🚤 West of the Motor City: 8 Pontoon-Friendly Lakes for Michigan Getaways
- Douglas Chapman
- Apr 20
- 5 min read
Explore the Hidden Highlands & Clear Waters Region – Hillsdale, Lenawee, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties
Perfect for Airbnb, VRBO, and pontoon adventures
Escape the hustle of Metro Detroit and dive into the serene lakes of Michigan’s Hidden Highlands & Clear Waters Region. Spanning Hillsdale, Lenawee, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties, this area offers a mix of 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 ideal for your next Airbnb or VRBO getaway.
With Vacation Pontoon Rental (VPR), you can skip the hassle of towing and have a pontoon delivered directly to your lake—ready 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, with 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. Surrounded by upscale Airbnb and VRBO rentals, it’s a top pick for watersports enthusiasts and families. With multiple marinas and public launches, pontoon cruising is a breeze.
Top Activities:
Boating & Watersports
Fishing (bass, walleye, crappie)
Dock at Jerry’s Pub
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 clear waters and a laid-back vibe. Its proximity to MIS and public beaches makes it a favorite for families.
Top Activities:
Pontoon cruising, skiing, tubing
Fishing (bass, bluegill, pike)
Beach day at Hayes State Park
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: 📧 info@vacationpontoonrental.com
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. 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
Cherry Creek Winery
Why Pontoon Here?
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) sits near downtown Hillsdale and is a lively all-sports lake with public launches and a great mix of modern and historic lakeside homes.
Top Activities:
Pontoon rides, jet skiing, tubing
Fishing (bass, bluegill, perch)
The Deck Down Under lakeside dining
Local festivals & county fair
Why Pontoon Here?
Big enough to explore, small enough to relax. Great for family cruising and lakeside eats.
Book Your Pontoon: 🌐 VacationPontoonRental.com
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 just 40 minutes from downtown Detroit. A mix of urban convenience and lake charm, with public marina access and plenty of rental homes.
Top Activities:
Boating, wakeboarding, skiing
Fishing (bass, walleye, catfish)
Horizon Park trails and waterfront
Breweries and shopping in Belleville or Ann Arbor
Why Pontoon Here?
A convenient big-lake vibe near the city—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. Dozens of Airbnb rentals with docks line the shore.
Top Activities:
Pontoons, tubing, jet skiing
Fishing (bass, crappie, bluegill)
Dock at Whitmore Lake Tavern
Ann Arbor dining, breweries, and U-M campus nearby
Why Pontoon Here? The perfect mix of activity and access—great for weekend warriors or relaxed day trips.
Book Your Pontoon: 📧 info@vacationpontoonrental.com
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 quiet, no-wake lake with great fishing and scenic shoreline. A great place to book a peaceful lake house and cruise calmly all day.
Top Activities:
Fishing (bass, pike, panfish)
Wildlife watching, 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 all-sports and full of life. Convenient to Ann Arbor and full of short-term rentals.
Top Activities:
Pontoons, skiing, tubing
Fishing (bass, crappie, catfish)
North Bay Park for trails and nature
EMU events and downtown Ypsi nightlife
Why Pontoon Here?
Fun, flexible, and close to the city—perfect for boating + off-lake entertainment.
Book Your Pontoon: 🌐 VacationPontoonRental.com
🚤 Why Rent a Pontoon with Vacation Pontoon Rental?
A pontoon boat transforms your lake getaway into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re 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
Family-Friendly: Easy to operate, safe, and spacious
Customizable: Great for swimming, fishing, or floating parties
📅 How to Book
Reserve early—summer weekends fill 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 packed with lakefront rentals—from cozy cottages to luxury homes with docks. Pair your stay with a pontoon rental and turn 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