Lake Templene is a manmade sports-friendly lake located just outside Centreville. Formed by the damming of the Prairie River in the 1960s, Lake Templene was explicitly designed for recreation and lakefront living. It connects to smaller lakes, including Camel Lake, Sauger Lake, and Sylvan Lake, creating a beautiful chain of navigable waters for boaters and anglers alike.
The lake offers an ideal mix of wide-open boating areas and quiet coves, with a wooded shoreline. With its clean water, vibrant community, and convenient location, Lake Templene has become one of Southwest Michigan’s premier lakefront destinations.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend retreat or a permanent residence, Lake Templene offers a perfect balance of recreation and relaxation.
Lake Templene was carefully developed to create a community centered on outdoor living. It features a blend of custom lakefront homes, year-round residences, and vacation properties. Many homes offer private docks, large decks, and stunning sunset views.
The lake’s layout allows for both quiet residential areas and active recreational zones so that homeowners can enjoy
peaceful mornings of kayaking or lively afternoons of water sports. Its private yet accessible character attracts buyers from Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois who want a more tranquil setting than busier resort lakes.
The Island Hills Golf Club, on the other hand, adds a resort-level amenity that sets Lake Templene apart. Residents enjoy boating to lunch at the clubhouse or playing 18 holes with panoramic views of the lake.
From summer weekends filled with boating and barbecues to crisp autumn mornings perfect for fishing or golf, life on Lake Templene offers an authentic “up north” lifestyle, with none of the long drive.
Lake Templene’s real estate market is one of the most dynamic in St. Joseph County, balancing affordable options with luxury lakefront estates. Because the lake was developed for recreation and housing, nearly all properties have been designed with water access and views in mind.
Steady demand and limited inventory are driving strong resale values, supported by the lake’s exclusivity and high-quality development.
Lake Templene’s size and depth make it ideal for a wide variety of outdoor activities year-round.
Residents enjoy wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, and sailing. The public boat launch on Nottawa Road provides convenient access.
The calm connecting channels to Camel Lake, Sauger Lake, and Sylvan Lake make for scenic paddling routes.
The lake supports healthy populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, northern pike, and crappie. Several fishing tournaments are hosted each year, drawing anglers from across the region.
The Island Hills Golf Club offers an 18-hole championship course, lakeside dining, and boat-accessible slips. St. Joe Valley Golf Club is another nearby favorite.
The clear, cool water is perfect for swimming from private docks or sandy coves.
Trails at Covered Bridge Farm County Park, Pahl Point Park, and the historic Langley Covered Bridge provide excellent hiking and photography opportunities.
The area around Lake Templene includes numerous trails suitable for off-road vehicles and snowmobiles. Rouch World Off-Road Park, about 10 minutes away, is a top destination for adventure enthusiasts.
Lake Templene’s residents enjoy an active, close-knit community. The Lake Templene Property Owners Association (LTPOA) oversees lake management, hosts neighborhood events, and monitors water quality. Annual activities include:
The combination of recreation, convenience, and environmental stewardship gives Lake Templene an enduring appeal to families, retirees, and second-home owners alike.
The area surrounding Lake Templene is dotted with beautiful recreation friendly lakes, offering more to explore nearby:
Lake Templene spans 1020 acres and reaches depths of up to 35 feet.
Yes. Boating, skiing, wakeboarding, and personal watercraft are all allowed.
Yes. There is a public boat launch on Nottawa Road.
Homes generally range from $600,000 to $1.8 million, with luxury builds reaching $2.5–$3 million.
Yes. Island Hills Golf Club offers a lakeside course and restaurant, and Prairie Lake Tavern is a local favorite for dining.
Roughly 1 hour from South Bend, 50 minutes from Kalamazoo, and 2.5 hours from Chicago.
Its all-sports designation, large size, and resort-level amenities make it one of the most desirable lakes in Southwest Michigan.
Frontage type, home updates, proximity to golf and marinas, and lot size all impact price.
Inventory is limited. Updated or newer lakefront homes tend to sell quickly in spring and early summer.
Spring through July captures peak buyer interest.
Modern kitchens, new docks, outdoor entertaining spaces, and proximity to the golf course boost appeal.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend retreat or a full-time waterfront residence, The Lake Life specializes in helping clients find their perfect home on Lake Templene and other Southwest Michigan lakes.
With deep local expertise and a passion for lakefront living, our team provides personalized guidance, market insight, and professional representation for both buyers and sellers.
Contact The Lake Life today to explore current Lake Templene listings or request a complimentary property valuation.
“Paul and his team are my go-to experts for lake property in Southwest Michigan. He’s got great perspective and expertise when it comes to getting a deal done.” Tim L.
