Wolverine Lake is a project-turned-village about 30 miles from Detroit
Wolverine Lake was created by a dentist. Sounds odd, but it’s true. Howard Stuart, a local dentist with a passion for development, led the effort to combine six small lakes and surrounding marshes into one big lake. One dam and several obstacles later, the lake was formed. Then, subdivisions around Wolverine Lake came together to officially establish the Village of Wolverine Lake in 1954. Now that the construction is in the past, current residents enjoy a vacation-like existence with several access points to the lake.
Locals unwind on the lake, at nearby parks and at community events
In addition to swimming and fishing for largemouth bass, “Pontooning and water-skiing are popular on the lake,” states Steve Stockton, Realtor at KW Showcase Realty with 10 years’ experience in the area. Sand ready for sunbathing can be found at residents-only Nantucket/Pennylake Beach and Spring Lake Heights Annex Beach. Those who love to be out on the water all day can grab spirits and sandwiches at Wolverine Lake Party Store, the only shop in the area with dock access. Additionally, Lakes Area Bait Shop keeps fishing enthusiasts supplied with the essentials.
In addition to the lake’s activities, folks can unwind at Clara Miller Park, which includes a soccer field and tennis courts. From there, follow Lakes Community Trail into Hickory Glen Park, which has a playground and baseball field. About 2 miles from Wolverine Lake is Proud Lake Recreation Area and campground. Locals enjoy plenty of community activities, such as the annual Halloween outdoor home decorating contest and fireworks over the lake every July 3rd. Residents dine at Benstein Grille, which offers gluten-free options, and kick back with weekday happy hours and Wednesday trivia nights at Glengary Inn. For groceries beyond what’s offered at Wolverine Lake Party Store, head to Penny Lake Marketplace.
Lakefront properties can cost as much as $800,000
With the lake at the center of the roughly 1,700 single-family residences, this village provides plenty of breathing room. Though there are no sidewalks, the streets are wide enough to walk or bike comfortably. Ranch-style homes with attached garages line the streets, as do yards groomed with freshly cut grass, mulch beds and leafy trees. Most homes have brick, vinyl or stone siding and average about $300,000. Remodeled, larger two-story homes with private docks run into the $800,000s on the waterfront. Some lots are for sale as well, starting at $140,000.
Students attend highly rated schools like Walled Lake Cental High
Though living here can feel like a getaway at times, this lakeside community is not secluded. And what sets it apart is its proximity to excellent schools. Kids may attend Mary Helen Guest Elementary, James R. Giesler Middle, and Walled Lake Central High School, which all score an A-minus on Niche. Mary Helen Guest Elementary is recognized as a High Progress & Beating the Odds School for outperforming similar schools. It was also the first Oakland County school to have its very own therapy dog. Geisler Middle offers a Random Acts of Kindness club and won the National and State School of Character Award in 2017. And according to Newsweek, Walled Lake Central High is in the top 5% of US high schools. St. Matthew Lutheran is close by for a faith-based K-8 option, which hosts Destination Imagination, an after-school program that fosters creative problem-solving.
Residents rely on cars to get around
Wolverine Lake is car-dependent. “This is a nice residential area with easy access to the expressway, which will take you to downtown Northville, Milford, Novi – any of the surrounding cities,” states Stockton. Detroit Metro Airport is 25 miles away. But the quality of life at Wolverine Lake may make it hard to leave. After all, it was created especially for easy lakeside living.
Photography Contributed By
Scottie Davison
