Located in a prime spot just minutes from two large cities, Whitmore Lake spreads across the boundary of two counties, Washtenaw and Livingston. This popular lake, with all sorts of water activities to enjoy on it, is the winner of our Ann Arbor regional poll for Michigan’s Best Inland Lake.

“It’s a wonderful place of natural beauty surrounded by a charming downtown,” said MLive reader Jacob Medina. “It’s large, expansive, full of life. In the summer, the lake becomes a hub of travel and fun. Lots of fishermen, families on tubes, jet skis. Topping it off, July brings upon the fireworks show, where hundreds of fireworks crackle and explode above the shimmering lake. It may not be the biggest, but it’s full of charm and beauty. The best lake in Washtenaw County.”

Whitmore Lake got 26.8% of the vote in the Ann Arbor poll. The Pinckney area had a strong showing overall, with three lakes rounding out the top four. Portage Lake in Pinckney got 19.12% of the vote, Silver Lake at Pinckney State Recreation Area got 17.28% and Zukey Lake in Pinckney got 12.5%.

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Whitmore Lake spreads across 667 acres, is just 6 miles from Brighton and 9 miles from Ann Arbor. The lake hosts both cottages and permanent homes, and on the northwestern shore there is a state owned access site, with a pier and boat launching ramp for year round access. Whitmore is very popular for all types of water activities, from swimming, boating and sailing, to jet skiing, and fishing.

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Nate Muchow said the lake has a “great sandbar, good fishing, Whitmore Lake Tavern on the lake, awesome 4th of July fireworks show shot from the middle of the lake.”

The Whitmore Lake Tavern is known for offering “great food at a great price” and is a popular stop on the lake for residents and visitors alike. The Tavern is family friendly, with a super easy-going atmosphere. The patio is bustling throughout the summer, with guests enjoying favorites like deep dish pan pizza, BBQ baby back ribs, burgers, and fresh made house salads. Don’t miss their famous wet burrito. Located right off US-23, at exit 53, its worth a stop for both delicious food and great views of our Ann Arbor area best inland lake.

Mike wrote that Whitmore Lake is “close to metro Detroit, awesome summer sandbar scene and former home of Labatt hockey tournament in the winter.”

As of now, Whitmore Lake is planning their annual fireworks display on Friday July 2. Get more information here.

DNR info at michigan.gov.

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Zukey Lake Tavern is one of Michigan's Best Waterfront Restaurants

at Zukey Lake Tavern in Pinckney Thursday, June 20 2019.Jacob Hamilton/MLive.com

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