Glen Lake receives inflow from Brooks Lake Outlet and Hatlem Creek, and drains west via the Crystal River to Lake Michigan — one of the shortest and most scenic rivers in the state. Big Glen and Little Glen are connected by a narrow channel beneath the M-22 causeway, making them navigable as one system by boat. The lake sits less than a mile from Lake Michigan but is not directly connected except through the Crystal River.
Little Glen Lake is shallow enough to freeze reliably and sees some ice fishing activity. Big Glen's 130-foot depth means the deeper sections may not freeze solidly or may freeze late — use extreme caution on Big Glen and check local reports. Always verify ice thickness, especially near the channel connecting the two lakes where current can thin ice.
How big is Glen Lake?
Why is Glen Lake water so blue and clear?
Is there a public boat launch on Glen Lake?
Can you swim in Glen Lake?
Where is Glen Lake in Michigan?
Are there campgrounds near Glen Lake?
Can you kayak on Glen Lake?
Is Glen Lake connected to other waterways?
How deep is Glen Lake?
Glen Lake is the lake that stops people mid-drive on M-22. Tucked against the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Leelanau County, it's an oligotrophic gem — crystal-clear, turquoise water over a hard sand bottom, with a maximum depth of 130 feet in Big Glen Lake. The lake is actually two connected bodies of water: Big Glen (deep, nearly round) and Little Glen (shallow, elongated), joined by a narrow channel under the M-22 causeway. That causeway gives you a postcard view of both lakes and the dunes beyond. The water color gets compared to the Caribbean constantly, and honestly, on a sunny day it earns it.
There's only one public launch, and it's a bottleneck — expect lines in summer, especially on weekends. An invasive species wash station is mandatory, which adds time but reviewers generally praise the staff. Parking fills fast; latecomers end up on the road shoulder. Little Glen is warm and shallow with a popular sandbar, while Big Glen's 130-foot depths keep things cooler and support a real fishery. The Crystal River flows out of Glen Lake to Lake Michigan — one of the shortest, prettiest rivers in the state. Glen Arbor sits on the north shore with Cherry Republic and access to Sleeping Bear Dunes. Several campgrounds are nearby, including the excellent D.H. Day Campground right inside the national lakeshore.