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Genoa Township waterfront homesAll my lake guides

Welcome to Baetcke Lake

Baetcke Lake is a quiet, private lake in Genoa Township, Livingston County, just outside Brighton and about 19.1 miles from downtown Fenton. When I checked in October 2026, my site had no Baetcke Lake listings, so the button above shows all Genoa Township waterfront homes, and I'm happy to set up a saved search just for Baetcke Lake.

Lake Overview

• Location: Genoa Township, Livingston County, reached by a private road north off Brighton Road, west of Bauer Road (Livingston County road inventory).
• Size: about 39 acres in DNR data (Michigan's Named Inland Lakes, DNR data via MLSA); EGLE MiEnviro inland lakes mapping shows about 39 acres.
• History: the lake is named for Gustave Baetcke, who settled in Genoa Township from Germany in 1837 (Michigan Riparian, Summer 2012).
• Boating: I didn't find a Michigan DNR local watercraft control naming Baetcke Lake (Michigan DNR Livingston County watercraft controls).
• Public access: I didn't find a published public boat launch for Baetcke Lake. Ask me, and we'll confirm what applies to a specific home.
• Shoreline: Microsoft building-footprint map data shows only about 19 buildings near the shore.

Living on Baetcke Lake

The association's 2012 profile describes a shallow, clear lake stocked with perch, walleye and bass, along with herons, sandhill cranes, turkeys and foxes. Neighbors gather for clean-ups, barbecues and ice skating, and many older cottages have been passed down through families (Michigan Riparian, Summer 2012).

Genoa Township & Schools

Baetcke Lake is in Genoa Township, with Brighton mailing addresses. I didn't find a current listing to confirm the school district, so I confirm the district and utilities for every address.

Tips for Buyers

• Understand riparian rights. Michigan waterfront ("riparian") owners generally have rights to dock and reach the water (EGLE inland lakes guide). "Lake privileges" or a shared lot is different, so read the deed and any easement.
• Know the local rules. I'll check Genoa Township zoning, association rules, and any dock or shoreline rules for the specific parcel.
• Seawalls and permanent docks generally need an EGLE permit, while seasonal docks usually don't (EGLE dock handout). Ask for permit records.
• Confirm sewer or septic and well, and schedule inspections for any private system.
• Check the address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center and get a flood insurance quote early.
• The Baetcke Lake Association was formed in 1968 (Michigan Riparian, Summer 2012). Genoa Township confirmed a five-year Baetcke Lake aquatic weed-control special assessment in March 2023 (March 6, 2023 minutes) covering 31 parcels, about $1,226 per parcel over 2023 to 2027, or roughly $245 a year (Genoa Township's March 2023 board packet). I'll confirm current assessments and any dues in writing.
• Taxable value generally "uncaps" after a sale (MCL 211.27a), so don't budget off the seller's tax bill.
• The access road is private, so ask who maintains and plows it and whether there's a road agreement.

Tips for Sellers

• Lead with the quiet, private water, the wildlife and the fishing.
• Have well, septic, road-agreement and assessment payoff details ready.

FAQ

Is Baetcke Lake private?

Yes. I didn't find public access, and the road in is private (Livingston County road inventory).

Are there lake assessments?

Yes, a township weed-control assessment of about $245 a year per parcel through 2027 (Genoa Township's March 2023 board packet).

How deep is Baetcke Lake?

Shallow: about 8.5 feet on average and almost 16 feet at the deepest (Michigan Riparian, Summer 2012).

Let's Talk Lake Life

Dreaming of a quiet lake near Brighton? I'd love to help you watch for a home on Baetcke Lake. Give me a call at (810) 962-4908.