Clarklake, Michigan is an unincorporated community on the shores of Clark Lake, a 580-acre body of water in Columbia Township in the southeastern quadrant of Jackson County.
Although the village of Clarklake refers to the original settlement along the northwest shore of the lake, the entire area around the lake is known as Clarklake as it includes no other identified communities, and is served by the Clarklake post office.
The lake was named for Robert Clark, who surveyed the area for the government in 1824. In 1833, George Stranahan settled on the northwest shores of the lake, and the village that arose in this area became known as Clarklake when the Chicago & Illinois Midland Railroad established a station there. On April 25, 1896, a post office was established at Clarklake, with Jay D. Reed as postmaster.
Early on, Clarklake became a summer destination for families from Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. The railroad enhanced interest in the community, with visitors camping along the shores of the lake, staying in hotels that were built there, or building their own summer cottages.
One of these was Benjamin Graziani, a lawyer and state senator from Kentucky. He first came to Clarklake with his family in 1896, originally staying at a small hotel. In 1897, he acquired some property on the north side of the lake that already had a few small cottages on it. He added a larger, two-story building in 1899, positioned in such a way that it could be seen from different parts of the lake. Referred to as the Kentucky Homestead, it became a local landmark. In 1997, this building was moved by barge across the lake to the Clark Lake County Park and restored to serve as a community center. The Clark Lake Community Center is now open to the public and available for rent as a site for weddings, graduation parties, or other events.
Situated along the northeast and easter side of the lake, Clark Lake County Park is a 7-acre site with grills, picnic areas, a playground, swimming area, boat mooring area, and portable toilets. The Clark Lake Spirit Trail passes through the park, circling the lake, for a distance of about seven miles. It is used by runners, walkers, and bicyclists. On the western end of the lake, near the original Clarklake townsite, Clarklake Lions Community Park serves as a recreational site for residents and hosts various events throughout the year.
Clark Lake, itself, is a 580-acre lake with a depth of about fifty feet at its deepest point. As might be expected, the lake is used for swimming, boating, and watersports, as well as for fishing. While fishing, anglers might catch a variety of fish, including bluegill, largemouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, and northern pike. The Grand River flows just west of the lake, and Goose Creek connects Clark Lake with Lake Columbia, just southeast of Clark Lake.
The chief route to the community is US-127, also known as Meridian Road, west of the lake. Although separated from the lake by a couple of miles, it is also within the Clarklake postal area. Hyde Road runs north-south, roughly parallel to US-127, nearer to the western shores of the lake, ending at White Road to the south, and turning to the east north of Reed Road, ending at Clarklake Road. North Lake Road is an east-west road serving those on the north shores of the lake, while Jefferson Road serves the south shore, and Ocean Beach Road is a short north-west road spanning the eastern portion of the lake, from Jefferson Road to the south, to North Lake Road to the north, in the area of Clark Lake County Park. Hayes Road leads south from Jefferson Road, past Lake Columbia, to end at Cement City Road.
Brooklyn is 4.6 miles south of Clarklake, while Cement City is 5.8 miles southwest, Napoleon is 8.5 miles northwest, Grass Lake is 12.1 miles north, Hanover is 12.9 miles northeast, and Jackson is 15.1 miles to the southeast.
The focus of this guide is on the unincorporated area of Columbia Township that surrounds Clark Lake, as well as the larger area served by the Clarklake, Michigan post office. Websites representing individuals, industries, businesses, schools, churches, organizations, attractions, and events in Clarklake are appropriate topics for this guide.
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Recommended Resources
Situated on the east side of Clark Lake, the bar was first opened in July of 1946 and has always been owned and managed by the founders of members of their family. Besides the bar and restaurant, the facility hosts live music in the summer and other events throughout the year. Its location, hours of operation, calendar of events, menu, and banquet room are featured, and promotional apparel, coolers, tumblers, and other items, including a Clark Lake history book, may be purchased online.
http://www.beachbarclarklake.com/
Formed in 1997 after the Clark Lake community was offered the historic home of the Graziani family, known as the Kentucky Home, the Community Center is a non-profit is housed in the structure, which was moved from its original location on Kentucky Point to the Clark Lake County Park, where it serves as a community center and event venue. The Center is featured here, with historical data, photos, and information about its renovation and needs.
https://www.clarklakespirit.com/community-center/
Incorporated in 1997, the non-profit organization, the foundation serves as a repository for contributions made to various organizations serving the Clark Lake, Michigan community. Its site lists the officers and directors of the foundation and features several stories submitted by Clark Lake readers, a community calendar, live cams from various locations on the lake, local news and reports of community businesses and organizations, demographics, and contacts.
https://www.clarklakespirit.com/
The white farmhouse and barns of the Hitt Family Farm were built by Ephraim and Nellie Hitt, whose family owned and operated the farm for more than a hundred and seventy years, and are now owned by a family farm corporation held by descendants of founders, and are listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Several photographs of the grounds and exterior of the buildings are displayed, along with its rooms, and rental rates are posted.
http://www.clarklakevacation.com/
Clarklake Trailer & Powersports
CTP carries a variety of trailers, ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, golf carts, and boats, including brands like American Haulers, CornPro Trailers, Pace American, Everlite Trailers, and Stealth Trailers, including new and used inventory, at its showroom on South Meridian Road in Clarklake, Michigan. The address and a map indicate the location of the business, and its inventory may be viewed online, finance options are posted, and its hours and contacts are included.
https://www.clarklaketrailer.com/
The marine sales and service company in Clearlake, Michigan is an authorized dealer for Evinrude, Honda, Apex Marine, and Starcraft Marine, and employs certified mechanics who can assist with most boat repair jobs. Its location is shown on a map, and its hours of operation and contacts are posted. Its new and pre-owned inventory may be viewed, and financing may be applied for online. Marine parts may be ordered online, and dealer information is presented.
https://www.clarklakemarine.com/
Situated in south Jackson County, Liberty Township was established in 1837. The township offices are located in Clearlake, Michigan. Township office staff and trustees are named on the official township website, along with election data, meeting agendas and minutes, planning and zoning information and setbacks, permit applications and forms, and contacts for the township assessor’s office. Other resources include a calendar of events and office contacts.
https://www.libertytwp.us/
Located on Jefferson Road, between Clark Lake and Lake Columbia, the restaurant offers Mexican cuisine, a large menu of specialty drinks, wine, and beers on tap. Its dinner, lunch, drinks, dessert, and kid’s menus are published to the site, with prices, including Happy Hour every day from 3-6 pm, and weekday specials. Subscribers to the restaurant’s email list are eligible to win a $25 gift card. Its location, hours of operation, and job postings are featured.
https://www.lucerosgrill.com/
