Best STR Lake Towns in MI or OH? Within 6 Hrs of Chicago

[Kevan Clarke]

My Criteria:

• Lakefront or walkable-to-lake (no Great Lakes – prefer inland)

• Within 6 hours of Chicago (bonus if also <6 hours from Akron/Cleveland)

• Quiet, north-woodsy vibe — not tourist chaos, but still appealing

• Small town 10–15 minutes away with food, bars, basic amenities

• Lake big enough for a pontoon or ski boat

• Budget: ~$500K

• Want to use it part-time, rent it out the rest of the year

• Ideally STR-friendly with solid seasonal or weekend demand

 Areas I’m Considering:

• Houghton Lake, MI

• Higgins Lake, MI

• Torch Lake, MI (stretching the budget?)

• Pymatuning Reservoir (PA/OH)

• Mosquito Lake, OH

• Geneva-on-the-Lake (more built-up than I’d like)

I’d love any insight on:

• STR demand and seasonality in these places

• Regulations I should be aware of

• Underrated lake towns I should look into

• Or even areas to avoid
  
  

I am would also be using this property to make memories with my family and use it as my own a few weekends of the year as well. Appreciate any guidance—thanks in advance!