The Torch Lake area has an Up North feel and small town vibe. Summertime in Torch Lake can get booked up well in advance, so consider booking your family’s stay as early as possible.
Here are some family-friendly accommodations, from a sprawling resort to a historic downtown inn to a cabin by the lake and a bed and breakfast.
Read more: Plan Your Family Getaway to Michigan’s Charming Torch Lake
Shanty Creek Resort
This resort spans 5,550 acres of rolling countryside featuring countless ways for families to unwind and reconnect. The four villages on property provide options from standard hotel rooms to suites, condos and rental homes. Indoor and outdoor pools as well as on-site restaurants make for an easy, fun-filled stay with kids.
Tee up for a round of golf on one of the five award-winning courses within a five-mile radius, or swing for the Top Golf Swing Suite. You can rent e-bikes to explore the gorgeous grounds or play FootGolf (a cross between soccer and golf).
We stayed at the Cedar River Village and appreciated the outdoor heated pool and hot tubs. We sipped our morning coffee on our outdoor patio surrounded by serene views of the golf course. Winter at Shanty Creek Resort is all about skiing, alpine tubing, snowshoeing and fat tire biking.
Stone Waters Inn
Located on the river in downtown Bellaire and recently renovated, this charming inn has a wonderful outdoor patio perched above the river. You can relax in the hot tub, play cornhole, swing in a hammock or roast s’mores around fire pits. Billiards, board games, cards and fresh popcorn are available in the lobby.
The Royal Toon is a golf-themed room that features a queen bed, twin log beds, a kitchenette and even a putting hole in the room. The Stables Room and the Lakes Room also sleep four. All rooms are uniquely decorated and come with white noise machines. You can kayak on the lake outside of Stone Waters Inn into the Chain of Lakes.
If you brought a bike, you could peddle out the door onto the Glacial Hills Trail. There’s lots of outdoor adventure all around. If you didn’t bring your gear, you can always rent some down the street at Paddles & Pedals.
The Cabin at Torch Lake
The cabin features two bedrooms, seven beds and room for nine guests. Located in Alden, a short walk from private shared frontage to Torch Lake, this cabin makes it easy to access the crystal-clear waters and fun-filled sandbar. Plus, your rental includes the use of four kayaks, with two adult and two kid-sized life jackets.
Situated on a woodsy, dead-end street, the family-friendly cabin offers all the comforts of home, including a charcoal grill, highchair, washer and dryer. Make it super cozy by flipping the switch to turn on the indoor gas stove fireplace.
The Inn at Torch Lake
The Inn is a bed and breakfast located in the adorable town of Alden with an excellent 5.0 rating out of 145 reviews on TripAdvisor. Hosted by a man named Harvey and his dog, Merlin, The Inn at Torch Lake features five suites, including the Elk Lake Room, which sleeps up to four.
A unique, gourmet breakfast buffet is served each morning. Steps away from the sandy shores and turquoise waters of Torch Lake, The Inn at Torch Lake is also walking distance to quaint shops and local cafes.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
