Aerial view of Pearl Lake showing its bays, peninsulas, and clear water

The Lake

A lake designed by nature

Viewed from above, Pearl Lake reveals an intricate shoreline of quiet bays, wooded peninsulas, sheltered coves, and natural wetlands. To truly appreciate its size, you have to ride the miles of shoreline by boat — even on the busiest weekends, you’ll see only a few boaters.

600
Acres Spring-fed glacial lake
~40 ft
Maximum depth Averaging 15–20 ft
0
Inlets or outlets Fed entirely by springs
16 mi
West of Traverse City Northern Benzie County
Calm, clear water of Pearl Lake at golden hour with autumn color along the far shore
Pearl Lake has no inlet or outlet — its level rises and falls with the water table and the Great Lakes.

How the lake works

Spring-fed, clear, and quietly deep

Pearl Lake is a spring-fed glacial lake with no inlet or outlet, which is why its level naturally rises and falls with the water table and the Great Lakes over the years. The water is clear with good visibility, and the shoreline varies bay to bay.

  • Roughly one mile long and a mile and a half wide, with an intricate shoreline of quiet bays, wooded peninsulas, and sheltered coves.
  • Spring-fed with no inlet or outlet — the lake level rises and falls with the water table and the Great Lakes.
  • Clear water with good visibility; the sandy north shore is the most exposed to wind and waves.
  • The shallow South Bay averages 6–8 feet over bulrushes and lily pads, with a 16-foot hole at its center.
A great blue heron in flight low over the water of Pearl Lake

Fish & wildlife

A landscape alive with wildlife

Not having been disturbed by unnecessary development, protected species have thrived here for years. The surrounding forests and wetlands support an extraordinary diversity of wildlife throughout the year.

  • Common Loons
  • Bald Eagles
  • Osprey
  • Great Blue Herons
  • Trumpeter Swans
  • Migratory Waterfowl
  • White-tailed Deer
  • Wild Turkey
  • Fox

Fishing

  • Largemouth bass
  • Bluegill
  • Northern pike
  • Occasional perch

Contact

Come see the water for yourself

To truly appreciate the lake, you have to see it. Reach out anytime — including weekends — to arrange a personal tour of the area and the properties currently available.

Jules B. Yates

Associate Broker / Team Leader

@properties | Christie’s International Real Estate

Get in touch