Murray Lake is a naturally formed lake

Lake

A lake is a body of relatively still fresh or salt water of considerable size, localized in a basin, that is surrounded by land. Lakes are inland and not part of the ocean and therefore are distinct from lagoons, and are larger and deeper than ponds. Lakes can be contrasted with rivers or streams,...

 about 9 miles away from the town of Lowell, Michigan

Lowell, Michigan

Lowell is a city in Kent County of the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 4,013. The city is in the northern portion of Lowell Township, but is politically independent...

. Murray Lake is the third largest lake in Kent County

Kent County, Michigan

-Air Service:*Commercial air service to Grand Rapids is provided by Gerald R. Ford International Airport . Previously named Kent County International Airport, it holds Grand Rapids' mark in modern history with the United States' first regularly scheduled airline service, beginning July 31, 1926,...

, lying in the northwest corner of the county officially in Grattan Township.

History

The lake used to have an island until a landbridge (now called Causeway Drive) built to reach was built in the 1950s. A man by the name of John Murray bought the property east of Lally Road for farming, including the island. Every year when the lake froze over he would bring the cows to the island from his farm on the mainland. He later began selling the property after Causeway Drive was built. The lake is named in his honor.

The Murray Lake Association was created after murray sold the land and they were in charge to keep the lakes ecosystem from collapsing. The association is currently run by Alan Rumbaugh, they sponsor events such as the annual chili

Chili con carne

Chili con carne is a spicy stew. The name of the dish derives from the Spanish chile con carne, "chili pepper with meat". Traditional versions are made, minimally, from chili peppers, garlic, onions, and cumin, along with chopped or ground beef. Beans and tomatoes are frequently included...

 cook-off, 4th of July

Independence Day (United States)

Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain...

boat parade and Christmas decorating contest. Murray Lake elementary was opened in 2004 just 1/2 mile from the lake.
Kropf Orchard operations were at Murray lake from when it started although the company is starting to collapse. In 2007 the Murray Lake marina was sold to a man who offered to put up condos on Lally Road. After hesitation, the offer was accepted and construction is expected to begin in 2008.