Huron River Chain of Lakes Recreation
Waterskiing, fishing, cruising, pontooning, swimming, relaxing and cabin rental are just the tip of the iceberg of things to do on and around the Huron River Chain of Lakes. A series of no-wake canals act as Links in the chain, connecting its nine bodies of water:
- Big Portage Lake
- Little Portage Lake
- Baseline Lake
- Zukey Lake
- Strawberry Lake
- Whitewood Lake
- Gallagher Lake
- Ore Lake
- Tamarack Lake
According to the Huron River Watershed Council's website, the watershed itself blankets more than 250 square miles, including sections of Washtenaw and Livingston counties, in the southeast corner of Michigan. It contains numerous wetland areas and plays host to 20 communities. This chain-of-lakes section of the Huron River also offers nearly 600 miles of small streams and larger tributaries.
You are able to navigate most of the lakes with the usual watercraft; however, only small watercraft can navigate the serene waters of Little Portage, Ore and Tamarack.
Boaters have to get a boating license and register their watercraft with the Michigan Secretary of State. As well, if you plan on angling for some of the chain's myriad fish species, which include Northern Pike, Walleye and Bluegill, you must first secure a Michigan Department of Natural Resources issued fishing license.
Klaves Marina, near the city of Pinckney, sits on the shores of Big Portage Lake and offers the chain's only public stop for gas refills. Dockside eating establishments of note include Riverside Pizza on Portage Lake and Zukey Lake Tavern - the chain's exclusive full-service restaurant - on Zukey Lake.
Residents of and visitors to Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti can reach the Huron River Chain of Lakes in about 30 minutes, and downtown Detroit is less than 65 miles to the east.
