The South Chain of Lakes, located in Branch County, is a 17 mile long chain of lakes, which are connected by a series of deep channels. There are 7 lakes, and over 2700 acres of water for your “making lake memories” enjoyment.
The largest of the lakes is Coldwater Lake at the south end of the chain. It has 1610 acres of water. The second largest lake is Marble Lake at the north end, which consists of 780 acres of water. Other lakes in the chain are First Lake, Middle Lake/Archer Lake, Bartholomew Lake, Mud Lake and Long Lake.
The chain of lakes will accommodate most inland lake watercraft. Residents and visitors to the chain enjoy boating, fishing swimming, tubing, skiing, sailing, kayaking and many other water sports. Anglers catch black crappie, bluegill, hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, rock bass, smallmouth bass, sunfish, walleye, yellow perch and sunfish.
If you are hungry, you might want to try a grilled chicken sandwaich, hamburger, or a hand-dipped ice cream from the Island Grill, which is a floating food establishment docked just off of Corn Island, on Marble Lake On the “long channel”, there is Short’s on the Water, where you can get pizza, subs, etc. A full service restaurant can be accessed from the water on Coldwater Lake. The Barefoot Grill has sandwiches, full meals and bar service.
There is always something fun happening on the South Chain. There is a petting zoo for the kids on Corn Island on Marble Lake. Many weekends there are bands that play on the bandshell dock at the island/sandbar. There are Hot Boat races, fishing tournaments, boat parades and the spectacular fireworks displays over the 4th of July on Marble, Coldwater and Archer lakes. Things are happening in the winter, as well. There is a Tip-Up Festival on Marble Lake in February. Events include a fishing contest, snowmobile races, 4 wheeler races and, of course, The Polar Bear Plunge.!
However you like to spend your “lake time”, you won’t be disappointed having fun on the clean, clear waters of Branch County’s South Chain of Lakes. Come join us on the Chain!