Pickerel Lake

About Pickerel Lake

Pickerel Lake is one of Michigan’s deepest natural lakes famous even before the arrival of settlers from European regions. Over the years, Pickerel Lake has blossomed into one of Michigan’s prime real estate locations. Hundreds of vacationers from around the country own properties in the area and come pouring in the summers for some time under the sun. Pickerel Lake real estate has become a great investment opportunity.

Learn More About Pickerel Lake Real Estate

Real Estate Statistics

Total Listings 4

Average Price $773,225

Highest Price $1,599,000

Lowest Price $345,000

Browse Pickerel Lake Real Estate Listings

9633 Trails End Road, Petoskey

$1,599,000 - 7 Beds, 6 Baths, 6,000 Sf

MLS® # 460506

9201 Artesian Lane, Petoskey

$599,000 - 3 Beds, 3 Baths, 2,550 Sf

MLS® # 460020

1005 Botsford Road, Petoskey

$549,900 - 3 Beds, 3 Baths, 2,268 Sf

MLS® # 458073

Tbd Township Park Road, Petoskey

$345,000

MLS® # 459092

Pickerel Lake Real Estate

The cool spring-fed waters of the Pickerel Lake have often been called the true delight for nature lovers. The historic lake, famous before the arrival of Europeans was given a Native American name which means where you spear long fish. This name relates to the fact that Pickerel Lake is an abundant fishing resource for pike and the great walleye. Lake Pickerel, which is a part of the Inland Waterways, was used by Native Americans as a shortcut during their migrations. Since then the land has created a deep history and has become a generational land.

Now, Pickerel Lake has become a tourist favorite spot where people from all around the country come in summers to laze near the cool waters. Besides fishing, you will have vacationers engaged in various recreational activities like water skiing, boating, and swimming near the sandy beaches. Nestled between the Emmet County farmland and Gaylord State Forest, Pickerel Lake also is home to sights of many woodland animals. Aside from all the sporty fun, you can head over to the nearby towns to witness the lakeside communities and enjoy the local amenities.

With so many attractive aspects, Pickerel Lake real estate has a variety of different offerings and features. The beautiful site of the location has provided the lake with many real estate opportunities that are popular among the local homeowners. You can find in the listings the right property that suits your real estate needs.

ch of the Pickerel Lake shoreline is developed, but there are a limited number of year-round residents. Most cottage owners come for the summer, and the cottages have been in the family for generations.  Home prices range from the low $300,000's to as high as $3,000,000. Single-family homes are the primary type of home sold on Pickerel Lake.

Pickerel Lake Community Highlights 

Pickerel Lake, in Michigan's Northwest Region, is a nature lover's delight. Part of the headwaters of the famed Inland Waterway, Pickerel Lake covers 1,080 acres on the edge of Gaylord State Forest.  The waterway itself is now nearly 40 miles long and contains two locks that transfer boaters to different levels of the waterway.

Pickerel Lake is the smallest of the four main lakes in the waterway.  Nestled between the State Forest and Emmet County farmland, the lake has long been known for great walleye and pike fishing.  Much of the shoreline is developed, but there are a limited number of year-round residents. Most cottage owners come for the summer, and the cottages have been in the family for generations.  The sandy lake bottom is great for swimming, and the lake is large enough to enjoy all types of watersports. Residents here are just as likely to be found fishing from their pontoon boat as water skiing.  The wooded shore is a haven for ducks, deer, and birds.  Occasionally there will be reports of an elk in the area - a rare sight. Porcupines, squirrels, rabbits, foxes, and coyotes feel comfortable approaching the shore to drink and pay the residents little mind. Rarely, a bear enters the neighborhood to raid bird feeders and generally make the neighbors nervous. But this is 'up north' - it adds to the charm.  The Gaylord State Forest is open for hunting in season, and the many trails offer opportunities for bird watching, wildlife viewing and quietly communing with nature.

Jet skis, canoes, kayaks, and powerboats are as common as fishing boats.  Anglers fish for smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike and yellow perch.  In winter, ice fishermen venture onto the ice to try to entice the fish to their bait.  One of the reasons for Pickerel Lake's popularity is that the entire chain of lakes is at their disposal; anglers can easily take their boat to an adjoining lake or even the Crooked River in search of better fishing.  Recent studies show that Pickerel and Crooked Lakes act as 'nursery' lakes for walleye which migrate to the other lakes.  

Schools Near Pickerel Lake Homes

The Charlevoix Intermediate School District (Char-Em ISD) is responsible for students in the Pickerel Lake area.  Char-Em ISD serves local school districts within Charlevoix, Emmet, and northern Antrim counties.  The districts within our service area cover approximately 1,100 square miles and collectively operate 11 local public schools, three public school academies, and six private schools, serving more than 9,000 students. Petoskey Public Schools offer the following schools: 

• Elementary School 
• Middle School 
• High School