Deer Lake (Independence Township, Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Deer Lake |
|
|---|---|
 Deer Lake
Location in Michigan
|
|
| Location | Oakland County, Michigan |
| Coordinates | 42°43′57″N 83°25′54″W / 42.732529°N 83.431765°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 137 acres (55 ha) |
| Max. depth | 63 ft (19 m) |
| Surface elevation | 293 meters (961 feet) |
| Settlements | Independence Township |
Deer Lake is a fun lake in Oakland County, Michigan. It's a great place for all kinds of water sports! This lake covers 137 acres and is quite deep, reaching up to 63 feet. You can find it in Independence Township.
The Clinton River flows through Deer Lake. It's one of the first lakes the river passes through after starting in Springfield Township. The river enters Deer Lake from the north, right after going under I-75. It then leaves the lake from the south, flowing into Middle Lake. After that, it goes into tiny Dollar Lake and then Greens Lake. Deer Lake also connects to a smaller lake called Dark Lake on its northeast side.
Train Station History
Back in 1851, a railroad called the Detroit, Grand Haven and Milwaukee Railway came through Independence Township. A train station, or "depot," was built in Clarkston. This made it much easier for people to visit the lakes, including Deer Lake, for summer vacations. People from big cities could easily travel here by train.
The Clarkston depot, along with other nearby stations, helped make Independence Township and Waterford Township popular resort areas. The first station built in 1851 burned down around 1890. A new one was built, but it also burned down in 1923. A third station was then built, which stopped operating in 1959. Since 1962, this old train station has been used as a theater by a local group called the Clarkston Village Players.
Deer Lake Resort
The Deer Lake Inn Hotel was a popular summer resort. It was a favorite spot for vacationers from cities like Detroit and Lansing. From the 1890s to the 1940s, four trains a day would bring guests to the resort during the summer. The resort was located right on Deer Lake, close to the Clarkston train station. Visitors could enjoy boating, fishing, sailing, sunbathing, and playing tennis.
Public Access
Deer Lake has a public beach on its south shore. This beach is for residents of the township and is located off White Lake Road in Clarkston. There is also a boat launch at the beach, so people can easily get their boats onto the lake.
