[mochachick]

We're looking to buy a cottage on a lake this spring. We're fairly new to Michigan so aren't very familiar with the area. Here's the criteria we're looking for:

- within a 2 hour drive from Grand Rapids
- a larger inland lake (not Lake Michigan)
- a lake that we can both fish and waterski on
- in an area with groomed snowmobile trails in the winter
- a lake that's not too crowded with jet skis/etc. on the weekends (or at least large enough to handle the crowds)

Does anyone have suggestions for us on places to start looking?

Thanks much!

[detroitMi]

I live by Grosse Ile, it is beautiful here

[jsejcm]

I'm not sure how far Higgins Lake is from GR but that is one beautiful lake great for boating not sure about fishing and there are tons of snowmobile trails there. It's near Roscommon.

[michmoldman]

I would say Houghton or Higgins lake. I believe Higgins lake was named the 6th most beautiful lake in the world. Houghton lake is Michigans largest inland lake and about 130 miles from GR. I think both have good fishing, with tons of water/jet skiers, but big enough to handle the crowds. There are tons of snowmobile trails in the area.

[bluebird39]

My vote would be for Higgins Lake too. It IS incredibly beautiful, although during peak summer months it can get very crowded.

If you want to head a bit further North, my personal favorite is West Twin Lake in Lewiston. There's also East Twin Lake. It's rarely crowded, and we often have it to ourselves weekdays in the summer. There are tons of snowmobiles trails up here too.

I'd say that we're about 3 hours from GR though.

[mochachick]

Thanks everybody for the suggestions! Higgins Lake sounds awesome - I think we'll start our search there.

[Ivorytickler]

Speaking of Higgins lake, does anyone know if there's a rental listing for cottages? My mother in law sold her cottage up there and I'd really hate to stop going up there but I'm not in position to buy a cottage, nor do I want to worry about the upkeep. I know people rent by the week but I have no clue how to find someone who does.

Thanks.

And my vote goes to Higgins lake too. The water is so clear and clean that you can see the bottom standing in 4 feet of water.

[bluebird39]

You might try the chamber of commerce. I found a rental that way when we first moved here.

[Bydand]

There is also Hamlin Lake by Ludington. The West side of the lake is the Ludington State park and you can boat over for the hiking trails, and even hunting in the farther northern section of the park. Sand dunes running right into the lake for great swimming. 4500+ acres so plenty large enough for skiing as well as some great fishing. It is a rather clean lake and there are numerous cottages along the east side of the lower lake and around the upper section of the lake also. It is about 90 minutes from GR.

Of course is the great Higgins lake as already mentioned and there is also Houghton lake as well in Roscommon County. Houghton lake is about 19,500 acres and Higgins Lake is around 10,000 acres.

[suydam]

Originally Posted by Ivorytickler

Speaking of Higgins lake, does anyone know if there's a rental listing for cottages?

The directory of Northern Michigan vacation rentals bed and breakfast cottages - Northern-Vacation.com
VRBO® is Vacation Rentals By Owner
Vacation Rentals, Vacation rentals by owner, Vacation Home Rentals, Great Rentals