Top 18 Lakes in Washtenaw County

Many lakes in Washtenaw County offer excellent family-friendly options. Gallup Park, for instance, features playgrounds (including an accessible one), picnic areas, and rentals for canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats. Independence Lake County Park also boasts a large sandy beach, a clean swimming area, and the Blue Heron Bay spray park with water slides and jets, making it ideal for families.

For youth fishing, the Gallup Youth Fishing Pond within Gallup Park is specifically designated for youths and accompanying adults. For general fishing, Crooked Lake is known for bluegill, largemouth bass, and northern pike. Big Silver Lake and Bruin Lake are also popular for black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, and sunfish.

Silver Lake, located within the Pinckney State Recreation Area, is frequently recommended for swimming and is known for being less crowded. Pickerel Lake is another beautiful option for swimming, though its beach can fill up quickly. Independence Lake also offers a large, clean swimming area with a sandy beach.

Yes, Whitmore Lake is a popular destination for various water sports due to its size. Big Portage Lake, part of the Portage-Base Line Lakes chain, is also large enough for a variety of boating activities. For kayaking and paddleboating, Gallup Park offers rentals on the Huron River and Geddes Pond.

You can find scenic trails at Gallup Park, which offers over 3 miles of trails connecting to the Border-to-Border Trail. Tubbs Nature Area provides a peaceful setting with river views and diverse vegetation for walks. For more extensive hiking, the Pinckney State Recreation Area, home to lakes like Silver Lake and Blind Lake, features the 17-mile Potawatomi Trail loop. You can explore more options for hiking and walking trails in the region on the MTB Trails in Washtenaw County guide, which includes routes like the Border to Border Trail.

For a more rustic and secluded experience, Blind Lake, located within the Pinckney Recreation Area, offers a hike-in only campground with 10 rustic sites. These sites include fire rings, vault toilets, and a hand pump for water, providing a true wilderness feel.

Gallup Park is known for its accessibility, featuring an accessible playground and over 3 miles of trails suitable for various users, including those in wheelchairs. The park's scenic walkways and facilities are designed to be enjoyed by everyone.

Barton Dam and Pond is a notable example. The pond was created by the historic Barton Dam, built in 1912, which is a hydroelectric facility powering Ann Arbor. This area is an integral part of the Huron River system and offers natural beauty alongside its historical significance.

During the winter months, Independence Lake offers opportunities for ice fishing, providing a unique recreational option when the lakes freeze over. Other activities like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing might be available on trails near some lakes, depending on snow conditions.

Tubbs Nature Area is a beautiful wooded area between the Huron River and Huron River Drive, offering a peaceful setting with river views and diverse vegetation. Black Pond Woods Nature Area also provides a tranquil environment for observing nature.

Yes, Washtenaw County offers several cycling routes that pass by or are near its lakes. For road cycling, you can find routes like the Delhi Bridge – Huron River Bridge loop. Gravel biking enthusiasts can explore options such as the Ann Arbor to Jerusalem loop or the Pittsfield Preserve to Mary Beth Doyle Park loop. More details on these routes can be found in the Road Cycling Routes in Washtenaw County guide and the Gravel biking in Washtenaw County guide.

Visitors frequently appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities, from water sports on larger lakes like Whitmore Lake to the peaceful natural settings of areas like Tubbs Nature Area. The family-friendly amenities at places like Gallup Park and the serene fishing spots are also highly valued by the community.