Thousands of bodies of water shape the landscape of metro Detroit. Bordered by two Great Lakes — which are connected by the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, and the St. Clair River — and peppered with hundreds of inland lakes, rapid rivers, and scenic creeks, this region boasts some of the state’s best places to live and visit. Here, we dive into five different waterways and take a look at cities and towns near them that make the most of their locations.
Ann Arbor, Dexter, Chelsea, Pinckney
The forested and recreation-friendly Huron River is designated a Country-Scenic Natural River, and the Huron River Water Trail is part of the National Water Trails System. For 130 miles, the Huron River watershed flows from northern Oakland County through historic Milford, the ever-growing Brighton, and Pinckney, with its many state recreational areas. The river goes on to Washtenaw County’s Dexter and Scio before bisecting Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti on its way to Lake Erie.
More than 900 square miles along the watershed are loaded with fun opportunities and Big 10 college-town appeal. Paths along the waterway lead to high-caliber schools, widening stretches of suburban neighborhoods, and large and surprising swatches of green space for play. A plus: Dozens of lakes along the big river’s path are perfect for city living or country life.
Having raised their family in Ann Arbor, Barbara and Greg Allushuski were grateful for the city’s proximity to the waterways and the nearby communities of Dexter and Chelsea for boutique-style shops and pubs, as well as the opportunity to get out to the country for farm-stand produce and beautiful vistas. Their oldest son, Ty’s favorite fishing spot along the river is near Zeeb Road and Huron River Drive. “There’s a trailhead to get down to the river, and I fish for smallmouth bass mostly,” he shares.
The Huron River was also “a major draw for me to move to Ann Arbor,” says interior designer Tiffany Birch, owner of Birch Design Associates. “I love walking in Gallup Park along the river and watching people canoe.” Birch also owns a home on Portage Lake, one of the nine lakes known as the Chain of Lakes, a watershed of the Huron River. “It’s so fun in the summer to ‘cruise the river,’ where everyone waves at each other, and swim in different lakes on different days.”
Waterways, most notably the Huron River, define the city of Dexter, about 10 miles northwest of Ann Arbor. Mill Creek runs through the town until it meets the Huron River. You’ll find an intriguing blend of home styles there — historic beauties downtown, new subdivision residences farther out, and rural estates beyond.
Kathy Dorian, who lives in Dexter’s Westridge development, appreciates the Border-to-Border paved trail behind her home, which connects downtown Dexter to Hudson Mills Metropark. “It’s truly beautiful,” she says. “And we’re just a 20-minute drive to Ann Arbor or to Chelsea.”
Must-do: In Dexter, you’ll want to visit the Dexter Cider Mill, the longest continuously operating cider mill in Michigan. In Chelsea, about 15 miles west of downtown Ann Arbor, the renowned Purple Rose Theatre Company, founded by actor and playwright Jeff Daniels, rolls out great shows and performances.
Of course there’s plenty to do in Ann Arbor, but be sure to check out the historic brick-lined Kerrytown district — home to the city’s farmers market and Zingerman’s Deli. For more formal dining, head to the Gandy Dancer in the splendidly restored 1886 Michigan Central Depot for award-winning seafood.
If you’re a birder, take your binoculars to Kensington Metropark’s trails in Milford. Paths wind through woods and wetlands, where you’ll spot a plethora of birds of all sizes. The park surrounds Kent Lake, great for swimming, boating, and fishing for bass, pike, and perch. A beautiful walking and biking trail (8.5 miles) surrounds the lake. The connected Island Lake Recreation Area and nearby bike trails add to the appeal.
Waterfront dining: Birch recommends taking your boat all the way to Zukey Lake Tavern in Pinckney. “It’s a restaurant that has a huge rooftop bar with outdoor music and an island vibe in the summer,” she says. In Milford, grab a patio table and enjoy a burger and beer at River’s Edge Brewing Co. on the banks of the Huron River.
More Waterfront Living in Metro Detroit
A Day Trip Downriver
Lake St. Clair
Detroit River
Northern Oakland County’s Waterways
Western Oakland County’s Lakes
This story originally appeared in the July 2026 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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