparents for Christmas and they love it! No one in my family had ever seen anything like it. I was so excited to get them a gift that they loved. They’re the kind of people who have everything, and this really blew their socks off!” - Jenny L., Michigan

“My family has been going to Higgins Lake for generations upon generations. When I found Aerial Graphics, I knew it’d be the perfect gift to surprise my dad with for his birthday. When he got it, he cried! He said he loved that it reminded him of the time he spent on the lake with his own grandparents, and now the time he spends with my kids as a grandfather. He hung it proudly on our cabin wall, and I don’t think he’ll ever let us take it down!” - Lisa D., Michigan
To celebrate the upcoming summer season, and more importantly, Father’s Day, we’re currently offering 10% off the lake print of your choice.

Use the code DAD10 to take 10% off your canvas lake print.

We only ask that you act fast on this offer! Our supplies are limited, and with Father’s Day rapidly approaching, our team can only produce so many prints a day. To ensure that you receive your print in time for Father’s Day, we ask that you order as soon as possible.

We are so confident in both the quality of our images and that your dad will love this gift, we offer a 100% money-back guarantee. If you’re unhappy with your print in any way, just give us a call and we will give you a full refund.

So what are you waiting for? Order your canvas print today to get it in time for Father’s Day!

Click here to find your lake and give your dad the best Father’s Day gift ever!