Intermediate (Central) Lake

Those of us who truly love Northern Michigan love Intermediate Lake. Yes, Torch and Elk are bigger (but also quite cold all summer) and known for their blue color and parties at the sand bar, but Intermediate is right behind them in size at 1,200+ acres and 7 miles long and has the most beautiful landscape surrounding the lake, with a hilly, smoky appearance. Cottages line the shore, but there are also areas of undeveloped shoreline offering lots of natural beauty and places for bald Eagles to nest; gorgeous for kayaking or paddle boarding. It's also not as much of a party lake as Torch, while still offering lots of room for waterskiers, tubing, and cruising. It's worth noting, too, that the maximum depth listed on this site of 20 feet is incorrect, as it is actually up to 80 feet deep in several areas. The fishing is excellent (my husband and boys go out all summer and winter). Plus it's got the fun town of Bellaire at its southern end, and then Central Lake to the north. Definitely one of the best lakes up north, for sure.