A Family Weekend on Torch Lake: Where to Stay, Eat and Play
Share
Very few places capture a Northern Michigan Summer quite like Torch Lake!
Known for it's Caribbean-blue water, Torch is WAY more than the sandbar, it's one of our favorite places (in the world) for a family-friendly weekend!
Whether you're traveling with toddlers, teens, or grandparents - here's how to spend the perfect summer weekend on Torch Lake.
Friday: Welcome to Antrim County!
For us, weekends up north are about slowing down and quality time. Take time on Friday to settle in and unpack.
Where to Stay
Water Camp
If your ideal weekend revolves around being on the water (and in our opinion, it should!), then look no further than Water Camp. Water Camp boasts 3 vintage modern cabins right on Torch Lake. Perfect for families who want to spend most of their trip barefoot and outdoors! Water Camp is ideally situated near Clam River close to some of our antrm. faves like Dockside, downtown Alden, and Bellaire.
Once you're settled, head over to the Dockside for dinner outside with beautiful views of Torch Lake (and great people watching as boats head down Clam River). Come home and wind down with a late sunset and fire table.
Spillway Lodges
Want all of the amenities of a resort but the convenience and ease of an Airbnb? Spillway is right for you! Beautifully designed and located downtown Bellaire on the Intermediate River, Spillway offers an on-site gym, hot tubs, sauna, and more. They offer a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom suite for families and highchairs and pack-n-plays upon request for your littles.
Settle in on Friday night then walk into Bellaire for dinner at Short's. Head to the Pub or cross the street to the Beer Garden for live music and food from Lil Bro's food truck. Then make your way back to the Lodges for a river-side bonfire and s'mores!
Saturday: Lake Day!
If you're at Water Camp, have a slow morning and enjoy your coffee on the porch. And if you're in town, head over to M-88 Morning Grind for coffee and pastries. Or make your way to Alden for breakfast at the Muffin Tin and hit some of the local shops.
Rent a pontoon boat from Dockside Water Sports or Northaire Resort & Pontoon Rentals and spend the day cruising the Torch Lake coast line. Pack lunch so you can maximize your time on the lake. Head to the North End sandbar for a quieter scene for kids or anchor near YMCA Camp Hayo-Went-Ha.
If you have your boat through Saturday night, our favorite "pro tip" is to pack dinner and head to the South sandbar in the evening after the crowds thin out. It's the most beautiful and quiet time of night - the kids can run and jump in the water and will be sound asleep on the cruise home!
Sunday: Last day
Head down to Brownwood Acres for fresh-made donuts! There will most definitely be a line, but it will most definitely be worth it. They start serving at 9, try to get there early!
Before you turn in your pontoon rental, be sure to take a "coffee cruise" in the morning or at least one last run and jump into the lake.
As you head for home, hit a local farm stand or two for some healthy snacks for the drive home and stop in Elk Rapids and walk through town. Grab lunch at the DAM Shop (plenty of room for the kids to run around and play yard games before a few hours in the car) or head down Ames Street and check out Alley Cats food truck at Ethanology.
Whoever is the passenger is responsible for planning your next trip!
antrm. notes:
- The best Torch Lake weekends aren't packed with activities
- Leave room for unplanned lake time
- Book your accommodations and boat rentals early
- Most restaurants don't take reservations (so bring kid snacks)
- Kids are washable
- Eat the ice cream
- Bed times don't count at the lake