Top 5 Lakes around Hillsdale
Lakes around Hillsdale, Michigan, provide diverse recreational opportunities and natural settings. Hillsdale County features numerous lakes, suitable for various water activities and outdoor exploration. The landscape includes both public and private waterways, many with clear, spring-fed waters. Visitors can find options for boating, fishing, swimming, and lakeside relaxation across the county.
Best lakes around Hillsdale
- The most popular lakes is Forest Park, a forest that features landscapes with forests, ecosystems, nature reserves, and lakes and streams. It is considered…
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Forest Park
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Post-Dispatch Lake, Forest Park
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Forest Park
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Jefferson Lake
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Emerson Grand Basin
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Tips from the Community
Forest Park is a huge recreational park in the heart of St. Louis. The park is perfect for relaxing, biking, golfing, and exploring the various cultural offerings at the Museum of History, St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, or Planetarium. It's also easily accessible by metro.
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The bike lanes here are wonderful. The connectors could be improved though!
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Forest Park in St. Louis is a sprawling urban park spanning 1,371 acres, making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States. It offers a wide range of attractions, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Zoo, and the Missouri History Museum.
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The Emerson Grand Basin in St. Louis is a stunning water feature located in Forest Park. Spanning over 7 acres, it serves as both a picturesque gathering place and a recreational area for visitors to enjoy.
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Forest Park, with 1,326 acres, is considered one of the premier urban public parks in the US. It features beautiful landscapes sprinkled with forests, ecosystems, nature reserves, and lakes and streams. It als contains cultural institutions including the St Louis Zoo, Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, Science Center, and Muny Opera.
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Emerson Gran Basin is a manmade lake in front of the Saint Louis Art Museum. The architecture of the museum, the square, and the lake with water fountains make it a beautiful romantic scenery. Forest Park has a nice trail network and is a great place for a run.
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Jefferson Lake is situated in the very east of the huge Forest Park in St. Louis. There are multiple picnic areas around the lake to enjoy a great natural setting in the city. The lake is a famous spot for fishing and the paths leading around the lake (and the rest of the park), are perfect for jogging.
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In addition to sports, the huge park also offers cultural highlights such as museums, the St. Louis Zoo and bars and cafes. There is the possibility to sit and enjoy the weather and the silence, or you can try pedal boats, canoes or stand-up paddling. The north end is home to the Missouri National Museum and the south-west end is home to the Missouri Art Museum. In summer there are various festivals such as the St. Louis Blues Festival or the African Art festival. An oasis in the heart of industrial St. Louis.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes for recreation in Hillsdale County?
Baw Beese Lake is a prominent all-sports lake known for boating, fishing, and swimming, with a 7.5-mile paved trail. Hemlock Lake is another popular public all-sports lake, ideal for waterskiing, kayaking, and fishing. Long Lake also offers public access for various water activities.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Hillsdale?
Yes, Baw Beese Lake is very family-friendly, offering access to Sandy Beach, Owen Memorial Park, and Waterworks Park, which include playgrounds and a beach. South Sand Lake is also excellent for families, with calm, clear waters perfect for swimming and water sports, and opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.
Which lakes offer public access for boating and swimming?
Baw Beese Lake, Hemlock Lake, Long Lake, and Bear Lake all provide public access. Hemlock Lake, in particular, has a public access site with a hard surface ramp, toilets, and parking, making it convenient for visitors.
What kind of fishing opportunities are available in Hillsdale County lakes?
Hillsdale County lakes are excellent for fishing. Baw Beese Lake is known for Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, and Yellow Perch. Hemlock Lake offers Northern Pike, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, and Walleye. Long Lake is particularly noted for walleye fishing, while Bear Lake has Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Rock Bass, and Yellow Perch.
Are there any private lakes in the area?
Yes, Lake LeAnn is a private, all-sports lake located in the scenic Irish Hills. It's known for its clear, spring-fed water and offers a sense of exclusivity and calm waters for boating, swimming, and fishing within its private community.
Where can I find trails for biking or walking near the lakes?
Baw Beese Lake features a 7.5-mile paved trail that runs from Sandy Beach, perfect for biking, walking, running, and bird watching. Around Bear Lake and South Sand Lake, you can also find opportunities for hiking and nature exploration.
What are some unique features of Baw Beese Lake?
Baw Beese Lake is not only an all-sports lake but also has historical significance as a camping site for the Potawatomi people. It offers multiple parks, a paved trail, and the city of Hillsdale provides seasonal dock slip rentals. You can learn more about its history at the Hillsdale Historical Society.
Which lake is considered a 'hidden gem' for camping and tranquility?
South Sand Lake is described as a hidden gem, offering a tranquil lakeside retreat amidst natural beauty. It's excellent for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and water skiing, and provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and lakeside relaxation.
Are there any lakes suitable for waterskiing or other active water sports?
Hemlock Lake is an all-sports lake with clear spring-fed waters, making it perfect for waterskiing, kayaking, and swimming. South Sand Lake also offers calm and clear waters ideal for water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and water skiing.
What amenities are available near Long Lake?
Long Lake has a public access boat launch and is fairly developed with private communities. A notable local stop on the north end is Marv's Hemlock Party and Bait, which offers fishing equipment, lake supplies, and highly-regarded pizza and subs.
What makes Bear Lake unique among Hillsdale County lakes?
Bear Lake is recognized for its crystal-clear waters, offering a less developed and serene experience. It provides public access with a boat launch and is appealing for those seeking nature exploration and fishing in a tranquil setting.
Can I find multiple lakes connected in a chain?
Yes, Hemlock Lake is part of a chain of three lakes, which also includes Carpenter Lake and Long Lake, offering extended opportunities for exploration and water activities across connected waterways.
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