For many reasons, Silver Lake is one of the most desirable residential lakes in West Michigan. Located in northeast Kent County, just a 20-minute drive from downtown Grand Rapids, the lake covers 225 acres with a maximum depth of just over 45 feet.

The lake is big enough for water sports like water skiing, wakeboarding and sailing. Yet it's too small to attract the loud, obnoxious power boats that can be found on Lake Michigan and the state's largest inland lakes. Furthermore, a longstanding custom of no-wake "fishing nights" guarantees at least two peaceful evenings throughout the summer.

Silver Lake is one of the cleanest and clearest lakes in Michigan. This is a remarkable achievement for a lake with a fully-developed shoreline located in a major metropolitan area.

Cannon Township helped protect the lake by replacing septic systems with sanitary sewers more than 60 years ago. The township also bans phosphate fertilizers throughout the "Lakes" district. In addition, the Silver Lake Association helps protect and enhance the lake through a regular program of water quality monitoring and professional weed treatment.

A natural lake, Silver Lake has been popular with cottagers for over 100 years. In recent years many of the cottages have been expanded or replaced with year-round homes.