We went out to Miner Lake today. This lake is located in the middle of Allegan County just north of the town of Allegan.
This is a nice lake with many beautiful homes. There is a public launch ramp on the south west corner of the lake. The ramp is a concrete, one lane ramp in decent condition. The parking area is pretty small and only gravel. There is a pit toilet on site. This ramp is operated by the state of Michigan. I did not see any pay station or fees mentioned, however, I would guess there is a permit fee required.
The lake itself has a South bay that is quite large and is mostly very deep. There are, however, several sand bars that can be 1' or less in depth in areas quite far from land. On the East end of the lake there is a narrow area that connects the South bay to the North bay.
The North bay is smaller, yet still plenty big for watersports, etc.
In general this is a very nice lake.
Showing posts with label Allegan County. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Allegan County. Show all posts
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Green Lake (Allegan County)
This afternoon/evening we went over to Green Lake for a couple of hours. The weather was iffy all day until about 4pm. So we decided to go someplace close for a little "dinner" cruise. Even though dinner was only PB&Js, it was still nice.
I had only been on Green Lake one other time many years ago on a borrowed waverunner. At that time I didn't really bother to look around a see what a nice little lake it actually is.
A little over 10 years ago we almost bought a tiny little house up on a hill overlooking the lake. The house had deeded access to the lake and it was only $75k. Long story short, the house would have been too much work and there was no garage and very little room to build one. However, there is a little part of me that still thinks it would have been fun.
Green Lake is a small lake in Allegan County. It covers a little over 300 acres. It is a popular water skiing lake and fishing is quite popular also. There are sort of two sections of the lake separated by a relatively shallow narrows. The lake in general is very deep with abrupt drop offs. When you are out from shore 100' it is common to be in 30'+ of water. However, there are a couple of sandbars in areas that can take you by surprise. It is a good idea to have a depth finder so you can at least be aware of where a few of the shallow areas are.
It was pretty cool this evening and the lake was pretty quite. I assume that on hotter days a few of the sand bar areas are popular places to hang out and just be in the water. There is not public beach on the lake. Our kids were a little disappointed that they couldn't play in the sand.
There is a very nice public boat ramp on the lake. It is operated by the DNR. The ramp, dock and parking are all basically brand new. The ramp is a single lane concrete ramp with a single dock along the Port side. There is plenty of parking, however, on a warm summer weekend I'm sure it fills up quickly. I didn't see any signs regarding a fee to use the ramp. However, there was a small shed on site that could be used as a collection station on busy weekends. Since it is a state owned and operated facility, I would guess a State Park pass ($6 daily, $24 annual) would be required.
The Northern shore of the lake is mostly undeveloped and it would appear to be a good place to find some fish. Most of the rest of the lake is lined with cottages and year round homes. There are some new homes and a few vacant building sites at the end of the Northern bay.
All in all it is a nice little lake to visit if you are in the area. If you are looking to fish or ski and only need a couple of hours on the water it may work great for you. There is a slalom course set up on the main bay and it seemed that just about every boat on a lift in front of a house was a MasterCraft.
I don't know that there is much of a reason for us to go back any time soon. However, as it turns out, it is probably the closest boatable body of water to our home.
Google Maps: Green Lake
I had only been on Green Lake one other time many years ago on a borrowed waverunner. At that time I didn't really bother to look around a see what a nice little lake it actually is.
A little over 10 years ago we almost bought a tiny little house up on a hill overlooking the lake. The house had deeded access to the lake and it was only $75k. Long story short, the house would have been too much work and there was no garage and very little room to build one. However, there is a little part of me that still thinks it would have been fun.
Green Lake is a small lake in Allegan County. It covers a little over 300 acres. It is a popular water skiing lake and fishing is quite popular also. There are sort of two sections of the lake separated by a relatively shallow narrows. The lake in general is very deep with abrupt drop offs. When you are out from shore 100' it is common to be in 30'+ of water. However, there are a couple of sandbars in areas that can take you by surprise. It is a good idea to have a depth finder so you can at least be aware of where a few of the shallow areas are.
It was pretty cool this evening and the lake was pretty quite. I assume that on hotter days a few of the sand bar areas are popular places to hang out and just be in the water. There is not public beach on the lake. Our kids were a little disappointed that they couldn't play in the sand.
