About 5 miles south of Jackson is the community of Vandercook Lake, named after a body of water formed from the nearby Grand River. “Though not far from Jackson, once you get in the water, you become one with nature, and it’s a getaway without being far from everything,” says Kat Kulchinski, the owner of Quiet World Sports, which rents kayaks and paddleboards for use on the lake. Kulchinski grew up in Vandercook Lake and still lives there, along with other families who've remained in this small, predominantly residential community of about 5,000 people. “My parents have eight kids, and we all live within a 2-mile radius of each other in this neighborhood,” says Rhonda Applegate, a Realtor with RE/MAX with close to 20 years of experience. “It’s got a community feel, and everyone knows each other.”
The Vandercook Lake neighborhood is located south of downtown Jackson.
Jacksonburg Public Square highlights Vandercook Lake’s rich history near the Grand River.
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Waterfront or golf course houses in Vandercook Lake
The older homes are in the western part of the neighborhood, closer to the 145-acre lake, and prices vary depending on location. Ranch-style and Cape Cods built in the early to mid-20th century range from $70,000 to $300,000. A mix of larger cottages and contemporary styles, including some waterfront properties are priced between $200,000 and $530,000. While the waterfront views are attractive, there is a flood risk for the homes by the water and along some neighborhood streets after heavy rains. Contemporary colonial and traditional-style homes built in the last 30 years around the Grande Golf Club go from $350,000 to $550,000. The average size in the Vandercook Lake neighborhood is just under 2,000 square feet. “When a house goes on the market here, it’s gone fast. People love the affordability of this area,” Applegate says. The neighborhood also enjoys a low crime rate, an overall 2 CAP score lower than the national average of 4.
Modern ranch-style homes in Vandercook Lake offer comfort and style for families.
Residents enjoy diverse architectural styles in Vandercook Lake’s residential areas.
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Fun on Vandercook Lake
There are plenty of recreation opportunities on the water. Quiet World Sports rents paddleboards and kayaks. Motors are allowed on the water but cannot be rented at Quiet World Sports. Fishing and swimming are permitted; however, Jackson County reports that algae have appeared in sections of the lake in the summer of 2024. Water that looks green should be avoided. It’s not just summer when fun can happen in the water. “There have been ice fishermen who come out in the winter. The lake does freeze, but it doesn’t create as hard a surface for ice skating as it did in the past,” Kulchinski says. Vandercook Lake County Park is 21 acres on the waterfront with a boat launch, swimming area and playground. About 90 years ago, the park was the site of an amusement park that burned down. Grande Golf Club opened in 2001 and is a scenic 18-hole course.
Vandercook Lake’s 145-acre waterway is ideal for kayaking, fishing, and relaxation.
Vandercook Lake’s shoreline is perfect for boating, fishing, and lakeside living.
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Stuffed pizza and sports décor at Klavon’s
Detroit-style deep dishes or Chicago-style stuffed pizzas are some of the specialties at Klavon’s Pizzeria & Pub, a local restaurant off Route 127, the main highway that leads to Jackson and Interstate 94 to the north. There’s pub seating and plenty of opportunity to catch a sporting event on the many TVs. Bone Island Grille is just blocks from the water and has everything from seafood to barbecue pork. Residents love the neighborhood's established locally-owned businesses, including Weatherwax Pharmacy and Vandercook Ace Hardware. The local grocery store is Polly’s Country Market, a family-owned Jackson chain that’s been a staple in the area for 90 years.
Vandercook Lake’s Ace Hardware supports local DIY projects and repairs.
Klavon’s Pizzeria & Pub is a Vandercook Lake favorite for Detroit-style and Chicago-style pizza.
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Vandercook Lake Public Schools
For students in the area who opt for public schools, two nearby schools complete the K-12 process. Townsend Elementary School is rated a C-minus on Niche, has prekindergarten through sixth-grade students, and has a 15-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Vandercook Lake Middle and High School accepts students in grades 7-12. The school gets a C rating. Ninth graders at the school can begin to take electives like computer coding or outdoor recreation, which teaches the basics of camping, boating and hiking. All school districts within Jackson County participate in the School of Choice program. During a specific time of year, families can select their school within the county, and a decision will be made based on the availability and location of the family. Jackson Christian is a private school for prekindergarten through 12th grade. It gets a B-plus overall Niche grade.
Vandercook Lake High School is home to the spirited Vandercook Lake Jayhawks.
Townsend Elementary School serves families in Vandercook Lake with small class sizes.
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Vandercook Lake is outside the Jackson city limits
Because homes around Vandercook Lake are outside the Jackson city limits, no bus routes come near the neighborhood. However, the Jackson Area Transportation Authority does offer the Reserve-a-Ride program on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. People who use the service must make advanced reservations, and rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Route 127 is a four-lane highway on the neighborhood’s eastern side and can lead to downtown Jackson via Business 127 and I-94.
Residents of Vandercook Lake reach Downtown Jackson quickly for dining and entertainment.
Jackson Area Transit Authority connects Vandercook Lake with Jackson’s city amenities.
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Photography Contributed By
Scottie Davison
Video By
Jacob Branchaud
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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an experienced agent in this area.
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