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.
Bloomfield Township, Orchard Lake, Pine Lake, Turtle Lake, Union Lake, Upper and Lower Long Lake
Locals call this region the Lakes District for good reason: There’s very little land between its numerous lakes, streams, and creeks. Winding roads, tiny cottage-style homes alongside new bigfoots, and a vacation vibe (especially from spring to fall) define the area.
That special vacation-like bent is one reason well-known members of the media, successful industry professionals, auto executives, and others choose to call this region home.
One of the more luxurious waterfront developments is Turtle Lake, a gated community located off West Square Lake Road in Bloomfield Township. Around the 40-acre, spring-fed expanse of water, residences run in the multi-millions and feature such attributes as multiple fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, enormous rooms, pools, billiards spaces, and more.
Affluent waterfront homes also dot the 395-acre private Pine Lake in West Bloomfield Township and Orchard Lake, encircled by Orchard Lake Village. In this region, you’ll find esteemed country clubs and golf courses like the Orchard Lake Country Club, whose course was originally designed and built in 1926. Pine Lake Country Club in Orchard Lake boasts a track that opened in the early part of the 20th century and features hole designs by Scottish architect Willie Park Jr. Both courses have been updated several times over the years.
Long Lake resident Dawn Bause shares that the Lake District has changed significantly. “I grew up in Union Lake, and as a kid, I couldn’t wait to spread my wings and fly as far away as possible,” says Bause, a chef and travel guide who now lives in Commerce Township on nearby Long Lake. “Back then it felt like the sticks, with long drives to get anywhere and not much happening in between. Farmland stretched for miles, and roadside produce stands dotted nearly every corner.” Today, she says, it is one of the most desirable places to live, presenting “an incredible lifestyle for singles, families, and seniors alike. Boating, paddleboarding, Jet Skiing, and sailing happen on nearly every lake.”
Not far from Long Lake are the chained Upper and Lower Long Lakes (which also connect to Forest Lake). They are located entirely in West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Township. While the 130-acre, spring-fed Upper Long Lake is an all-sports lake, Lower Long Lake (190 acres) restricts high-speed boating and Jet Skiing.
In Bloomfield Township, the 63-acre Gilbert Lake, with a depth of about 18 feet, is known for its quiet atmosphere and restriction to electric motorboats only. Other notable nearby lakes include Chalmers and Wing lakes. Residents in this region live just a short drive from the prestigious Oakland Hills Country Club.
Must-do: You don’t have to be a resident to enjoy Highland Recreation Area in White Lake, where you can swim at Teeple Lake and fish at Alderman Lake. Haven Hill Lake Loop, Haven Hill Loop, and Haven Hill Outer Loop provide views of Haven Hill Lake and traverse a variety of ecosystems. You’ll also find the remnants of the Ford family estate, once a private retreat for renowned industrialist Edsel Ford.
History lovers should check out the Orchard Lake Museum, where the Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society displays historic photos along with artifacts such as a 17th-century dugout canoe, the Keego Theater neon sign, and a horse-drawn doctor’s carriage used for house calls in the early 1900s.
Hike, fish, or picnic at Marshbank Park in West Bloomfield Township, situated on Cass Lake (Oakland County’s largest and deepest lake). “A friend has taken sunset yoga classes there,” says Sylvan Lake’s Paula Pasche. “They also have sunset concerts.”
Waterfront dining: The high-end Aurora on the Lake on Union Lake in Commerce Township serves a range of dishes, many created with house-made pasta. “Everyone loves their calamari, truffle fries, and the sausage and peppers appetizer,” says Commerce Township resident Peggy Burkhard. Her friends also enjoy the pollo limone, a sautéed organic chicken dish with lemon, capers, artichoke, and white wine. The casual Beach Tiki Bar and Boil on Walled Lake and 4th Tavern Lake House on Crescent Lake in Waterford Township represent a range of lakeside dining experiences. Bause says the Lakes Bar & Grille in Commerce Township, not far from Union Lake, is consistently excellent in “food, drinks, and service.” She likes the restaurant’s fish and burgers.
Waterfront Living in Metro Detroit
A Day Trip Downriver
Lake St. Clair
Huron River Waterway
Detroit River
Northern Oakland County’s Waterways
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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