HomeMichiganAntrim County

Henry Lake

Antrim County, Michigan Inland Lake Chain of Lakes
1 launchRec Passport required
Henry Lake Access Map 1 launch
Click markers for details
Campgrounds 4
Rapid River Campground & Cabins
4.7★ (131)
Directions →
Antrim Meadows Campground
4.5★ (60)
Directions →
Chain O' Lakes Campground
4.2★ (529)
Directions →
Henry Lake
4★ (1)
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Boat Launches on Henry Lake
Henry Lake Boat Launch
Young State Park · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 1 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Henry Lake sits in Antrim County's Chain of Lakes region, though it's not one of the main lakes in the connected chain that flows through Bellaire and into Lake Michigan via the Intermediate River. Specific inflows and outflows are not well documented.

Winter & Ice Safety

Henry Lake's very shallow depth means it likely freezes early and solidly in winter. It could be a decent spot for bluegill and pike through the ice, though there's no specific mention of an active ice fishing scene here. Always check ice thickness before venturing out.

Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Henry Lake?
Bluegill are the most commonly caught fish, along with small largemouth bass and northern pike. Don't expect trophy fish — this is more of a casual panfish lake. The heavy weed growth provides habitat but can also make fishing challenging in summer.
How deep is Henry Lake?
Henry Lake is very shallow. Multiple visitors describe it as surprisingly shallow throughout, which contributes to heavy weed and aquatic vegetation growth during warmer months.
Is there a boat launch on Henry Lake?
Yes, there's one public launch with a dock and a spacious trailer parking area with good turnaround room. The launch and dock are generally in good condition. Vault toilets are available but have been poorly maintained at times.
Can you kayak on Henry Lake?
Absolutely — this is an ideal kayak and canoe lake. The small size and shallow water make it perfect for paddling. Multiple reviewers specifically recommend bringing kayaks rather than larger boats.
Is Henry Lake weedy?
Yes, very. The shallow depth means aquatic vegetation is thick across much of the lake, especially in summer. Some reviewers describe it as infested with invasive water growth. Kayaks and canoes handle the weeds better than motorboats.
Where is Henry Lake in Michigan?
Henry Lake is in Antrim County in the northwest Lower Peninsula, in the same general area as the Chain of Lakes near Bellaire. It's a quieter, less-trafficked alternative to the bigger lakes in the region.
Is Henry Lake crowded?
No — this is one of the quieter lakes in the area. With only a 3.5-star Google rating and minimal traffic, you're unlikely to compete for space. Reviewers consistently describe it as peaceful and uncrowded.
Are there campgrounds near Henry Lake?
Yes, there's a campground right on Henry Lake, plus Rapid River Campground & Cabins, Antrim Meadows Campground, and Chain O' Lakes Campground are all nearby.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Henry Lake is a small, shallow lake in Antrim County with a single public launch. Reviews consistently mention how shallow and weedy it is — expect thick aquatic vegetation through much of the summer. That said, the weeds create decent habitat for bluegill, small largemouth bass, and northern pike. One reviewer noted catching a nice pike, and bluegill seem to be the most reliable bite. This is a kayak-and-canoe lake, not a powerboat destination.

The launch itself is in decent shape with a dock and a larger-than-expected parking area that handles trailers well, though the vault toilets have drawn complaints. The vibe here is quiet and uncrowded — multiple reviewers describe it as beautiful and peaceful, with one jokingly saying they didn't want to give it a good review for fear of attracting crowds. It sits in the Chain of Lakes region of Antrim County, near Bellaire and the more well-known lakes in that system, but Henry Lake is its own thing — a low-key spot for a relaxing paddle or a panfish outing.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment