If you’re driving through the thick, green tunnel of trees between Mancelona and Gaylord, you might see a small sign for Lakes of the North Michigan. Honestly, most people just keep driving. They think it’s just another gated subdivision or maybe a tiny patch of woods with a pond.
They’re wrong.
Basically, this place is a 10,000-acre "unincorporated community" that feels more like a sovereign summer camp for adults than a standard HOA. It’s huge. We’re talking 17 square miles of land. Yet, despite the size, there’s a weirdly persistent myth that it’s just a private club for wealthy retirees. You’ve probably heard it's "members only," but that’s only half true. While the residents definitely have their perks, the public can actually wander in further than they think.
The Secret "Public" Side of Lakes of the North Michigan
Most people assume that if you don't own a lot, you can't even get a burger there. Not true. The Settings Restaurant and Tavern sits right in the heart of the community and welcomes anyone who can find it. It’s the kind of place where locals from Mancelona and Elmira show up for a Friday night fish fry alongside pilots who just landed their Cessnas a few hundred yards away.
Speaking of landing, the airport is one of the coolest, most overlooked features. It’s not a commercial hub, obviously. It’s the Lakes of the North Community Airport (4Y4). It has a 4,212-foot paved runway. You can literally fly in, park your plane, walk to the 18-hole golf course, play a round, and fly home.
The golf course itself? It’s surprisingly legit. Designed by William Newcomb, it’s a par 72 that stretches across 7,000 yards. The Golf Association of Michigan once rated it among the "Top 3 Most Consistent Greens" in the state. If you’ve played much in Northern Michigan, you know how hard it is to keep grass that perfect when the weather changes every five minutes.
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What about the lakes?
Here’s where it gets a little tricky. The community is named "Lakes of the North," but if you're looking for a Lake Michigan-sized experience, you'll be disappointed. There are two primary bodies of water: Pencil Lake and Lake Harold.
- Pencil Lake: This is the bigger one. It’s where the main beach house is. It’s great for kayaking or a quiet swim.
- Lake Harold: A bit more tucked away, but still has a nice beach area.
The catch? These beaches and the boat launches are private. You need a member ID or a guest pass to park there. If you’re just passing through, you can’t just haul your pontoon boat in and drop it in the water. That’s the "closed" part of the community that keeps the water quiet and the crowds down.
Why the HOA is Actually a Legal Powerhouse
You might think an HOA is just about people complaining about your grass height. At Lakes of the North Michigan, the Association is more like a mini-government. Back in 2000, there was actually a huge legal case (Lakes of the North Association v. Twiga Limited Partnership) that went all the way to the Michigan Court of Appeals.
Basically, some lots were sold at a tax foreclosure sale. The new owners thought, "Hey, the state sold this to me, so I don't have to pay those old HOA fees." The court basically said, "Nice try." They ruled that the obligation to pay Association dues is a "covenant that runs with the land."
Even if the state takes the property, the HOA stays attached to it. This is a big deal for anyone thinking about buying a cheap lot on eBay or at a county auction. You aren't just buying dirt; you’re buying a permanent subscription to a 10,000-acre park.
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Survival Guide: Winter in the "Snow Belt"
If you visit in July, it’s all golf and swimming. If you visit in January, it’s a different planet. This area is famously part of the Michigan "snow belt." It gets dumped on.
The Winter Sports Area at Lakes of the North is located on Snowridge Drive in Elmira. They have over 15 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails. Some are flat and easy for beginners (like Pete's Path), but others wind through the dunes and woods.
They also have:
- A dedicated ice skating rink.
- Snowshoe rentals for those who don't want to strap on skis.
- A "Winter Lodge" with a fireplace that is, frankly, the only place you want to be when it’s 10 degrees outside.
But here’s a pro tip: don't go looking for a sledding hill. For liability reasons, the association doesn't maintain one. If you see kids sledding on a hill nearby, they’re doing it at their own risk, and the HOA is very clear about not being responsible for any bruised tailbones.
Buying In: Is it Worth It?
Honestly, real estate here is a bit of a rollercoaster. You can find vacant lots for as little as $2,000 or $3,000. Sounds like a steal, right? Well, remember that court case. You’ll be paying annual dues (usually around $400-$500 a year) whether you build a house or just let the weeds grow.
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People buy these "junk lots" just to get the membership card. That card gets you into the Indoor Renovation Center, which has a massive pool, a waterslide, and a spa. For a family in Mancelona or Gaylord, paying $400 a year for a private pool and gym is actually cheaper than a lot of YMCA memberships.
If you're looking for a house, expect to pay anywhere from $180,000 for a cozy chalet to $450,000+ for something newer near the golf course. It’s not Traverse City prices, but it's not "middle of nowhere" prices either.
The Connectivity Struggle
One thing nobody tells you until you’re there: cell service can be spotty. Depending on your carrier, you might be living in 2004 once you get deep into the woods. Most residents rely on Starlink or local fiber providers if they want to work from home. If you're coming here to "unplug," you've picked the right spot. If you're trying to host Zoom calls, check the signal before you sign the closing papers.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're curious about checking out Lakes of the North Michigan, don't just drive in circles. Follow this plan:
- Check the Golf Calendar: If you want to play, the season usually kicks off in early May. Call the pro shop at (231) 585-6800 to book a tee time—it's open to the public, but it fills up on weekends.
- Eat at Settings: Go for dinner. It’s the easiest way to see the "vibe" of the community without needing a gate key.
- Visit the Airport: Even if you don't fly, it's a cool spot to watch small planes take off while you're near the clubhouse.
- Read the Bylaws: If you’re buying land, go to the official Lakes of the North Association website and actually read the "LOTN Living" blog. They are very transparent about what the HOA does and, more importantly, what it doesn't do (like mediate neighbor disputes).
- Verify the Dues: Before buying any "cheap" lot, call the management office to ensure there are no back-dated liens. The 2000 court ruling means those debts don't just vanish.
Whether you're there for the groomed ski trails or a quiet round of golf, Lakes of the North is one of those places that defines the "Up North" experience. It's a little bit quirky, a little bit private, and a whole lot of forest. Just make sure you bring your own GPS—and maybe a paper map—because the trees are taller than the cell towers.