Lake Hudson | Dark skies and wandering waters in Lenawee County

Usually only the larger lakes get this type of naming treatment. Lake Michigan. Lake Superior. Even Lake St. Claire. You know, the big ones. It’s not a rule set in stone, but that’s usually how it works.

Venture inland, “lake” typically moves to the back end of the name. Higgins Lake. Devils Lake. You get it. They’re out there by the hundreds across Michigan, and more often than not, the name comes first, and “lake” follows.

Then you stumble upon this 500-acre lake wandering like an ink splatter just north of the Ohio border in Lenawee County. Lake Hudson? Did you mean Hudson Lake? Where the hell am I? Funny you should ask, because it won’t be the first time. You slow-glide across these no-wake waters and just when you thought you’ve seen all of it, another small opening leading to another of its tucked-away corners pops up, and on you go, around another corner where another fishing boat has found another hole to snag another bluegill. Or yellow perch. Or muskie.

This lake is chock full of them, part of the Lake Hudson State Recreation Area, a Designated Dark Sky Preserve that spreads out over nearly 2,800 acres and includes a rustic campground, picnic areas, beach and boat launch. The area is protected against light pollution, and on summer nights you’re likely to find stargazers scattered about. 

At the center of it all is this lake, where outdoorsmen gather year-round. In the fall, don’t let the sound of gunfire from across the lake startle you. It’s just some hunters bobbing around in yet another hidden corner, separated by one of the many jagged peninsulas that jut out.

The unusual shape can be explained by the story that tells how this all started. Years ago, there were three different lakes – Bear Lake, Covell Lake and Claire Lake – connected by Bear Creek. When the creek was dammed on the southern edge, the water swelled and swallowed up all three. Presto! Hudson Lake – umm, Lake Hudson – was born.

One day we may even see all of it.