Vacation help needed

[Meyer]

Hello Michigan. Considering a family vacation to Michigan next year and was hoping you guys could give some advice. Looking for a good fishing lake that will also accommodate boating activities for the kids. We are looking for a lakefront house to rent that can accommodate 13 people. Didn't really want to do the Great Lakes, but more-so a smaller, calmer, lake. Any advice on lakes throughout the state that may accomodate us would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks.

[crappietale]

The issue of a HOUSE to rent for 13 people might be a tough bill to fill. I sure don't know of any lake where that is available. On the other hand, as far as a good fishing lake with boating available, I doubt any lake in MI could offer more than Houghton Lake. It's just about in the middle of the lower peninsula. It's 22,000 acres full of bass, pike, walleyes and all kinds of panfish. There are a gazillion resorts, places to eat, shop, etc all along the miles of south shore. I hope that helps you out. GO BUCKEYES!!!

[Hermin]

The issue of a HOUSE to rent for 13 people might be a tough bill to fill. I sure don't know of any lake where that is available. On the other hand, as far as a good fishing lake with boating available, I doubt any lake in MI could offer more than Houghton Lake. It's just about in the middle of the lower peninsula. It's 22,000 acres full of bass, pike, walleyes and all kinds of panfish. There are a gazillion resorts, places to eat, shop, etc all along the miles of south shore. I hope that helps you out. GO BUCKEYES!!!

Leave Michigan immediately.

[yankee doodler]

easy Eric!

[yankee doodler]

Meyer:

It just so happens that my daughter cleans a rental house located on Lake Macatawa here in Holland. I would have to ask her how many it will accomodate, but I think 13 is not a problem. Lake Mac is NOT known for crappie, but holds walleye and many other fish. The lake is also connected to Lake Michigan via a channel. There are a number of good crappie lakes within 30-40 mins. of Holland also.

Do a Google maps, or Bing maps search of Holland, MI and you can get an idea of the size/layout of the lake. Certainly not your only option, but one nonetheless. Let me know if you want me to get you more info.

[Hermin]

easy Eric!

All ohio state apparel must be left at the crossing on the ohio side.

[crappietale]

I was born and raised in Ohio. Oppotunities for fishing and hunting lead me to move to MI when I was a much younger man. That said, while my wrinkled old carcass will remain in Michigan, my heart will always be "back home" in Ohio. If I removed all of my Ohio apparel anywhere it would NOT be pretty.

[Hermin]

Never forget Toledo!

[wicklundrh]

Meyer:

It really depends on "where" in Michigan you would like to vacation. I understand that you do NOT want to do the "great lakes thing" however, alot of great things to do are associated with towns on or near the great lakes. My reccomendation is to find an inland lake that is located in close proximity to a Great Lakes Town. Grand Haven, Muskegon, Ludington, Pentwater, Tawas, Bay City (just to name a few).

I know of a few lakes that have places to rent that can accomidate the "larger" crowd. Again, they will be closer to the Great Lakes.
Portage Lake in Onekema (connects to lake Michigan)
Pentwater Lake in Pentwater (connects to Lake Michigan)
White Lake in Whitehall (connects to lake Michigan)

All these lakes offer bigger houses to rent, right on the water (NOT on the great lakes) tons of stuff to do locally and on the water.

All else fails, open a map, put it on the wall and throw a dart at it. My bet is you land within 5 miles of a lake. I know Eric stired up the Michigan/Ohio debate, but we actually have more miles of lakes rivers and streams in Michigan than Minnesota does (they didn't have anything else to put on their license plates)!

[Hermin]

The gophers don't win enough to draw my ire.