Water-bound activities abundant near South Lyon

In case you haven’t figured it out, South Lyon is surrounded by inland lakes and waterways begging for summertime recreation. Michigan brags that it has more than 11,000 lakes. Oakland County claims to have nearly 1,500 of them.

So, with summer getting in high gear, there’s no excuse to grab a canoe, kayak, paddleboard or maybe just your swimsuit and head out to the water for some aquatic adventure.

Most places within a short drive of South Lyon can bring you closer to the H2O for opportunities to cool off and see Michigan wildlife.

Here are the top spots to splish splash and enjoy what the area has to offer:

1. Island Lake Recreation Area, 6301 Kensington Road, Brighton: This 4,000-acre area features four inland lakes, the Huron River with a mature hardwood forest, and pockets of open meadows. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic, a ride on the Kensington Metropark Bike Trail, and the paved Huron Valley Trail. In addition, the Island Lake Canoe campground enables paddlers to access a campground (accessible by canoe or kayak only) for a rustic experience. Island Lake requires a Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources passport, and camping reservations can be made at (810) 229-7067.
2. Kensington Metropark, 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford: This park features beaches with water slides and a splash pad. A $10 daily park fee or an annual pass is required. It surrounds Kent Lake and is home to wildlife and waterfowl. Not only can you go biking and boating in the warmer months, but you also can ice fish and cross-country ski in the snowy parts of the year.
3. Skip’s Huron River Canoe Livery & Outfitters, 3902 E. Delhi Road, Ann Arbor: Don’t be fooled by the name. Skip’s offers more than canoes. It’s a canoe, kayak, and tubing rental operation that provides access to the prettiest parts of the Huron River. Skip’s has been around since 1973 and launches trips each hour, morning and afternoon. They will drop you off in a van or bus, and then paddlers can make their way back at their own pace.
4. Jump Island, Brighton State Recreation Area on Bishop Lake, Brighton: A relative newcomer on the aquatic activity scene, Jump Island is billed as Michigan’s first outdoor inflatable water park. Jump Island features inflatable slides and pads to let the kiddies bounce off all that energy. However, it’s just as much fun for adults, too. When all that energy is expended, the family can head to the Brighton State Recreation Area, where trails can be explored, horseshoes played, or a beach for swimmers and sunbathers.
5. Root SUP, Kensington Metropark & NautiMI, Brighton: So maybe all that splashing around isn’t your thing. Root SUP is a stand-up yoga paddleboard community in the Huron River Watershed. They offer classes that cater to all activity levels practice yoga on a paddle board, or do beach yoga then a paddle board. Root SUP rents paddleboards, or you can bring your own.