Spider Lake

 

Spider Lake
Spacious waters with a strong recreational presence

Overview

Located in Grand Traverse County within a short drive of Traverse City, Spider Lake offers a larger inland lake setting with a more open feel while remaining conveniently connected to town.

Spider Lake is one of the area’s larger inland lakes, known for its expansive surface area, varied shoreline, and active recreational use. Lakefront properties range from traditional cottages to larger year-round homes, appealing to buyers who want space, water depth, and versatility.

Lake Character & Lifestyle

Spider Lake supports an active, well-rounded lakefront lifestyle.

The lake is popular for boating, swimming, fishing, water sports, and entertaining, particularly during the summer months. Due to its size, Spider Lake accommodates activity well, offering room for recreation without feeling overly confined.

Spider Lake attracts a mix of second-home owners and year-round residents who enjoy an energetic lake environment balanced by proximity to Traverse City.

Shoreline & Water Considerations

Shoreline characteristics on Spider Lake vary significantly by location.

Water depth, frontage width, and bottom composition differ throughout the lake, influencing dock design, boat access, and shoreline usability. Wind exposure and orientation should also be considered when evaluating properties.

Location & Nearby Amenities

Spider Lake provides convenient access to Traverse City and surrounding amenities.

Residents enjoy:
• Easy access to Traverse City shopping, dining, and services
• Nearby parks, trails, and recreational facilities
• Quick access to regional roadways
• Proximity to employment and healthcare

This accessibility adds to Spider Lake’s appeal for both seasonal and full-time ownership.

Zoning, Preservation & Long-Term Value

Spider Lake is governed by Grand Traverse County and township zoning regulations that guide shoreline development and density.

Its size, accessibility, and steady demand contribute to long-term desirability within the Traverse City-area lakefront real estate market.

Is Spider Lake Right for You?

Spider Lake is best suited for buyers who:
• Enjoy an active, recreational lake environment
• Value larger water size and open boating space
• Want proximity to Traverse City
• Seek flexibility for both seasonal and year-round use

For buyers seeking a spacious and lively inland lake near Traverse City, Spider Lake offers strong lifestyle value.

Lake Size & Key Facts

• Surface area: approximately 4,000 acres
• Shoreline: approximately 21 miles
• Maximum depth: approximately 90 feet
• Water type: clear inland lake
• Drive time to Traverse City: approximately 10–15 minutes

Spider Lake’s size and location make it one of the most versatile and popular inland lake options in Grand Traverse County.

 

 

 

 

Spider Lake

$380,000
3 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ 1950371 MLS ⋅ N/A BLDG.
Welcome to 304 Christina Lane, a true Up North escape tucked into a peaceful wooded setting just around the corner from deeded access to all-sports Spider Lake. Set on a private 1-acre lot, this furnished and turnkey 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers an easy way to enjoy Northern Michigan without giving up convenient access to Traverse City amenities. Inside, the home offers comfortable living spaces, hardwood floors, an open layout, an updated kitchen with newer appliances, and a renovated main-level bathroom. The finished lower level adds valuable flexibility with a spacious family room and fourth non-conforming bedroom, along with plumbing already in place for an additional bathroom. A new commercial washer and dryer and new water heater add to the home's convenience. The 30 x 40 detached outbuilding is a standout feature, offering heated, insulated space for parking, storage, entertaining, and more. Complete with a full bathroom, bar, entertainment area, and ample room for vehicles and recreational equipment, it is perfectly suited for everything from lake gear to boats and snowmobiles to hosting friends and family. Outside, the wooded surroundings create a peaceful backdrop where deer and other Northern Michigan wildlife can often be enjoyed from the property. With Spider Lake access just around the corner and Grace MacDonald Park, Peegoes, Brown Bridge Quiet Area, endless trails and state land, and Ranch Rudolph nearby, recreation is always close at hand. Fully furnished and ready to enjoy, this property offers the best of both worlds: the privacy and character of a true Up North getaway with easy access to Traverse City's dining, shopping, entertainment, and everyday amenities.

304 Christina Lane, Traverse City
$720,000
2 Baths ⋅ 1950207 MLS ⋅ Wildwood Park BLDG.
Rare Spider Lake waterfront investment opportunity featuring two separate, nicely updated cottages on a deep, level lot with a sandy beach and beautiful lake frontage. The property includes a 1-bedroom, 1-bath cottage and a 2-bedroom, 1-bath cottage with sunroom and large lakeside deck. Both cottages are comfortable and appealing, with mini-splits for efficient heating and cooling, and have an established rental history.------ A major advantage is the property's Cabin Court designation by the township, making it exempt from local short-term rental restrictions—an increasingly valuable feature in the Traverse City area. This provides excellent flexibility for continued vacation rental use, owner occupancy combined with rental income, extended family use, or a waterfront retreat.----------- Offered turnkey, including furnishings, household goods, kayaks and much of what is needed to continue operating and enjoying the property from day one. Spider Lake is a highly desirable all-sports lake just minutes from downtown Traverse City. The property is also convenient to the VASA Trail, extensive state land, hiking, biking, ORV trails and year-round recreation. A unique opportunity to own two waterfront cottages with sandy frontage, proven rental potential and an outstanding Traverse City location.

