Discover the Beauty of the Hidden Highlands & Clear Waters Region – Hillsdale, Lenawee, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties
- Douglas Chapman
- Apr 20
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 2
Perfect for Airbnb, VRBO, and Pontoon Adventures
Escape the hustle and bustle of Metro Detroit. Dive into the serene lakes of Michigan's Hidden Highlands & Clear Waters Region. Spanning Hillsdale, Lenawee, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties, this area offers vibrant all-sports lakes, peaceful retreats, and charming small-town vibes. Whether you’re craving watersports, fishing, or a relaxing pontoon cruise, these eight pontoon-friendly lakes are perfect for your next Airbnb or VRBO getaway.
With Vacation Pontoon Rental (VPR), skip the hassle of towing and have a pontoon delivered directly to your lake—all set for adventure. From high-demand hotspots like Devil’s Lake to urban escapes like Belleville Lake, here’s your guide to the best lakes for pontoon boating in the region.
🌄 Why Choose the Hidden Highlands & Clear Waters Region?
Diverse Lakes: From all-sports playgrounds to tranquil fishing havens, there’s a lake for every vibe.
Proximity to Detroit: Most lakes are within a 1–2 hour drive, perfect for weekend getaways.
Vibrant Communities: Enjoy lakefront dining, wineries, and historic towns like Adrian and Tecumseh.
Pontoon-Friendly: All eight lakes are ideal for pontoon cruising, offering easy access to rentals, docks, and marinas.
🧭 8 Pontoon-Friendly Lakes for Your Michigan Lake Getaway
1️⃣ Devil’s Lake – Lenawee County’s Premier All-Sports Lake
Lenawee County, MI
Best for: Watersports, luxury rentals, and lively lake vibes
Overview:
Devil’s Lake (1,330 acres) is Lenawee County’s crown jewel. Known for its crystal-clear waters and bustling boating scene, it’s surrounded by upscale Airbnb and VRBO rentals. This lake is a top pick for watersports enthusiasts and families. With multiple marinas and public launches, pontoon cruising here is effortless.
Top Activities:
Boating & Watersports
Fishing (bass, walleye, crappie)
Dock at Jerry’s Pub
Visit Devils Lake County Park & Hidden Lake Gardens nearby
Why Pontoon Here?
Spacious waters and scenic shorelines make Devil’s Lake perfect for pontoon cruises, sunset rides, and sandbar stops.
Book Your Pontoon:
📞 Call VPR at 260-701-2222 🌐 VacationPontoonRental.com
2️⃣ Wamplers Lake – A Family-Friendly Boating Hub
Lenawee County, MI
Best for: Family vacations, watersports, and fishing
Overview:
Wamplers Lake (780 acres) in Hayes State Park is a vibrant all-sports lake with crystal-clear waters and a laid-back vibe. It’s close to MIS and public beaches, making it a favorite for families.
Top Activities:
Pontoon cruising, skiing, tubing
Fishing (bass, bluegill, pike)
Beach day at Hayes State Park
Attend MIS races or visit downtown Brooklyn
Why Pontoon Here?
Wamplers’ calm coves and open waters are perfect for pontoons. VPR delivers directly to nearby launches.
Book Your Pontoon:
3️⃣ Round Lake – Hillsdale County’s Hidden Gem
Hillsdale County, MI
Best for: Peaceful retreats, fishing, and nature lovers
Overview:
Round Lake (400 acres) offers a quiet, less-crowded atmosphere. It is ideal for pontoon cruising, wildlife viewing, and fishing near cozy wooded Airbnb rentals.
Top Activities:
Fishing (largemouth bass, crappie, panfish)
Paddling and slow pontoon rides
Wildlife viewing
Visit Cherry Creek Winery
Why Pontoon Here?
The quiet waters, tree-lined shores, and no-pressure boating make Round Lake a relaxing choice.
Book Your Pontoon: 📞 Call VPR at 260-701-2222
4️⃣ Baw Beese Lake – Hillsdale’s Vibrant Community Lake
Hillsdale County, MI
Best for: Boating, community events, and lakefront dining
Overview:
Baw Beese Lake (417 acres) is located near downtown Hillsdale. It is a lively all-sports lake featuring public launches and a mix of modern and historic lakeside homes.
Top Activities:
Pontoon rides, jet skiing, and tubing
Fishing (bass, bluegill, perch)
Enjoy lakeside dining at The Deck Down Under
Attend local festivals and the county fair
Why Pontoon Here?