There is a very nice public boat ramp on the lake. It is operated by the DNR. The ramp, dock and parking are all basically brand new. The ramp is a single lane concrete ramp with a single dock along the Port side. There is plenty of parking, however, on a warm summer weekend I'm sure it fills up quickly. I didn't see any signs regarding a fee to use the ramp. However, there was a small shed on site that could be used as a collection station on busy weekends. Since it is a state owned and operated facility, I would guess a State Park pass ($6 daily, $24 annual) would be required.
The Northern shore of the lake is mostly undeveloped and it would appear to be a good place to find some fish. Most of the rest of the lake is lined with cottages and year round homes. There are some new homes and a few vacant building sites at the end of the Northern bay.
All in all it is a nice little lake to visit if you are in the area. If you are looking to fish or ski and only need a couple of hours on the water it may work great for you. There is a slalom course set up on the main bay and it seemed that just about every boat on a lift in front of a house was a MasterCraft.
I don't know that there is much of a reason for us to go back any time soon. However, as it turns out, it is probably the closest boatable body of water to our home.
Google Maps: Green Lake
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Gun Lake (Barry County)
Gun Lake has been essentially my "home" lake forever, literally, and now figuratively. I have Gun Lake to thank for my love of boating.
Today we spent the day on the lake with friends. We launched the boat last night after we left Gull Lake. We were able to leave the boat overnight at the family dock.
Today we spent the day palying in the water with the kids and friends. We pulled a few people on a tube and just enjoyed the summer day.
In describing the lake, it is hard for me to decide where to begin. The lake has so much to offer. There is plenty of space to do just about anything. The lake covers nearly 2700 acres. The water depth varies significantly. The lake is split into a west side and an east side by a shallow narrows that stretches from Murphy's Point (State Park) over to England's Point. The majority of the west side of the lake is less than 10' deep. However, Robins Bay at the north west corner of the lake is over 30'. Over on the east side of the lake there are several locations that are 40'+. The deepest spot is around 65-70'. There are many places that you need to be very careful about so as not damage a prop or worse. You need to pay particular attention in the narrow areas between the islands and the points they are closest to.
Gun Lake is fed by the Gun River and the outflow of the river and the lake level is regulated by a small 5' dam that was built a long time ago. This dam brought the lake level up to a usable level and continues to maintain this level. The lake is also connected to Payne Lake and Long Lake, though it is not possible to get to these other lakes with a typical boat.
Gun Lake lies mostly in Barry County. However, there is a small portion of the south west corner that is in Allegan County.
The lake hosts a large State Park that offers a couple of beach areas a very nice boat ramp and a very nice campground. Yankee Springs Recreation Area is a huge park with many different units in the area to the north and east of the lake.
Aside from the State Park there is an Allegan County Park that has a nice boat ramp and enough parking to accomodate plenty of a boat trailers. This park also offers a playground area and a small beach area. The launch requires a $5 fee (annual passes are available for $25) The launch is a 2 lane with a single dock in the middle. The parking and prep areas on actually accross the street. Be sure to follow the signs to guide you from step 1 prep-launch.
There are total of 3 launch ramps available to the public. Two of them are located in the State Park. The main ramp is in the day use area of the park and is a very nice 4 lane ramp with two docks. There is ample parking near the ramp. To access this ramp will require a DNR issued motor vehicle permit. ($6 daily, $24 annual) The other ramp in the State Park is in the campground. If you are camping this is a handy place to launch as it is nice and close...it is not intended to be used by those that are not camping.
There are several prominant islands on the lake. The most well known, Orangeville Island (also know as Party Island), is a privately owned island that had historically been a place to congregrate and "party". At this time the owners have asked that people no longer use the island due to litter and other damage to the property. This island did have a home on it at one point. It burned many years ago. The foundation of the home can still be seen.
Although the island was always a favorite place to go, there are many other locations on the lake that offer a nice place to anchor and spend time in the water. Along the northern shore where the State Park campground beach is located is a nice shallow area that is good for the kids. There are also other beach areas on either side of the State Park point that offer a nice place to be in the water.
The lake is a good destination for out of town visitors. There are several "resorts" that offer rentals and many cottages are available for rent also. The campground is also an obvious destination for visitors. Bay Point Inn offers a hotel, resturant and various other services. It is located in the south eastern portion of the lake. There are also several seasonal "trailer parks" on the lake that have served many families over the years as a place to get away.
Many of the homes on the lake are now year round residences, yet there are still many seasonal cottages also.
The lake is a very nice location and offers something for everyone.
Google Maps: Gun Lake
Today we spent the day on the lake with friends. We launched the boat last night after we left Gull Lake. We were able to leave the boat overnight at the family dock.
