Spring Mill Pond, Michigan

About 20 miles north of Ann Arbor, Michigan, is Spring Mill Pond, a popular spot for Open Water certification dives and rescue classes. The pond is part of Island Lake Recreation Area, a 4,000-acre park in Livingston County in southeast Michigan. Underwater objects include picnic tables, a snowmobile, and a bathroom (toilet, tub and sink).

Depths to: 35 feet (10.5 m)

Visibility: 5-15 feet (2-4.5 m)

Water temperature: It’s a spring-fed lake in Michigan. Enough said.

Aquatic life: Trout

Fees: One-day vehicle permits cost $6. Season passes are available.

On-site amenities: Bath house, toilets, grills, vending machines, sandy beach, and volleyball courts.

More info: Call Island Lake Recreation Area at (810) 229-7067 or visit
www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.aspx?id=462

Open: Year-around for day use but campgrounds close and water service is shut down during the winter months.

Getting there: Spring Mill Pond is in Island Lake State Recreation Area, near the junction of U.S. Highway 23 and Interstate 96 near Brighton, Michigan. From U.S. 23 North from Ann Arbor, take I-96 East to Exit 151 (Kensington Road). Go south 3/4 mile on Kensington Road. After a bridge over the Huron River, turn left at the entrance to the recreation area. Pay the daily fee at the gate, turn right, and follow signs to Spring Mill Pond (on the left a few miles inside the park).