4256 North Spider Lake Road, Traverse City
$720,000
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 1949305 MLS ⋅ Wildwood Park BLDG.
Two charming cottages on beautiful Spider Lake offer a rare opportunity for personal use, investment, or both! The property includes a 1-bedroom, 1-bath cottage plus a 2-bedroom, 1-bath cottage with sunroom and large deck overlooking the lake. Both are cute, comfortable, and nicely updated, including mini-splits for efficient heating and cooling. Enjoy a sandy Spider Lake beach, deep level lot, and easy access to the water.--------------- A major advantage is the property's Cabin Court designation by the township, making it exempt from local short-term rental restrictions—an increasingly valuable feature in the Traverse City area. The cottages have a good rental history and offer excellent flexibility for continued rental use, family retreats, or a combination of both.------------ Offered turnkey and ready to enjoy or rent, including furnishings, household goods, kayaks and much of what is needed to start enjoying the property from day one. Spider Lake is a beautiful all-sports lake just minutes from downtown Traverse City, with the VASA Trail, extensive state land, hiking, biking, ORV trails and year-round recreation nearby. A unique waterfront opportunity with two cottages, sandy frontage, proven rental potential and an outstanding Traverse City location!

4256 North Spider Lake Road, Traverse City
$550,000
2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ 1948693 MLS ⋅ Spider Lake BLDG.
Year-round Spider Lake cottage with 100 feet of private frontage in the desirable Lighthouse Cove area. Enjoy a quiet south-facing setting with beautiful lake views, a park-like yard, mature gardens, and easy access to the water, dock, and all-sports recreation. -------The home features cathedral ceilings, a durable metal roof, and a detached garage with an additional finished area perfect for guests, hobbies, or storage. A brand-new septic system is currently being installed, providing added value and peace of mind for the new owner. ------Spider Lake is just 10 miles from downtown Traverse City and offers easy access to the VASA Trail, Boardman River, snowmobile trails, golf, and countless Northern Michigan attractions. Whether you're looking for a year-round residence, vacation getaway, or investment property, this is a wonderful opportunity to own a premier waterfront property.

4608 Avery Drive, Traverse City
$800,000
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 1948585 MLS ⋅ Spider Lake BLDG.
Enjoy over an acre of private waterfront living with more than 300 feet of frontage on Spider Lake, just 10 miles from downtown Traverse City. This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home is set in a peaceful, park like setting with a natural shoreline that provides exceptional privacy and a true Northern Michigan setting. The property features a spacious pole barn with room for an RV, multiple boats, or all of your recreational equipment, along with a private dock, lakeside deck, central air conditioning, irrigation, and beautifully maintained landscaping. Spider Lake is known for its excellent fishing, boating, and popular public island with a sandy swimming area. Conveniently located just minutes from the VASA Trail, Flintfields Horse Park, Grand Traverse Resort, Mt. Holiday, downtown Traverse City, and countless other year round attractions, this property offers an exceptional opportunity to enjoy Northern Michigan waterfront living.

3647 Weber Road, Traverse City
$685,000
2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ 1947192 MLS ⋅ Pinewood Shores BLDG.
Set on just over a half acre with a gentle slope to the water, this rare Spider Lake offering features over 220 feet of pristine sandy bottom frontage on one of the most desirable stretches of shoreline on the entire lake. Set in a region known for four seasons of outdoor adventure and only minutes from the energy of downtown Traverse City, this property is a place to gather, unwind, and create lasting memories for generations. The setting is ideal for swimming, boating, and enjoying the quiet beauty of Northern Michigan lake life, with direct access to one of the area’s most sought after inland lakes. The existing cabin offers 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, all on the main floor, along with a lakeside-facing back deck that captures the natural surroundings and water views. A detached 2 car garage provides additional storage for lake toys, vehicles, and gear. Located near premier recreation destinations including the Vasa Trails, this property blends privacy with unmatched access to year round outdoor activities. An exceptional opportunity to enjoy the cottage as it is, update and expand the existing structure, or design and build your dream lakefront home on one of Spider Lake’s premier parcels.

4323 Balsam Circle, Traverse City
$599,900
3 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ 1947060 MLS ⋅ Pinewood Shores BLDG.
Spend this summer at the lake! This charming Spider Lake cottage offers the perfect Up North getaway! Just steps from the water’s edge, this rare find features an ideal south-facing sandy beach with pristine, sandy-bottom frontage, perfect for swimming, kayaking, or relaxing by the shore. Enjoy sparkling lake views from every vantage point and unwind in a retreat that blends classic cottage character with thoughtful updates throughout. Offered turnkey and ready for immediate enjoyment, it’s a timeless setting where memories are made and cherished for generations to come.

489 Peninsula Trail, Traverse City
$399,000
4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 1945548 MLS ⋅ Morris Addition Wildwood Park BLDG.
Nestled in a peaceful corner of Spider Lake, this four-bedroom, two-bath home offers the ideal up-north retreat for gathering with family and friends. With 1,920 square feet of living space, the home features a spacious walkout basement, multi-level decking perfect for entertaining or soaking in the scenery, a cozy fireplace, two-car attached garage, and a floating dock for easy lake access. 100' of direct private frontage awaits you. The flexible floor plan allows for a primary bedroom on either the main or lower level, with the lower-level suite offering a private bath and both rooms enjoying peaceful water views. Elevated to capture beautiful views of Spider Lake framed by graceful willow trees, this inviting property offers a serene setting designed for relaxation, connection, and lasting memories at the lake.

4064 N Spider Lake, Traverse City
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