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Woodland Lake waterfront homesBrighton Township waterfront homes

Welcome to Woodland Lake

Woodland Lake is a large, all-sports lake in Brighton Township, Livingston County, just north of Brighton and about 17.1 miles from downtown Fenton. When I checked in October 2026, my site had three Woodland Lake homes (one active, two pending), and the first button above always shows what's available today.

Lake Overview

• Location: Brighton Township, Livingston County.
• Size: about 258 acres in DNR data (Michigan's Named Inland Lakes, DNR data via MLSA); EGLE MiEnviro inland lakes mapping shows about 257 acres.
• History: created in the late 1920s by damming Ore Creek, and once called Gay Lake (Organization of Woodland Lake history page).
• All-sports: current listing remarks describe all-sports Woodland Lake.
• Public access: a Michigan DNR launch off Hilton Road (MichiganLakes.com directory) with a hard-surface ramp, restroom and 28 parking spaces; a Recreation Passport is required (Outdoor Michigan).
• Boating: I didn't find a Michigan DNR local watercraft control naming Woodland Lake (Michigan DNR Livingston County watercraft controls).
• Shoreline: Microsoft building-footprint map data shows about 289 buildings near the shore.

Living on Woodland Lake

Woodland Lake has room to ski and tube, six small islands, and bass and pike fishing (a 2008 mlive Lake Living feature). Current homes range from a ranch with 75 feet of frontage to 112 feet on Woodland Shore Drive and a newer walkout in the Shores of Woodland Lake condos.

Brighton Township & Schools

Woodland Lake is in Brighton Township, with Brighton mailing addresses, but all three Woodland Lake listings I checked in October 2026 were in Howell Public Schools. Utilities vary, 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 Brighton 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 Organization of Woodland Lake (OWL) oversees the dam, weed control and water quality, paid for through a Brighton Township special assessment district; the township took petitions for the current aquatic/dam district in 2020 (June 2020 township minutes). Some neighborhoods also have their own associations. I'll confirm assessments and dues in writing.
• Taxable value generally "uncaps" after a sale (MCL 211.27a), so don't budget off the seller's tax bill.
• OWL reported a July 2026 algae treatment, and the township approved The Cove at Woodland Lake development in February 2026 over OWL's objection (OWL's website). Ask me how either could affect a specific home.

Tips for Sellers

• Lead with the all-sports water, the islands and your frontage in feet.
• Have well, septic or sewer, and assessment payoff details ready.

FAQ

Is Woodland Lake an all-sports lake?

Current listings call it all-sports, and I didn't find a DNR watercraft control naming it (Michigan DNR Livingston County watercraft controls).

Is there a public boat launch?

Yes, a Michigan DNR launch; bring a Recreation Passport (Outdoor Michigan).

Are there lake assessments?

Yes. A Brighton Township special assessment district funds dam and weed work through OWL. I'll confirm the amount for any home.

Let's Talk Lake Life

Thinking about Woodland Lake? I'd love to show you around. Give me a call at (810) 962-4908.