Nine lakes. One chain. Pure summer.
The water’s warm.
Come hang out.
The unofficial home for life on the Portage Chain. Boat parades, dockside burgers, sunset paddles, and the occasional fish story.
Looking to live on the chain? Browse homes for sale.
What life looks like here
Life on the Chain
Mornings
Glassy water at sunrise — the best time for a paddle or a quiet cup of coffee on the dock before the day picks up.
Fishing
Bass, bluegill, walleye, pike, and even muskie swim the chain. Weed lines and quiet coves keep anglers coming back.
Boating
Nine connected lakes and miles of water. Cruise from all-sports Portage Lake to the quiet back coves in an afternoon.
Dockside
Tie up at Zukey Lake Tavern, grab ice cream at NautiMI, or pull up to the beach. The chain is built for slow evenings.
On the waterSnapped on Portage Lake
“Pontoon hour is officially on the clock.”
The best evenings on the chain start with a slow cruise, a full cooler, and one more lap before tying up for the night.
See more lake-life photos →
On the calendar
This Weekend on the Water
Dockside & downtown
Around the Chain
Zukey Lake Tavern
Lakeside burgers, perch baskets, and cold drinks on the water since 1935.
NautiMI Ice Cream & Coffee
Cones, soft serve, and morning coffee just steps from Portage Lake.
Riverside Pizza
A local favorite for pizza near the boat launch.
McGregor Rd Public Launch
The DNR boat launch and your gateway to the whole chain.
Hell Creek Ranch
Horseback riding, hayrides, and outdoor adventures minutes from the chain.
Downtown Pinckney
Shops, restaurants, and the farmers market along E Main St.
Community Spotlight
Life on the Portage Chain
Spanning 9 interconnected lakes and over 1,650 acres of water, the Portage Chain of Lakes is one of Michigan’s most treasured inland waterway systems. From morning kayak paddles to sunset pontoon cruises, from championship bass fishing to community fireworks over the water — life here is defined by the rhythm of the lakes.
Nestled in the heart of Livingston County near the charming village of Pinckney, our community blends small-town warmth with easy access to Ann Arbor, Brighton, and beyond.
Lost a paddle? Found a pup?
The chain looks out for its own. Post a missing pet, a lost set of boat keys, or something you found drifting near the dock. Neighbors get the word out fast.
Post it
Lost pet or found keys? Add the details and where you saw it.
We spread the word
Your post goes out to neighbors across the chain.
Reunited
The chain looks out for its own — that's how it works.
P.S.
Want to live on the chain?
8homes are for sale right now. Whenever you’re ready, Nelson Realty Group has the keys.
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