Things to Do in Torch Lake, Michigan
Lindsay Knake
| 3 min read
Key Takeaways
- Torch Lake is a 19-mile-long inland lake in Antrim County, Michigan, known for its clear waters and popular for boating, swimming and paddling.
- The lake has several public access points, including beaches and boat launches, as well as nearby parks and natural areas for hiking and biking.
- The surrounding area includes the Antrim County chain of lakes, which offers more than 100 miles of paddling, as well as the Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area and the Torch Lake Nature Preserve for hiking and biking.
One of the Mitten State’s most popular summer spots is Torch Lake.
Located near Bellaire and Elk Rapids in Antrim County, Torch Lake is one of Michigan’s gems. It’s the longest inland lake in the state at 19 miles long. Torch Lake is deep, which helps give it the clear waters that make it a popular destination for boating, swimming and paddling.
Here are things to do in Torch Lake, Michigan:
Boating, swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking in Torch Lake
With turquoise waters and the famous sand bar, summer vacationers flock to Torch Lake for watersports and fun. While much of Torch Lake is lined by private cottages, there are various places around the lake that offer public access. These parks are perfect places for a family day at the beach. Public beaches include:
- Torch Lake Township Day Park in Kewadin
- Forest Home Township Park in Bellaire
- Archie Valleau Landing in Alden
If you have a boat, here are public boat launches:
- Torch Lake Public Boat Launch
- Clam River Boat Launch
- Torch River State Forest Campground Boat Launch
- Brownwood Acres Boat Launch
- Torch Lake Marine Boat Launch
Several local canoe and kayak liveries offer rentals if you don’t have your own watercraft and you want to get in some paddling.
One of the most famous spots in the lake is the Torch Lake Sandbar, which is at the southern end of the lake. The nearly 2-mile long, shallow sandbar is a popular area for boaters and swimmers to enjoy the summer. It’s accessible by boat, kayak or paddleboard. The sandbar can get packed on weekends and even rowdy on big summer holidays, so visiting in a weekday or in the spring or autumn may offer a quieter experience.
Fourteen other interconnected lakes and rivers nearby make up the Antrim County chain of lakes, which offers more than 100 miles of paddling.
Hiking and biking near Torch Lake
Antrim County, which is home to Torch Lake, has many parks and natural areas for outdoor recreation.
For those looking to hike, run or bike on trails, the nearby Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area offers more than 30 miles of trails through forests and over rolling hills. This trail system, located between Torch Lake and Bellaire, is also open for winter hiking and cross-country skiing.
The Torch Lake Nature Preserve, near the lake, also offers 95 acres and 2.1 miles for a hike through the mixed hardwood forest of Northern Michigan. Near the town of Alden, the Grass River Natural Area, has 7.5 miles of trails. The trails are open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Towns to visit near Torch Lake, Michigan
For towns to visit, Alden, Bellaire and Elk Rapids are cute, classic Michigan small towns with restaurants, shops and galleries. Traverse City is about 30 miles to the southwest.
There are hotels, B&Bs and cabins to rent in the area if you’re looking for a place to stay.
Pack swimsuits, beach towels, plenty of sunscreen and a cooler of healthy snacks to enjoy a day on Torch Lake.
Image: Getty Images
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