Are you ready to explore one of Michigan’s most beautiful and underrated treasures? While we’re known as the Great Lakes State (with good reason), there are plenty of inland bodies of water worth exploring throughout the area. As you plan for your next outdoor adventure, keep one of the clearest lakes in Michigan on your must-visit list. This sparkling clear spot will easily capture your heart.

Elk Lake is located within Grand Traverse and Antrim Counties, bordering communities like Rapid City, Elk Rapids, and Kewadin. It’s just a stone’s throw from the marvels of Torch Lake and Lake Michigan.
Google Maps
While the lake itself is smaller than Michigan’s iconic Great Lakes, its size shouldn’t stop you from visiting. After all, Elk Lake boasts some of the most crystal clear waters in the entire state – truly enchanting.
Flickr/Berndt Rostad
Despite its relatively small size (the lake extends for approximately nine miles and measures 1.5 miles wide), Elk Lake is also unique in its depth of 192 feet, rendering it Michigan’s second-deepest inland locale.
Flickr/Berndt Rostad
Whether you’re appreciating the water from a campground or venturing out for an afternoon of boating, you’ll immediately notice its impossibly blue hue. In fact, you might just wonder if you’ve landed in the Caribbean.
Flickr/Berndt Rostad

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For those who love fishing and exploring the great outdoors by boat, Elk Lake is a true paradise. For a launch fee of $12, you can take to the lovely water via a public launch site off East Elk Lake Drive in Rapid City.
Elk Lake DNR/Michigan Water Trails
Searching for a more laid-back experience that doesn’t require a water vessel? Make your way to Whitewater Township Park and Campground, where you can camp just off the shore of the lake and unwind with family.
Google Reviews/Diane Crossman
For an elevated adventure, rent a private cottage at Wandawood Resort in Elk Rapids, which provides beach space along Elk Lake. No matter where you choose to make memories, you’ll be easily enamored.
Facebook/Wandawood Resort
As you plan your next in-state adventures, be sure to consider Elk Lake and its crystal clear waves. Whether you’re tossing in a line or relaxing along the shore, it’s almost impossible not to love this inland treasure.
Flickr/Berndt Rostad

See the clarity of this stunning Michigan lake for yourself:

Have you spent time along the shores of Elk Lake during previous outings here in the Great Lakes State? What are some of your favorite memories? Or, if you’d like to recommend another one of the clearest lakes in Michigan, let us know by completing our official nomination form. Happy adventuring, fellow Michiganders!

Seeking even more fun along the shore? Read about this delightful beach resort in Michigan.

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More to Explore

Clearest Lakes in Michigan

Tori Jane | May 03, 2023
  1. What are some of the clearest lakes in Michigan? 

Michigan is home to literally hundreds of lakes. It’s an incredible state, and its position nestled right up along Lake Michigan is pretty awesome, too. Naturally, some of these lakes are crystalline and absolutely stunning. Some of the most amazing, clearest lakes in Michigan include:  

  • Lake Huron – This lake is the second-largest of the Great Lakes, and it’s remarkably, beautifully crystal-clear. Oh, and there are about 30,000 islands in it. There’s that. 
  • Torch Lake – This gorgeous glacial lake is the deepest one in the Mitten, coming in at an impressive 300 feet deep! 
  • Silver Lake – This one’s not only super clear; it’s also nearby some awesome dunes (which are what separates Silver Lake from Lake Michigan).  

Learn more about some of the best, clearest lakes in the United States! 

  1. Where is Elk Lake in Michigan? 

Elk Lake is stunningly beautiful and filled with wonder – which makes it pretty similar to the rest of the state! You’ll find it in both Antrim and Grand Traverse counties in northern Michigan. It’s about one and a half miles wide and nine miles long. It’s the second-deepest lake after Torch Lake, coming in at an average depth of 196 feet. It’s popular among boaters, swimmers, fishermen, and many others. It’s definitely worth the adventure! Learn more about another amazingly clear Michigan lake at Clear Lake State Park.  

  1. How many lakes does Michigan have? 

Michigan is an awesome state for lake lovers – after all, it’s home to more than 10,000 sparkling lakes! Of those 10,000 lakes, about 2,700 of them are mapped. Houghton Lake is the largest lake that’s entirely within the state of Michigan. It encompasses more than 20,000 acres and is filled to the brim with stunning natural beauty. Learn more about the most beautiful lakes in Michigan! 

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Elk Lake, Michigan, USA