Detroit might not always be associated with natural beauty, but there are so many pockets of splendor surrounding our wonderful city. In fact, one beautiful county–Oakland County–near Detroit boasts hundreds of lovely inland lakes – and you’ll want to see some of them for yourself. Don’t let our city’s fast-paced vibe fool you: we love to relax, unwind, and appreciate the wonders of the natural world as much as anyone else. Come along as we share with you some of the best lakes near Detroit.

Oakland County is familiar to most Detroiters, as it’s an important part of the Metro Detroit region.
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While the city of Detroit itself sits in Wayne County, Oakland is home to many of the area’s most well-known Michigan suburbs.
While you might associate Oakland County with Royal Oak, Ferndale, Pontiac, Southfield, Troy, and other bustling spots...
Google Maps
..., it’s equally impressive for another reason: its abundance of breathtaking inland lakes.
Exact numbers vary by source, but it’s widely known that Oakland County houses more than 300 lakes.
Wikimedia Commons/Snapdragon66
The list of publicly accessible lakes is much smaller, but this doesn’t detract from the county’s wonder, drawing Michigan residents from all over for a day of fun.
If you’re a sucker for waterfront fun, you’ll find plenty to appreciate when you explore this region of Metro Detroit.
Pa Houa/Google Maps
The most well-known destinations include Pontiac Lake, Cass Lake, and Lake Orion, among other Michigan lakes.
Many of the county’s lakes are accompanied by green space and parks.
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The Pontiac Lake Recreation Area offers trails, camping, and more alongside Pontiac Lake itself, not to mention a slew of smaller inland gems.
Try your hand at fishing in Big Lake, take your boat to the water via a public launch site on Cedar Island Lake.
Facebook/WhoaZone at Heron Lake
Or take to the beach on Heron Lake within the Holly Recreation Area. There’s no shortage of fun to be had.
Of course, if it’s larger lakes you’re after ...
Google Reviews/Charles Serdoner
... venture out of Oakland County to experience the many wonders of nearby Lake St. Clair and Lake Huron – not to mention the remaining Great Lakes that set Michigan apart.
As you plan for your next outdoor adventure near Detroit, keep Oakland County and its incredible lakes in mind.
Flickr/Ken Lund
Whether you prefer to relax along the shore or take to the water, you’ll surely find a new favorite vacation spot.

Have you made memories along any of the public or private lakes that set this beautiful county near Detroit apart? Which of the lakes in Oakland County are your personal favorites? We love to hear from our readers, so share your thoughts with us in the Facebook comments or recommend another natural attraction in Metro Detroit by completing our nomination form.

Love spending time along the water? You’ll enjoy reading about this peaceful park and beach near Detroit.

If you’re still in the mood for more Michigan adventures, take a look at this video about the Haunted Felt Mansion:

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Read on to learn about some of the many other fun places to go tubing in Michigan.

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Read on to learn about some of the many other fantastic museums in Michigan.

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