Information
Landmark: Boardman LakeCity: Traverse City
Country: USA Michigan
Continent: North America
Boardman Lake, Traverse City, USA Michigan, North America
Overview
Boardman Lake, a wide stretch of clear freshwater in Traverse City, Michigan, covers about 339 acres and glints silver under the afternoon sun, equally important the Boardman River, rising from the pine-covered hills of Kalkaska County, feeds the lake before winding on to spill into Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan.You know, At its deepest point, the lake plunges about 55 feet, sheltering a lively mix of fish-from largemouth and smallmouth bass to walleye, northern pike, bluegill, sunfish, and yellow perch glinting just beneath the surface, simultaneously the rich variety of life in Boardman Lake draws anglers year-round, eager to cast a line where trout flash just beneath the surface.Boardman Lake’s water is so clear you can observe the pebbles on the bottom, and its shores blend stretches of untouched nature with spots of human development, creating vital habitat for fish, birds, and other local wildlife, along with the lake feeds into the Boardman River, linking it to a larger watershed and helping keep the region’s water clean and thriving.Along its shores, you’ll find quiet stretches of woods, glistening wetlands, green parks, and clusters of homes-each part working together to preserve nature while keeping it open to the community, equally important at Boardman Lake, you can paddle a kayak, cast a fishing line, or simply stroll the shoreline-plenty of outdoor fun for both locals and visitors.The lake draws plenty of anglers, with easy entry spots like Hull Park, where a weathered wooden ramp slips into the water for tiny boats, kayaks, canoes, and other quiet craft, meanwhile many anglers head to the lake for its thriving game fish, from gleaming trophy walleye to hefty bass that tug hard on the line.Paddling’s a favorite pastime here, and Medalie Park-tucked at the lake’s southern tip-is where most people launch their kayaks into the calm water, consequently here, you can slip into a kayak or canoe and quietly trace the lake’s shoreline, then follow the Boardman River downstream until the water opens into Grand Traverse Bay.One of the lake’s biggest recent changes is the Boardman Lake Loop Trail-a 4.2-mile path where bikes hum past and walkers circle the water from start to finish, after that this trail, which opened in July 2022, joins the larger TART network and welcomes people of all abilities, from kids on training wheels to hikers with walking sticks, sort of The trail shifts from smooth pavement to creaking wooden boards, then to crunching gravel, welcoming walkers, runners, cyclists, rollerbladers, and anyone using mobility aids or pushing a stroller, in conjunction with the Loop Trail winds around the lake, linking public parks, neighborhood shops, and places where you can rent kayaks or play ball.As far as I can tell, You’ll find key stops along the trail, from Hull Park at the quiet northern shore to Medalie Park in the south, plus the Oryana Community Co-op and the lively Right Brain Brewery, in addition the trail winds past the lake and stretches through quiet woods, offering views that invite you to roam, breathe, and enjoy the rustle of leaves-whether you’re a local or just passing through.If I’m being honest, The Boardman Lake Loop Trail grew out of a devoted community push to boost outdoor recreation, promote healthy living, and link Traverse City to nearby places like Garfield Township and Grand Traverse County-a path where you might hear bike tires crunching over gravel, not only that local officials teamed up with nonprofits and neighborhood groups, all driven by a shared goal-protecting the land and keeping trails open for everyone.Beyond offering a destination to paddle or picnic, the lake and its green shoreline play a vital role in protecting the environment, and the watershed shelters diverse local wildlife, gives birds a protected site to nest, and keeps the wetlands thriving.Just down the road, the Boardman River Nature Center offers hands-on programs about the local ecosystem and conservation, from spotting trout in the clear water to planting native trees, inspiring the community to care for the land, at the same time boardman Lake and the nearby parks offer plenty of comforts for visitors, from shaded benches to clean restrooms, with convenient parking at places like Hull Park and Medalie Park so you can step out of your car and be at the water’s edge in minutes.You’ll find public restrooms and seasonal portable toilets tucked into convenient spots along the trail and by the lake’s edge, consequently the Boardman Lake Loop Trail welcomes everyone, with soft, even paths and easy slopes perfect for wheelchairs or a stroller gliding past the water’s edge.You can take a break at one of the picnic tables or benches, watch the sunlight dance on the lake, and enjoy the view, at the same time boardman Lake is one of Traverse City’s gems, where quiet water reflects tall pines and locals paddle, fish, and gather, all while its rich ecosystem thrives alongside the community’s life.A tidy shoreline, easy-to-follow trails, and the splash of herons in the shallows make this a peaceful spot for fishing, paddling, walking, biking, or simply watching the wildlife, at the same time the lake flows into the Boardman River, which in turn meets Grand Traverse Bay, a link that boosts its value for wildlife and for paddlers gliding past reeds in the late afternoon sun.The Boardman Lake Loop Trail shows how deeply the community values sharing its natural beauty and encouraging active living; it puts Boardman Lake at the heart of Traverse City’s outdoor life, where the scent of pine drifts along the path.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-10-04
