Formed by glaciers and rimmed by glacial drumlins, Silver Lake is nestled amid rural farms and historic communities.
In the 1800s thousands of people came by train to the east side depot to attend lectures at the Chautauqua-like Institute grounds, swim, skate, dance, stay at Walker Hotel, study art and ride the excursion boats. Early lake-dependent businesses included icehouses and gristmills. Today, boating, swimming and fishing draw many visitors to this idyllic lake year-round.
Signature Events
Lake of Fire – 9pm July 3 when shoreliners light flares, culminates at 10pm with a fireworks display; boat parade – 2pm, July 4, an amusing coterie of decorated floats, from party to paddle boats, whose designers vie for trophies awarded by Silver Lake Association.
Pioneer Picnic - on Walker Road at Silver Lake, 1st Sunday of August, this historic site has hosted gatherings since 1872 when it honored the first settlers and continues as an entertaining day of food, music and tours of artifacts housed in Pioneer Cabin and Museum. Check out the one-room schoolhouse and Perry's first church building, also on the Pioneer grounds.
Legend - the Silver Lake Sea Serpent is a beloved mascot that has lured the curious since anglers saw it in 1855, see story at www.perrychamber.com [1].
Parks & Outdoors
Pedestrians can relax at the State Launch, which has tables, grills and restrooms or at Walker Road Public Beach where restrooms are open during summer.
Silver Lake Trail - connects the lake community to the Village with a mile-long, wide-path walk along the wooded outlet.
Perry Village Park on Lake Street is a short walk or ride from Silver Lake and features pavilion rentals (call 585-237-2216 M-F), free use of tennis and basketball courts, fishing pond, playground toys and wading pool
Boating
Boat Rental:
- Mack's Boat & Bait Livery ( 585-237-5983 / 414-0883 / www.macksboatlivery.com [2] )
- Silver Lake Marine ( 585-237-5185 / www.silverlakemarine.com [3] )
Boat Launch Access Points:
- Mack's Boat Livery
- Silver Lake State Park Launch
- Silver Lake Marine
- Zintel Norris Campground
- Koziel's Boat Livery
Cottage Rental
No central leasing source exists but owners often post ads in the Perry Shopper (585-237-2212 or www.perryshopper.com [4]) or check www.silverlakeview.com; [5] or call Mack's Boat Livery, 585-237-5983.