East Lake

Located in Mackinac County, Michigan

East Lake is located in Mackinac County, which can be found on the lower side of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The closest metropolitan city is Sault Ste. Marie, which is 40 miles away. The city is also close to Canada, with only St. Mary’s River separating them.

The closest airport is Chippewa County International Airport which is 25 miles away. The nearest hospital is MyMichigan Medical Center - Sault in Sault Ste. Marie, 42 miles north of the lake.

On the Water Fun

The lake is a massive 1000 acres meaning that boating, water-skiing, and other high-speed water-based activities are perfectly doable. The lake also has plenty of room for swimming, angling, kayaking, and canoeing.

The lake’s massive size provides many opportunities for water sports. While the lake does not have a public access ramp, some of the lake’s properties come with docks for your watercraft. There is also the East Lake Resort, where you could rent a cozy cabin for yourself or a friend and enjoy a fun time on the lake.

Anglers should be on the lookout for largemouth bass, perch, and northern pike while out on fishing trips.

What's Nearby?

The lake is in a secluded area of Michigan. This means that attractions and eateries might be a bit of a drive off, but there are still some great dining locations around the lake under 20 miles away, such as King’s Fish Market, Buckhorn, and Pure Country Family Restaurant.

If you are willing to travel south to St. Ignace, you’ll find more eateries to enjoy that offer a unique feel and cuisine. A great example of this is Dusty’s Dogs, whose menu features mouth-watering hamburgers while the walls feature expressive paintings of dogs that give the establishment a sense of joyfulness.

Another great spot in St. Ignace is A Taste of the Upper Peninsula which offers homemade pastries, coffee, and meals. There are many more restaurants in St. Ignace that are worth tasting.

If you are more interested in going outdoors and hiking than eating, then the area around East Lake has you covered as well. For those seeking an outdoor adventure, look no further than the Sault Ste. Marie State Forest Area, where you can hike in the warm month, ride your snowmobile in the cold months, or simply enjoy the area’s serenity all year round.

Further south is Castle Rock, which is a large upright stone with a lookout platform where you can get a great view of Lake Huron and the coasts of Michigan. Another great location in St. Ignace is the Wawatam Lighthouse, whose gorgeous park only highlights the beauty of the lighthouse.

Visit Sault Ste. Marie

Come to visit the city of Sault Ste. Marie, the second-largest city on the upper peninsula of Michigan. There is a lot to see, and the city is never without something to do.

People interested in the history of the Great Lakes can stop by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society or Soo Locks, which features wonderful views and a museum. Close by is the Soo Locks Park which has a beautiful water fountain as a centerpiece.

The city is also home to other parks, such as the Rotary Island Park along St. Mary’s River and Malcolm park, which has numerous baseball fields. Want to know another fun fact? The city is also close to Canada, just across the river. So if you ever wanted to visit the country, this is one of the best spots.

Why East Lake?

East Lake has the right size, location, and climate for a quiet life in the northern United States. There are tons of ways to connect with nature and towns near enough that you can be immersed in seclusion while having what you need.