Wixom Lake: A Community Waiting for the Water to Return

What Homeowners, Buyers, and the Community Need to Know in 2026

By Brittany Kretz, Broker/Owner of Etiquette Times Realty

For many Mid-Michigan residents, Wixom Lake is more than just a body of water—it's a place filled with memories of boating, fishing, summer weekends, and family gatherings. Since the Edenville Dam failure in May 2020, the landscape has changed dramatically, but so has the determination of the surrounding communities.

Today, one question continues to come up from homeowners and prospective buyers:

"When will Wixom Lake come back?"

Here's where the restoration stands today.

A Look Back: What Happened?

On May 19, 2020, the Edenville Dam failed after historic rainfall caused catastrophic flooding throughout Midland and Gladwin Counties. The failure drained Wixom Lake, dramatically changing the shoreline and affecting thousands of property owners.

The event reshaped the local real estate market and left many wondering whether the lake would ever return.

The Good News: Restoration Is Underway

Since the flood, the Four Lakes Task Force has been leading one of Michigan's largest dam restoration projects.

The restoration includes:

• Constructing a new primary spillway
• Rebuilding and strengthening embankments
• Installing modern safety features
• Meeting updated state and federal dam safety standards

The goal is not simply to restore the lake, but to rebuild a safer, more resilient dam system for future generations.

When Will Wixom Lake Return?

This is the question everyone wants answered.

As of July 2026, the current planning estimate from the Four Lakes Task Force is for Wixom Lake to return in 2028, after construction on the Edenville Dam is completed and the lake can safely be refilled. The timeline has shifted over the years because of permitting, engineering, environmental requirements, and construction sequencing.

While nearby lakes have reached important milestones—such as Sanford Lake already being refilled and Smallwood Lake entering its refill phase—the Edenville Dam remains the final major step before Wixom Lake can return.

What Does This Mean for Property Owners?

Even without the water, many homeowners have remained committed to the area.

Why?

Because they know they're investing in the future.

Many residents have:

• Renovated lake homes
• Improved shorelines
• Purchased vacant lakefront lots
• Planned for future retirement homes
• Continued supporting local businesses

For many buyers, today's prices may represent an opportunity to purchase future lakefront property before restoration is complete.

How Has the Real Estate Market Responded?

Lakefront properties naturally experienced significant changes in value after the dam failure.

Today, buyers generally fall into two categories:

Buyers Looking for Immediate Value

Some buyers appreciate larger lots, privacy, and lower prices compared to pre-2020 lakefront values.

Buyers Looking Long-Term

Others are purchasing with the expectation that restored water levels could once again make these homes highly desirable waterfront properties after the lake returns.

Every property is unique, so current market value depends on location, home condition, and proximity to the future shoreline.

Looking Ahead

Although the road has been longer than anyone hoped, progress continues.

Every construction milestone brings the community one step closer to seeing boats back on the water, families enjoying summer weekends, and the return of the waterfront lifestyle that made Wixom Lake so special.

The restoration represents more than rebuilding a dam—it's about restoring a community.

Thinking About Buying or Selling Near Wixom Lake?

Whether you're considering buying now or wondering what your lake property may be worth, understanding today's market is essential.

At Etiquette Times Realty, we stay informed on local market conditions, restoration updates, and property values throughout Midland and Gladwin Counties.

If you're curious about buying, selling, or investing near Wixom Lake, we'd be happy to provide a free market analysis and discuss your goals.

Contact Brittany Kretz

Broker/Owner | Etiquette Times Realty

Serving Midland, Gladwin, Saginaw, Bay County, and the surrounding Tri-Cities.

Helping You Find Home with Confidence.