HomeMichiganKent County

Lincoln Lake

Kent County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
423.7 acres55 ft deep1 launchRec Passport required
Lincoln Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → 🎣 Fishing Guide → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Lincoln Lake
Lincoln Lake Boat Launch
Newaygo State Park · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 18 trailer spots
Closed Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Lincoln Lake connects via navigable canals to Black Lake, which in turn connects to Blue Lake. Blue Lake has no public launch of its own, so Lincoln Lake serves as the entry point for the entire chain. The canal passages have shallow spots and sandbars, so keep your speed down and watch your depth.

Winter & Ice Safety

Lincoln Lake likely freezes reliably given its location in Kent County, though specific depth data isn't available. Always check ice thickness before venturing out. The weedy, shallow areas near shore tend to freeze first.

Frequently Asked Questions
What lakes connect to Lincoln Lake?
Lincoln Lake connects via canals to Black Lake and then on to Blue Lake. Blue Lake is known for clean, blue water and good swimming but has no public boat launch — you access it through Lincoln Lake. Watch for shallow spots and sandbars in the connecting waterways.
Is there a boat launch on Lincoln Lake?
Yes, one public boat launch with a paved ramp and docks. It's well-maintained with a restroom. The main issue is parking — it fills up early on summer weekends. There's an overflow parking area for $20 that includes a ride to the launch. Note the low-hanging tree branch (~20-25 feet) at the ramp that can be a problem for sailboats.
Are there speed limits on Lincoln Lake?
Yes — high-speed boating is prohibited from 6 PM to 10 AM. During the day (10 AM to 6 PM), power boats and jet skis are allowed at speed. Reviews note that not everyone follows the rules, so expect some boat traffic outside legal hours.
Can you swim in Lincoln Lake?
You can swim, though the experience varies. There's a public beach near Lincoln Pines Resort campground. Some reviews mention zebra mussels — water shoes are recommended. Blue Lake, accessible by boat through the canal, is considered a better swimming destination with cleaner, bluer water.
Is there camping near Lincoln Lake?
Lincoln Pines Resort is right on the lake and offers seasonal and short-term camping. There's a public beach near the campground. Some campers spend the entire summer there.
Where is Lincoln Lake?
Lincoln Lake is in Kent County in west-central lower Michigan. It's a connected chain-of-lakes system with Black Lake and Blue Lake, located in a rural area north of Grand Rapids.
Is Lincoln Lake weedy?
Yes — multiple reviews describe it as a weedy lake. The vegetation is thick enough to be noticeable while boating and fishing. The weeds do provide good fish habitat but can make bank fishing and swimming less pleasant in some areas.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Lincoln Lake sits in Kent County and connects via canals to Black Lake and Blue Lake — a small chain of lakes that gives you more water to explore than the main lake alone would suggest. The lake is popular for boating and fishing, though reviews consistently note it's weedy and parking at the single public launch fills up fast, especially on summer weekends. There's an overflow parking option for $20 that includes a shuttle ride to the ramp. A speed regulation prohibits high-speed boating from 6 PM to 10 AM, though enforcement seems inconsistent based on local reports.

The launch itself is well-maintained with docks and a restroom, but the ramp has a low-hanging tree branch around 20–25 feet that can be a problem for sailboats or anything with a mast. Fishing is decent — panfish are reliable, and bank fishing from the dock works for kids. Blue Lake, accessible through the canal system, is notably cleaner with blue water and sandy bottom but has no public launch of its own, making Lincoln Lake the gateway. Lincoln Pines Resort nearby offers camping, and there's a small public beach near the campgrounds.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment