This Michigan lake of 34 acres has a reported depth of 25 feet. There is a small access boat launch on the north side of the lake off Canfield Street. The access area has a gravel launch with very limited parking.

In my archive of postcards, I found this one for the lake. “Bathing at Lake Canfield, Manistee Mich.”  Some cards have interesting messages that gives you a little glimpse into the lives of people living in that period of time. To me, that adds more to the value of the card.  Unfortunately, this card has nothing at all to say.

Though it is be cloudy  and a little cool today, I hear boats in the distance. Summer in Michigan is too short to miss any opportunity to enjoy a Michigan lake.

Portage Lake connects to Lake Michigan through a 500 foot  channel  which was dug by hand in 1871. One the eastern side of the lake one will find the popular Historic Portage Point Inn, an 18 acre resort built in the early 1900’s, a time when steam ships would bring tourists up to northern Michigan from Chicago.

Portage Lake is home to a couple of summer camps. On the southern side of Portage Lake there is the Portage Lake Covenant Bible Camp, a sixty acre camp affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church.  On the northern side of the lake is another camp,  Little Eden, a lake front retreat camp affiliated with the Mennonite heritage.

I can’t think of a more beautiful spot to enjoy a retreat!

Arcadia is also home to the Camp Arcadia, a summer family camp on Lake Michigan operated by the Lutherans. Each year, thousands of guests come to enjoy the water, sun and the quiet of the camp.

Arcadia, like many other West Michigan resort communities, dramatically increases in population during the summer season. Those who live in the area love their scenenic  surroundings.

Arcadia Lake, on the southern edge of the community, adds to the overall beauty of the area. On the east side of M22, nature lovers will appreciate the 170 acres of wetlands and the many species of wildlife that call the wetlands home.

Although being separated from Lake Michigan by the dunes, the lake is connected to Lake Michigan by a channel. There is a public access to the lake at the end of Pine Street featuring a hard surface boat launch with a fishing pier. No swimming is allowed at that location, but it is still a great spot to enjoy the water and catch a few fish.

There is something for everyone including hiking trails (48 miles) and camping, horseback trails (35 miles) and ski trails, snowmobile trails (50 miles) and ATV trails (19 miles).

Within Newaygo County, the forest offers two developed campgrounds. Nichols Lake and Benton Lake campgrounds are less busy than a private campground or a state campground. These campgrounds are designed for those who really like to rough it, as electric and sewage hookups are not available.

You may chose to use the campsites on one of Michigan’s small lakes within the forest: Brush Lake, Condon Lake, Hungerford Lake, Sawkaw or Shelly lake. These sites are more rustic but generally have drinking water, garbage disposal and restrooms.

As with most attractions, there are fees involved: $3.00 for one day, $5.00 for up to seven days or $20.00 for the season. You can get more information by writing: District Ranger, 650 N Michigan, Baldwin Mi., 49304 or by calling 1-231-745-4631