Walled Lake sits in the city of Walled Lake and part of Novi in Oakland County, Michigan. It covers roughly 650–700 acres and stands out as one of Metro Detroit’s most accessible all-sports lakes. With a mix of full-time residents, public parks, and local restaurants, it’s the perfect lake for those who want the energy of a community combined with all the perks of lake life — just 30 minutes from Detroit.
Walled Lake at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Walled Lake & Novi, Oakland County |
| Size | ~650 acres |
| Max Depth | ~53 feet (Wikipedia) |
| Lake Type | Public, All-Sports |
| Public Access | Yes – public boat launch and nearby parks |
| Water Clarity | Moderate (~9–12 ft) (City of Novi 2023 Water Quality Report) |
| Best For | Boaters, families, and commuters who want lakefront living near Detroit |
| Vibe | Active, community-driven, with easy suburban access |
| Nearby City | ~30–40 minutes to Detroit |
Lake Lifestyle
Walled Lake offers a balanced mix of recreation and year-round living. It’s large enough for wakeboarding, tubing, and powerboats but small enough to maintain a strong neighborhood feel. The community blends older cottages and updated rebuilds with convenient access to Novi’s shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Residents enjoy Mercer Beach Park, the public launch, and several neighborhood gatherings in summer. It’s a lively, social lake where you’ll find both long-time locals and newcomers who appreciate the convenience of being near everything Metro Detroit offers.
Fishing & Recreation
The fishing on Walled Lake is solid year-round — expect bass, pike, bluegill, and perch. You can review lake data from the MiCorps 2024 Individual Lake Report, which provides detailed water clarity and ecological information.
Weekend boaters take advantage of the public DNR launch, while weekdays are quieter, making it ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, or fishing from the dock.
Water Quality & Ecology
According to the City of Novi’s 2023 Water Quality Report, Walled Lake maintains healthy water quality with good oxygenation and moderate clarity.
Additional data is available from the MiCorps Statewide Lake Monitoring Program and the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office, which monitors lake levels and watershed management.
If you want to view bathymetric maps, check the Michigan DNR Inland Lake Maps page for downloadable PDFs by county.
Living on Walled Lake
With proximity to Detroit, Novi, and major highways, Walled Lake is a top pick for commuters who still want to enjoy the lake lifestyle. The Walled Lake Consolidated School District serves the area, and nearby neighborhoods offer walkable access to restaurants, parks, and downtown Walled Lake.
For property taxes, use the Michigan Property Tax Estimator — select Oakland County and the appropriate school district to get your estimate.
If you’re curious about available homes, check out active listings on Walled Lake (insert your IDX link here).
Nearby Conveniences
- Commute: 30–40 minutes to Detroit
- Nearest Hospital: Ascension Providence Hospital – Novi (~15 min)
- Groceries & Shopping: Meijer, Target, and Twelve Oaks Mall within 10–15 minutes
- Things To Do: Mercer Beach Park, Novi’s shopping corridor, golf courses, and dining on the lake
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large, public all-sports lake with great access | Can get busy on summer weekends |
| Suburban location with strong amenities | Less privacy compared to secluded lakes |
| Year-round homes and community events | Water clarity varies seasonally |
| Easy commute to major employers | More urban surroundings than up-north lakes |
Walled Lake Facts & Data
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| County | Oakland |
| Region | Southeast Michigan |
| Acres | ~650–700 |
| Max Depth | ~53 ft (Wikipedia) |
| Trophic State | Mesotrophic (moderate nutrient levels) |
| Public Access | Yes (DNR launch and Mercer Beach) |
| Lake Level Reports | Oakland County WRC Lake Reports |
| Water Quality Reports | City of Novi 2023 Water Quality Report |
| MiCorps Lake Data | MiCorps 2024 Report (PDF) |
| DNR Lake Map List | Michigan DNR Inland Lake Maps |
| Flood Risk | FEMA Flood Map Service Center |
| Zoning Information | City of Walled Lake Water & Sewer / Ordinance Page |
| Schools | Walled Lake Consolidated Schools |
| Property Tax Estimator | Michigan Property Tax Estimator |
