Lake Lavine sits just half a mile north of the Indiana state line, approximately 3 miles north of the Lake James chain of lakes in Indiana. It's a spring-fed lake in the St. Joseph River watershed.
At 87 acres, Lake Lavine is small and likely freezes reliably in a typical Michigan winter. No specific ice fishing reports are available, but small spring-fed lakes can have inconsistent ice near spring upwellings — always check thickness carefully.
How big is Lake Lavine?
Is Lake Lavine spring fed?
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Lavine?
Can you swim in Lake Lavine?
Is Lake Lavine crowded?
Are there campgrounds near Lake Lavine?
Where is Lake Lavine in Michigan?
Lake Lavine is a small, spring-fed lake covering 87 acres in Kinderhook Township, Branch County — about half a mile from the Indiana state line and just 3 miles north of the Lake James chain in Indiana. Multiple reviewers highlight the spring-fed clarity, and the lake has a loyal following of cottage owners and repeat visitors who value the quiet, uncrowded feel. At 87 acres, it's small enough that ski boat traffic and fishing can conflict, so expect some tension on busy weekends.
The lake sits in Michigan's southern border country near Kinderhook, with Coldwater about 15 minutes to the northwest. There's a single public launch, a small beach, and the spring-fed water reportedly stays clean and clear. Sunsets get specifically called out by visitors — the western exposure apparently delivers. Coldwater Lake Campground is nearby if you want to extend your stay. It's the kind of lake where people come once and keep coming back, not because it's famous, but because it's peaceful.