Village of Lake
Lake is an unincorporated community within Garfield Township off US Highway 10 approximately 7 miles West of Farwell, Michigan. The settlement began as a depot on the Pere Marquette Railway named Lake Station in 1877, after its location next to Crooked Lake. A post office named Lake Station was established on February 28, 1877, later the name was shortened to simply Lake on March 11, 1909, though the community is still colloquially referred to as Lake Station.
Garfield township and the Crooked Lake area has rich natural resources with several fresh water lakes within the township. Crooked Lake and Eight Point Lake are the two largest all-sports lakes. Crooked Lake has a DNR managed boat launch and two township parks with water access and swimming. Two portions of the Au Sable State Forest areas are located directly north of Lake and approximately 3 miles East with many trails for hiking and ORV enthusiasts.
In 2017 the Village completed an MDNR Trail Head location for bikers, hikers and snowmobilers to access the Pere Marquette state trail which is the old rail line now converted into one of the many state’s rail trail networks. For those heading west you can directly connect to the states inter-connected state rail trail system.
Approximately 8 miles NNW of Lake on M-115 is an entry point onto the Muskegon River or 12 miles West on US-10 you can enter the Muskegon River at the town of Evart. The Muskegon River is an excellent river for canoeing or kayaking.
Recreational Activities Off the Lake
State of Michigan ORV Resources:
Purchase ORV License & Trail Permits
Pere Marquette Rail Trail Resources:
Pere Marquette Rail Trail Staging Areas
Pere Marquette Rail Trail Farwell to Lake Station Video
Township Development Activities
Garfield Township is committed to developing our Lake community. In 2017 Garfield Township and the Village of Lake secured a grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to establish a Trailhead along the Pere Marquette state trail which was the old Pere Marquette rail line. Project information is below
In 2020 Garfield Township has applied for USDA rural community business development grant to help our small, rural community, develop its commercial support for our local natural resources. Please see the grant application scope of work and communication from USDA.
USDA Grant Application for Village of Lake Revitalization Project
USDA Grant Application Confirmation Letter
Garfield Township Peterson Park Project - Township Letter
Garfield Township Peterson Park Project - Plan
Resources and Information
The following link will take you to Township, County and State links and information
Crooked Lake Improvement Association Help Resources and Information