Upper Herring Lake connects to Lower Herring Lake via a short channel, and Lower Herring Lake has an outlet to Lake Michigan near Elberta. The Herring Lakes system sits between the Betsie River watershed to the south and the Platte River watershed to the north — both significant Lake Michigan tributaries.
Upper Herring Lake is a small, shallow lake that likely freezes reliably in a typical Benzie County winter. Ice fishing pressure appears minimal given the lake's low overall traffic. Always check ice thickness locally before heading out.
Is there a public boat launch on Upper Herring Lake?
Is Upper Herring Lake crowded?
Is Upper Herring Lake good for kayaking?
Where is Upper Herring Lake?
Is there a fee to launch at Upper Herring Lake?
Are there campgrounds near Upper Herring Lake?
Can you swim in Upper Herring Lake?
Is Upper Herring Lake connected to other lakes?
Upper Herring Lake is a small, quiet lake in Benzie County — tucked just inland from Lake Michigan and connected to Lower Herring Lake via a short channel. The lake sits in a corridor between Frankfort and the Sleeping Bear Dunes area, but it feels worlds away from the busier waters nearby. With a single public launch, limited parking for 5-6 vehicles with trailers, and a reported cap of roughly 5 boats on the lake at a time, this is about as low-traffic as inland lakes get in northwest Lower Michigan.
Reviews consistently call it a hidden gem. The water is clear and the lake has abundant aquatic grass — good habitat for bass and panfish. The launch works best for kayaks, canoes, and smaller boats; larger craft may struggle with the modest ramp and short dock. Crystal Lake, Betsie Lake, and Platte Lake are all within a short drive, making Upper Herring a solid quiet-water option if you're based in the Frankfort-Beulah area and want to avoid weekend crowds.