Things To Do on Walled Lake Michigan: Your Complete Summer Guide
If you live in Oakland County and you haven't made Walled Lake a regular stop this summer, you're leaving one of Metro Detroit's best outdoor experiences on the table. This 670-acre all-sports lake sits right on the edge of Novi — 30 minutes from Detroit — and it is one of the most activity-packed lakes in all of Southeast Michigan.
Whether you're a local looking for something to do this weekend or just discovering the area, here's everything worth doing on Walled Lake in 2026.
About Walled Lake
Walled Lake is the largest lake in Oakland County and one of the most accessible all-sports lakes in Metro Detroit. It's big enough for powerboats and watersports but still has the feel of a tight-knit lake community. The surrounding city blends longtime residents with newer families drawn by Novi's conveniences, great schools, and the kind of lake lifestyle that's hard to find this close to a major city.
The lake sits at the border of the City of Walled Lake and Novi, giving you easy access to both the quiet lakefront neighborhoods and all the shopping, dining, and entertainment along the Novi corridor.
1. Hit the Beach at Mercer Beach
Mercer Beach is the social hub of Walled Lake in the summer. This public lakefront park has a sandy beach, picnic areas, a playground, and 200 feet of direct waterfront — making it one of the best free spots in Oakland County for a summer afternoon. It's where locals gather, kids swim, and the vibe is exactly what a Michigan lake summer is supposed to feel like.
Pro tip: get there early on weekends. It fills up fast on warm afternoons, and parking is limited.
Address: Mercer Beach, Walled Lake, MI 48390
2. Explore Lakeshore Park
On the south side of the lake, Lakeshore Park is a quieter alternative to Mercer Beach with bike trails, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and an underground tunnel that connects directly to a small beach on the lake. It's a great spot for families who want a more laid-back afternoon without the crowds. The bike trails here are well-maintained and connect to a broader trail network, making it a solid option if you want to get some miles in before heading to the water.
3. Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding
That's WasSUP Stand Up Paddle operates in the Walled Lake area and is the go-to spot for SUP rentals and lessons. They offer beginner intro lessons, hourly and half-day rentals, sunset tours, and even paddleboard yoga. If you've never tried stand-up paddleboarding, Walled Lake's relatively calm waters make it a great place to learn. It's low-key, easy to pick up, and a genuinely great way to see the lake from a different perspective.
4. Go Fishing
Walled Lake is loaded with largemouth bass, yellow perch, and northern pike, and there are public fishing access points on both the north and south sides of the lake. It's a popular spot for both casual anglers and more serious fishermen who know the lake well. Just make sure you have a valid Michigan fishing license before you cast — you can pick one up online through the Michigan DNR in minutes.
5. Rent an Electric Bike and Explore the Area
Pedego Electric Bikes in Walled Lake is one of the most popular spots on TripAdvisor for good reason. Renting an e-bike and cruising the lakeshore road and surrounding bike trails is one of the most enjoyable ways to take in the area, especially if you want to cover more ground without working up a sweat. The road that winds through the lakeside neighborhoods has a dedicated bike lane and the views of the water are genuinely great the whole way around.
Website: https://dealers.pedegoelectricbikes.com/pages/dealers/walled-lake
6. Take a Segway Tour
Great Lakes Segway runs guided 60-minute tours hitting Walled Lake's scenic and historic points of interest. It's a fun way to learn about the area's history — including the old Walled Lake Amusement Park that operated from 1929 to 1968 — and a good option if you're visiting the area for the first time and want an easy introduction to the lake and surrounding downtown.
Website: https://greatlakessegway.com/
7. Watch the Sunset from Pavilion Shore Park
Pavilion Shore Park sits on the original site of the Walled Lake Amusement Park and Casino, and today it's one of the most peaceful spots on the lake. It's quieter than Mercer Beach, great for bird watching and boat watching, and the sunsets from here are some of the best in Metro Detroit. Bring food, bring a blanket, and plan to stay a while. On clear evenings the sky over the lake turns into something worth putting the phone away for.
8. Eat and Drink Lakeside at Driftwood Bar & Grill
Driftwood Bar & Grill has become a staple of the Walled Lake community for a reason. They own a portion of the lakefront, so the views are unobstructed whether you're sitting inside or on the patio. The food is solid, the drinks are cold, and the atmosphere is exactly what you want after a day on the water. It's the kind of place that turns a casual afternoon into a full evening without much effort.
9. Kayak or Canoe the Lake
There are public launch points at both Pavilion Shore Park and Mercer Beach for kayaks and canoes. If you have your own equipment, Walled Lake is a great paddle — the lake is calm most mornings, the neighborhoods along the shore are beautiful, and the size of the lake (670 acres) gives you enough water to really explore without feeling like you're going in circles. If you don't have gear, That's WasSUP also offers kayak and canoe rentals in the area.
10. Try E-Foiling — The Most Exciting Thing on the Lake
Here's the one most people haven't done yet, and it's the activity that everybody who tries it immediately wants to tell their friends about.
E-foiling is riding an electric hydrofoil board that lifts you completely above the surface of the water. It feels exactly like hovering — silent, smooth, and unlike anything else you can do in Metro Detroit right now. Detroit E-Foil runs beginner lessons right here at Lakeshore Park Beach in Novi, and most students are up and riding within their first hour on the board.
No experience needed. No special fitness required. Just show up, spend an hour on the water, and leave with a story.
Lessons start at $195 for a private one-hour session and include a helmet, life jacket, and wetsuit if needed. Group lessons are also available for up to 6 people, making it a perfect option for a birthday, bachelorette, or any summer group looking for something they've never done before.
Detroit E-Foil runs lessons at Lakeshore Park Beach, 617 S Lake Dr, Novi, MI 48377 — right on Walled Lake.
Book an E-Foil Lesson on Walled Lake →
Where to Eat Near Walled Lake
A few local favorites worth knowing:
- Driftwood Bar & Grill — lakefront dining with great views and a solid menu. The go-to spot after a day on the water.
- Bayside Sports Grille — casual waterfront spot near Mercer Beach. Good for wings, drinks, and watching the game.
- The Copper Mug — the burger here has a devoted local following. Order it, don't overthink it.
- The Corner Carhop — a fun, old-school carhop spot near Mercer Beach that locals have loved for years.
Getting to Walled Lake
Walled Lake is located in Oakland County, about 30 minutes northwest of Detroit via I-696 or M-5. It sits just north of Novi, making it easy to combine a day at the lake with dinner or shopping along the Novi corridor.
Public parking is available at Mercer Beach and Lakeshore Park. On busy summer weekends, arrive early — both lots fill up by mid-morning.
The Bottom Line
Walled Lake is one of Oakland County's best-kept secrets for summer activity, and the options have only gotten better in recent years. Whether you spend the day paddleboarding, fishing, biking the shore, or trying something completely new on an efoil board, there's enough here to fill a full weekend without ever leaving the lake.
If you're ready to make this summer one worth talking about, the efoil lesson is where to start.
Book your Detroit E-Foil lesson on Walled Lake →
Detroit E-Foil offers private and group efoil lessons at Lakeshore Park Beach in Novi, MI — right on Walled Lake. Lessons run May through October. Call or text (313) 427-9929 to book.