Today we spent the day palying in the water with the kids and friends. We pulled a few people on a tube and just enjoyed the summer day.
In describing the lake, it is hard for me to decide where to begin. The lake has so much to offer. There is plenty of space to do just about anything. The lake covers nearly 2700 acres. The water depth varies significantly. The lake is split into a west side and an east side by a shallow narrows that stretches from Murphy's Point (State Park) over to England's Point. The majority of the west side of the lake is less than 10' deep. However, Robins Bay at the north west corner of the lake is over 30'. Over on the east side of the lake there are several locations that are 40'+. The deepest spot is around 65-70'. There are many places that you need to be very careful about so as not damage a prop or worse. You need to pay particular attention in the narrow areas between the islands and the points they are closest to.
Gun Lake is fed by the Gun River and the outflow of the river and the lake level is regulated by a small 5' dam that was built a long time ago. This dam brought the lake level up to a usable level and continues to maintain this level. The lake is also connected to Payne Lake and Long Lake, though it is not possible to get to these other lakes with a typical boat.
Gun Lake lies mostly in Barry County. However, there is a small portion of the south west corner that is in Allegan County.
The lake hosts a large State Park that offers a couple of beach areas a very nice boat ramp and a very nice campground. Yankee Springs Recreation Area is a huge park with many different units in the area to the north and east of the lake.
Aside from the State Park there is an Allegan County Park that has a nice boat ramp and enough parking to accomodate plenty of a boat trailers. This park also offers a playground area and a small beach area. The launch requires a $5 fee (annual passes are available for $25) The launch is a 2 lane with a single dock in the middle. The parking and prep areas on actually accross the street. Be sure to follow the signs to guide you from step 1 prep-launch.
There are total of 3 launch ramps available to the public. Two of them are located in the State Park. The main ramp is in the day use area of the park and is a very nice 4 lane ramp with two docks. There is ample parking near the ramp. To access this ramp will require a DNR issued motor vehicle permit. ($6 daily, $24 annual) The other ramp in the State Park is in the campground. If you are camping this is a handy place to launch as it is nice and close...it is not intended to be used by those that are not camping.
There are several prominant islands on the lake. The most well known, Orangeville Island (also know as Party Island), is a privately owned island that had historically been a place to congregrate and "party". At this time the owners have asked that people no longer use the island due to litter and other damage to the property. This island did have a home on it at one point. It burned many years ago. The foundation of the home can still be seen.
Although the island was always a favorite place to go, there are many other locations on the lake that offer a nice place to anchor and spend time in the water. Along the northern shore where the State Park campground beach is located is a nice shallow area that is good for the kids. There are also other beach areas on either side of the State Park point that offer a nice place to be in the water.
The lake is a good destination for out of town visitors. There are several "resorts" that offer rentals and many cottages are available for rent also. The campground is also an obvious destination for visitors. Bay Point Inn offers a hotel, resturant and various other services. It is located in the south eastern portion of the lake. There are also several seasonal "trailer parks" on the lake that have served many families over the years as a place to get away.
Many of the homes on the lake are now year round residences, yet there are still many seasonal cottages also.
The lake is a very nice location and offers something for everyone.
Google Maps: Gun Lake
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Dumont Lake (Allegan County)
Today we vistited this nice little lake in the middle of Allegan county. It is relatively small (220 acres) lake but it is nice and deep and allows for pretty much all activities on the water. Tubing, skiing, wakeboarding and fishing were all going on while we were on the water. There is a nice boat ramp at the south west corner of the lake. It is located at the end of 33rd St. There is adequate parking right at the ramp and additional parking just up the road. There are also pit toilets right near the ramp. It is operated by Allegan county and is part of the Dumont Lake County Park. There is a $5 ramp fee, or you can get an annual permit for $25. The ramp is separated from the rest of the park which is on the eastern shore of the lake. The park is a nice place to drop an anchor and wade on the mostly sanding beach area. The kids can play on the beach or on numerous playground toys. There is a small bath house in the park also. The entire southern shore is undeveloped and offers several little coves and areas to fish or watch the wildlife. The water had a brownish tinge to it and you could only see bottom where the water was 1' or less. A depth finder is handy, but not really required as the main portions of the lake seemed to range between 15'-50'. In general it is a nice place to spend an afternoon on the water. It isn't a destination lake, just a good little place to visit if you live in the area.
Google Maps: Dumont Lake
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