Lakes of the North, MI

Lakes of the North is a sprawling residential community tucked into the quiet forests of Antrim County, roughly halfway between Mancelona and Gaylord. While official census records list around a thousand full-time residents, that number barely hints at the true size of the area. Spread out across more than a hundred miles of scenic, wooded roads, the community includes over 1,500 homes and cabins ranging from cozy weekend getaways to year-round homesteads, offering plenty of space and privacy for anyone looking to settle down in northern Michigan.

Originally founded in the late 1960s as a four-season recreation retreat, the development was laid out around thousands of acres of protected green space and untouched woods. Today, the property owners association maintains the vast network of private roads and shared lands, keeping the neighborhood accessible and well tended through every season. The result is a peaceful setting where you can enjoy the quiet elbow room of country living alongside the conveniences of a well-organized community.

What really sets the area apart is its impressive collection of on-site amenities. Residents have direct access to an 18-hole golf course, private lakefront beaches, horse stables, and miles of trails for hiking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. The clubhouse complex features an indoor pool with a waterslide, a fitness center, and a local restaurant, while a private airstrip even caters to aviation enthusiasts. Whether you spend your summers on the water or your winters on the snow, it offers an easygoing, outdoor-focused lifestyle right outside your front door.