I give this lake 5 stars because it fulfils all I require from a laking experience. Some folks like…read morea mini jobie nooner every weekend, I like to chill. I don't want to hear other people's children "playing" or whatever it is they do that's so loud. I don't want to vie for space on the sand bar. I don't want to hear other people's music, or see them dancing. You get the point, I'm not into the social scene that can be typical of Michigan lakes. You might be saying "why don't you get your own lake then you anti social jerk?". Well, that's basically what Orchard Lake is. It's amazing. There is literally like, no one on this lake 99% of the time. If you're lucky enough to be able to boat during the weekdays, you can often be the ONLY person on the water. You could totally lay out nude and no one would even be around to see you. The busy weekends don't really seem busy, and I have yet to feel crowded or annoyed. It's silent, peacful, serene and relaxing. Perfect. This is a VERY clean lake, and I believe it's the second or third largest in Oakland County. The water is clear and sparkling in most areas except for the very deepest parts. There is only seaweed in a few spots but these are not the chill areas and are easy to avoid. I love the variety of wildlife that can be seen on this lake including egrets, swallows, hawks, ducks, swans and lots of cute little fish that seem happy to hang out by the humans. The sandbar is spotless, probaly due to the "no drinking" poloicy that we, of course, follow to a T. LOL. The no drinking policy is most likely what keeps this lake fairly empty, and it works for me.

Amazing family fun park/pond. With small sandy beach/water access and volley ball courts…read more They have picnic tables and grills. Restrooms but no shower. There is no lifeguard on duty but there is always some one from the department patrolling for other violations. Talking about violations. NO alcohol/bottles, No animals. Plenty of parking. The sand, grass area, water is clean and well maintained. It does get dirty during peak hours but they do come clean few times a day. This pond is isolated from other water bodies around it. Keeps it little cleaner. Makes it good for scuba diving and there is some fishing as well. The have amazing trail system in the park for cycling and hiking. There is a trail around this pond. If you hike to the back of the pond, there is some water access (private beach). Or a spot to take your girl friend. There are two sand volleyball courts with net. One shed which can be reserved. This park is ideal because it's away from the crowded beaches around the area. Only thing, there could have been more trees in the lawn area for shade and tie your hammock.

There's so much for everyone at this park in Troy; a brand new playscape with a ninja wall, covered…read morepavilion, a paved walking trail which leads to small rustic trail in the woods, a wonderful lake for fishing or kayaking, and restrooms. There's plenty of native plants and wildlife, beautiful blooming flowers in July, and a unique bamboo tunnel. Free to the public to enjoy!

Sylvan Glen Lake Park is a hidden gem right off Rochester Road…read more It is great for a walk, picnic, and fishing. The back and forth walking path is paved leading around the lake into a beautiful forest area. Only about a third of the lake is accessible since the neighboring golf course locks the northern side. The accessible lakeside is shallow. Along the lake you will find benches to rest at or fishermen young and old. The onsite restrooms and water fountain were super helpful! Sylvan Glen Lake Park is a great spot to spend for the day or even stop on the way home from work for a fresh breath of air!

Capt. Steve is probably the most knowledgable charter captain on Lake St. Clair, in his 44th year…read more He has a great boat that can take up to six after everything from Atlantic salmon, walleye in spring and muskie in fall starting around September through early November. We caught three on our trip, up to 44 inches. That's an average size fish with him. You may have to buy a one-day Canadian license as he fishes the Canadian side of the lake often, at least for muskie. He recently caught the 4th largest fish ever recorded on the lake. He's the guy to go to.

A very large park built around 2 lakes. Over 11000 acres with over 40 miles of trails…read more This area offers camping,fishing,boating just to name a few of the many activities offered. Trails are marked but are unpaved and hilly and they can get muddy and slippery when wet so bring hiking gear. Some trails are also used for mountain biking. Plenty of parking is available .

Love these trails in the fall--when the mosquitoes are not bad. Many trails have good hills--but…read morebe careful because there are lots of rocks and roots, and fall leaves make them less visible. Dogs love it here, too. There are endless possible routes...we often do Crooked Lake.

This beach was Heath Beach back in the day-and the spring fed water is very clean! They had tested…read morethe water and was said to be the cleanest fresh water lake (quarry) in 13 states! We moved quite a distance away, but we'll travel for a day at Get Away Bay, aka Heath Beach!! Always a great time!

Not so hidden GEM just south of Milan. Right off 23. You can see it from freeway! Slice of heaven…read more What was previously known as heath beach/ milan beach is the same natural spring fed lake with a new owner who is breathing a fresh life into the place. You can tell by the new chairs and picnic tables! Natural spring fed lake with just about everything you can think of for a fun day in the sun (summer... fall... and winter...) Let's start with summer... pontoon sun deck with diving board, dock with diving board, water slide... Plenty of room to lay out. Just about anything under the sun can be rented for maximum enjoyment.. paddle boards, boats, paddle boats, floats, rafts etc etc. all reasonable prices. Here with family? A roped off sandy beach area with a couple floats for the kids to enjoy. Also- ADA water toys to help those that need help getting into the water. A nice touch! Did I mention an ice cream cart that drives around?! Or if you don't want to wait... a snack bar with all the options... water/pop/gaterade and snacks... including ice-cream. Want to host a party? There is a barn. Or a pavilion and plenty of upgrades to make the day fun including grills to rent or comfortable lounge chairs. Rentals are endless.... Anything and everything to make the day great. Wouldn't be surprised if you could purchase a bathing suit at this place. Not into water? Plenty of fun activities on land. Volleyball nets, orbeez gun obstacle to go all tactical with your buddies, horse shoe, disc golf. Sounds like camping is now included. And plenty of fire pits to rent for a fall gathering. More to come with the follow up fall and winter reviews... hay rides. Bon fires... possible haunted hay ride? Ice rink in the winter? Really a year round haven of activity. Fishing is just on the weekdays. Plenty to get after!

My wife and I decided to visit Lake Lansing lake to do some paddle boarding. The price was six…read moredollars per half an hour of rental which is very reasonable however we discovered you can only paddle in a circle you cannot go out on the lake or past certain buoys. Just a waste of money as there is no enjoyment involved in paddling in a circle, craziness who wants to paddle in a circle where is the enjoyment?

Very scenic and nice. Has gazebo/picnic area and a mini-beach. The pedal boat option is pretty nice…read moreand quite inexpensive too. Definitely worth a visit.

I came here on a field trip with the littles. This was a place we had always intended on visiting,…read moreand well, I am finally here. It is like a small Greenfield Village, but smaller and way less expensive, except for the train, which is a bit pricey, but they ride is quite long. Not too many places for kids to eat during the field trip, so that was a downfall. I would have liked to have looked around the ice cream and treat area, sounded yummy. Most of the kids liked the train ride, but it was a bit long for the littles, they got bored. I enjoyed going around the area, it was fun for me. The kids then got to see a comedy magic show. They absolutely loved it, I have never heard small children laugh out loud so much, so please let the gentleman in the picture who performed know he now has many new fans. We were able to walk around about two small buildings before we had to leave, so I did not get to see much more. My child enjoyed our time there and would like to visit again. For me, it was fun, but I don't know if I need to come back except if my other child wants to check it out.

Watched my very first Halloween dance off in the apple cider barn, involving my very own 8 yr old…read moreson. Had a blast and who don't love their doughnuts