Plan Your Family Getaway to Michigan’s Charming Torch Lake

Torch Lake in Northern Michigan, 40 miles northeast of Traverse City, is renowned for its turquoise, Caribbean-like waters. As the second largest lake in Michigan, it is a boater and beach lover’s dream with a picturesque, sandy shoreline and shallow sandbar perfect for floating.

Families flock to this inland lake in summer to soak up the sun’s rays and savor peaceful days frolicking in small towns. Read more to see what my family and I did when visiting Torch Lake. 

Best family activities in Torch Lake

Boating and beaching are the can’t-miss activities in Torch Lake, Michigan. Rent a tritoon boat from Butch’s Tackle & Marine and spend the day cruising the crystal-clear waters. There are deep areas that you swim around and there’s the famous 2-mile sandbar where you can drop an anchor and socialize in the crystal-clear waters.

It’s the perfect place to float your cares away in an inner tube with a cool drink in hand. Fourth of July weekend can get pretty crowded, so families should visit when it isn’t so packed. We soaked up a weekday afternoon in mid-July almost to ourselves. Looking for more water fun? Check out other kid-friendly water activities in Torch Lake.

If lounging on the beach is more your vibe, visit the quaint town of Elk Rapids for fun in the sun at Veteran’s Memorial Park. With playground structures, basketball and tennis courts, bathrooms, picnic areas, soft sand and calm waters, this beach is also within walking distance to the cute downtown area where you can grab an ice cream cone or casual meal. 

Where to stay near Torch Lake

Lodging around Torch Lake includes options like Airbnb’s, mom-and-pop hotels, and bed & breakfasts. Our crew stayed at Cedar River Village at Shanty Creek Resort.

Shanty Creek Resort is a 5,500-acre, sprawling resort in the countryside with four different villages. Featuring 53 ski runs on two different mountains, five championship golf courses, indoor and outdoor pools and so much more, it’s a four season paradise for families.  

Find more kid-friendly places to stay in Torch Lake. 

Where to eat in Torch Lake

Dining near Torch Lakes is a flip flop-friendly affair. You’ll want to lunch at Dockside, a casual restaurant where you can dock your boat and order burgers, salads and sandwiches. Their Smoked Whitefish Dip is an appetizer you’ll definitely want to order. 

Short’s Brewery & Pub is the place to eat in Bellaire, an adorable, nearby small town. A large, quirky, family-friendly brewery, Short’s serves pizzas, deli sandwiches and salads. The showstopper for us was the Loop De Loop soft pretzel appetizer. Not only was it delightfully chewy and accompanied by zesty cheese dip and tangy mustard, but also a peanut butter and jam combo that had us swooning.

You can often catch live music jamming at Short’s Beer Garden in Bellaire. They also have a Pull Barn in Elk Rapids. Here are some more great restaurants to check out near Torch Lake. 

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