Big enough to explore and small enough for relaxation—great for family cruising and lakeside dining.
Book Your Pontoon:
5️⃣ Belleville Lake – Wayne County’s Urban Escape
Wayne County, MI
Best for: Weekend getaways, watersports, and proximity to Detroit
Overview:
Belleville Lake (1,270 acres) is an all-sports lake located just 40 minutes from downtown Detroit. This lake offers a mix of urban convenience and lake charm, with public marina access and plenty of rental homes.
Top Activities:
Boating, wakeboarding, and skiing
Fishing (bass, walleye, catfish)
Views from Horizon Park and its waterfront trails
Explore breweries and shopping in Belleville or nearby Ann Arbor
Why Pontoon Here?
Experience a convenient big-lake vibe near the city. It's perfect for parties, day trips, and group fun.
Book Your Pontoon:
📞 Call VPR at 260-701-2222
6️⃣ Whitmore Lake – Washtenaw’s All-Sports Hotspot
Washtenaw County, MI
Best for: Watersports, fishing, and vibrant rentals
Overview:
Whitmore Lake (677 acres) offers clear water and a lively boating scene just north of Ann Arbor. Numerous Airbnb rentals with docks line the shore.
Top Activities:
Pontoons, tubing, and jet skiing
Fishing (bass, crappie, bluegill)
Dock at Whitmore Lake Tavern
Explore dining options and breweries in Ann Arbor, along with the U-M campus nearby
Why Pontoon Here?
This location balances activity and access—perfect for weekend warriors or relaxed day trips.
Book Your Pontoon:
7️⃣ Sand Lake – Lenawee’s Quiet Fishing Retreat
Lenawee County, MI
Best for: Fishing, small-group rentals, and relaxation
Overview:
Sand Lake (440 acres) is a tranquil, no-wake lake boasting excellent fishing and a scenic shoreline. It’s an ideal spot to book a peaceful lake house and enjoy calm pontoon cruising all day.
Top Activities:
Fishing (bass, pike, panfish)
Wildlife watching and birding
Relaxed pontoon cruising
Explore downtown Tecumseh
Why Pontoon Here?
Perfect for low-key escapes, pontoon fishing, and easy lake living.
Book Your Pontoon:
📞 Call VPR at 260-701-2222
8️⃣ Ford Lake – Washtenaw’s Urban Lake Retreat
Washtenaw County, MI
Best for: Boating, fishing, and easy access to Ypsilanti
Overview:
Ford Lake (975 acres) in Ypsilanti is bustling with life. Convenient to Ann Arbor, it features many short-term rentals.
Top Activities:
Pontoons, skiing, and tubing
Fishing (bass, crappie, catfish)
North Bay Park offers trails and opportunities to connect with nature
Enjoy events at EMU and experience nightlife in downtown Ypsi
Why Pontoon Here?
It's fun, flexible, and close to the city—ideal for boating paired with off-lake entertainment.
Book Your Pontoon:
🚤 Why Rent a Pontoon with Vacation Pontoon Rental?
A pontoon boat can completely transform your lake getaway into an unforgettable experience. Imagine cruising to a dockside restaurant, fishing in hidden coves, or soaking in sunset views. Pontoons offer comfort and flexibility for groups of all sizes.
Why Choose VPR?
Hassle-Free: We deliver to your lake, pre-fueled and ready to use.
Family-Friendly: Easy to operate, safe, and spacious for everyone.
Customizable Adventures: Perfect for swimming, fishing, or floating parties.
📅 How to Book
Reserve early—summer weekends fill up fast!
📞 Call: 260-701-2222
📧 Email: info@vacationpontoonrental.com
🌐 Website: VacationPontoonRental.com
🏡 Plan Your Airbnb or VRBO Lake Getaway
The Hidden Highlands & Clear Waters Region is filled with lakefront rentals. Choose from cozy cottages to luxury homes with docks. Pair your stay with a pontoon rental to enhance your weekend into a full-on lake life experience.
Tips for Booking:
Look for rentals with private docks or nearby public launches.
Choose pontoon-friendly lakes like Devil’s Lake or Wamplers.
Book early for prime summer weekends.
🌅 Final Thoughts
Exploring the Hidden Highlands & Clear Waters Region can offer the ultimate in relaxation and fun. Each lake has something unique to offer, whether it’s vibrant communities or tranquil settings. So grab your family and friends, book a pontoon, and create lasting memories in the stunning Michigan outdoors!
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