Union Lake, Michigan: The Ultimate Guide

Sitting at the border of Commerce Township and West Bloomfield in Oakland County, Union Lake offers the perfect blend of recreation, community, and convenience. It’s a beautiful 465-acre all-sports lake known for its clean, deep water, scenic views, and family-friendly neighborhood atmosphere.

Union Lake attracts a balanced mix of full-time residents, weekend boaters, and those seeking the ideal Michigan lake lifestyle — without the heavy crowds of nearby Cass Lake.

Spanning roughly 795 acres with a maximum depth of 110 feet, Orchard Lake is the second-deepest lake in Oakland County and one of the cleanest in Michigan. It’s a place where privacy, recreation, and timeless Michigan lake charm all converge.

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Union Lake, Oakland County, Union Lake Michigan Fishing

 

Union Lake at a Glance

FeatureDetails
LocationCommerce Township & West Bloomfield, Oakland County
Size465 acres
Max Depth110 feet
Lake TypePublic, All-Sports
Public AccessYes (Michigan DNR ramp off Union Lake Rd)
Water Clarity12–18 feet
Best ForBoaters, anglers, families
VibeActive but balanced; friendly year-round community
Nearby City35 minutes from Detroit

Lake Lifestyle

Union Lake delivers that just-right lake experience — large enough for wake surfing, water-skiing, and boating, but small enough to maintain a tight-knit community vibe.

The lake’s deep, clear water makes it one of Oakland County’s cleanest and most desirable all-sports lakes, with a reputation for being friendly, well-kept, and scenic. Homes range from modest cottages to newly constructed lakefronts, many with sandy frontage and impressive views.

During the summer, locals enjoy pontooning, tubing, and paddleboarding, while winter brings ice fishing, hockey, and skating on frozen water. It’s a true four-season lake lifestyle.


Fishing & Recreation

Union Lake is known for exceptional fishing — particularly smallmouth bass, walleye, pike, and panfish. The Michigan DNR stocks the lake regularly, and anglers appreciate the clean water and deep structure that supports healthy fish populations.

The public DNR launch is paved and easily accessible, with parking available for boat trailers. It’s also a popular launch point for kayaks and paddleboards during calmer weekday mornings.


Water Quality & Ecology

Union Lake is consistently recognized for its excellent clarity and balanced nutrient levels. Classified as mesotrophic, it has clear, oxygen-rich water that supports diverse aquatic life.

The Michigan EGLE Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program provides up-to-date clarity data, which you can access here:
Michigan EGLE Water Quality Reports

Common invasive species include zebra mussels and Eurasian milfoil, but both are actively managed through local treatment programs.


Living on Union Lake

Union Lake sits right between Commerce Township and West Bloomfield, giving residents access to great schools, local dining, and nearby parks — all while maintaining a peaceful residential feel.

The lakefront real estate market here is strong year-round, with homes that vary from classic ranches to modern rebuilds.

To see what’s currently available, check active homes for sale on Union Lake — this link updates in real time with every new listing.

For estimating property taxes, use the Michigan Property Tax Estimator:

  1. Choose Oakland County
  2. Select Walled Lake or West Bloomfield School District
  3. Enter your estimated home price or taxable value (~half of market value)

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Nearby Conveniences

  • Commute: ~35 min to Detroit, ~20 min to Novi or Birmingham
  • Nearest Hospital: Henry Ford West Bloomfield (~10 min)
  • Groceries: Kroger, Meijer, Costco (within 10–12 min)
  • Restaurants: Uptown Grille, CJ’s Upper Deck, Rustic Leaf Brewing, The Lodge Grill & Bar
  • Recreation: Dodge Park #5, Proud Lake Recreation Area, and Union Lake Trail

Events & Local Vibe

Union Lake is a lively, family-oriented community. You’ll often see pontoon gatherings, neighborhood barbecues, and small fireworks displays throughout the summer. While it’s active on weekends, it’s much quieter and calmer during the week — the best of both worlds for year-round living.


Pros & Cons

ProsCons
Deep, clean, and clear waterGets busy on summer weekends
Full all-sports accessLimited public beach space
Friendly, year-round communityZebra mussels and weeds require management
Great fishing and recreationHomes can sell quickly (high demand)
Central location near major amenitiesNarrow lakefront lots in older areas

Union Lake Facts & Data

ColumnEntry
Lake NameUnion Lake
CountyOakland
Township/City/VillageCommerce Township & West Bloomfield
RegionSoutheast Michigan
Watershed/HUCHuron River Watershed
Latitude42.5831
Longitude-83.4404
Acres465
Max Depth (ft)110
Mean/Median Depth (ft)35
Shoreline Length (mi)6.2
Elevation (ft)925
Public or PrivatePublic
Public Access (Y/N)Y
Launch TypePaved DNR launch
Parking~30 trailer spaces
Restrooms (Y/N)Y
Motor RulesAll-sports
Wake Surf/Ski SuitabilityExcellent
Paddleboard/Kayak FriendlinessExcellent on weekdays
Typical Water Clarity (Secchi ft)12–18
Trophic StateMesotrophic
Invasive Species PresentZebra mussels, Eurasian milfoil
Weed Treatment Vendor/Schedule LinkManaged through township contractors
Annual/Seasonal DrawdownN
Fish Species (common)Smallmouth bass, walleye, pike, panfish
Fish Stocking History URL (DNR)Michigan DNR Stocking Records
Fishing PressureModerate
Water Quality Report URL (EGLE/County)Michigan EGLE Water Quality Reports
Bathymetric Map URL (DNR)Union Lake Depth Map
Flood Risk (FEMA Map URL)FEMA Flood Map Service Center
Lake Association/HOA NameUnion Lake Association
Association URL/Contactunionlake.org
Short-Term Rentals Allowed?Township-specific
Zoning Ordinance URLCommerce Township Zoning
School District(s)Walled Lake & West Bloomfield
Michigan Property Tax Estimator URLMichigan Property Tax Estimator
Lake Lifestyle DescriptionBalanced, active, and community-driven
Weekday vs Weekend Activity LevelCalm weekdays, active weekends
Boat Traffic LevelModerate to high (weekends)
Noise LevelModerate
Wind Exposure / Shoreline OrientationOpen to prevailing west winds
Sunrise vs Sunset ViewsGreat west-facing sunsets
Winter ActivitiesIce fishing, skating
Safety NotesDeep basin; monitor ice thickness
Commute: Nearest Major City35 min to Detroit
Closest HospitalHenry Ford West Bloomfield (~10 min)
Closest GroceryMeijer, Kroger, Costco (within 10 min)
Things To Do NearbyProud Lake Rec Area, Dodge Park #5, local dining
Historical or Cultural NotesPopular mid-century vacation lake turned year-round community
Annual Lake EventsFireworks, pontoon parades, neighborhood gatherings
Best ForFamilies, boaters, and anglers looking for balance
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