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Lake houses in Torch Lake
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Top-rated places to stay in Torch Lake
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Popular amenities for Torch Lake places to stay
Torch Lake places to stay
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Home in Mancelona
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 210 reviewsThe Guest House
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Cottage in Elmira
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 106 reviewsCozy Lake House
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Cabin in Gaylord
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 170 reviewsCozy Cabin
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Cabin in South Boardman
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 182 reviewsLazy on the Lake
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Home in Honor
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 114 reviewsHillside Haven - On 10 acres located near Lake MI.
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Cabin in Gaylord
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 126 reviewsBig Lake Cabin W Hot Tub/ Kayaks/PngPong/Cable/HBO
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Condo in Mancelona
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 159 reviews*Comfy Mountain-View Getaway w/Kitchen
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Cabin in Traverse City
4.81 out of 5 average rating, 233 reviews"Spring on the Lake" Up North, TC/Spider Lake
Torch Lake fishing places to stay
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Cottage in Traverse City
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 120 reviewsThe Hobbit House on Spider Lake
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Tiny home in Lake Ann
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 137 reviewsSweetheart Beach Cottage
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Home in Boyne City
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 102 reviewsLakefront Sleeps 4. Close to Boyne Mountain!
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Guest suite in Suttons Bay
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 172 reviewsWATERS EDGE-A Cozy Sutton’s Bay Getaway.
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Guest suite in Arcadia
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 115 reviewsPeaceful private getaway on Lake Michigan
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Rental unit in Petoskey
5 out of 5 average rating, 169 reviewsUpNorth Getaway almost in the Heart of the City
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Dome in Glen Arbor
5 out of 5 average rating, 187 reviewsThe Round Haven On Big Glen Lake
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Tiny home in Traverse City
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 322 reviewsTiny House in the woods
Torch Lake houses
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Home in Central Lake
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 187 reviewsThe Maple View House and Suana: Tranquility Awaits
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Home in Interlochen
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 385 reviewsCabin in the woods close to TC/Sleeping Bear Dunes
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Home in East Jordan
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 202 reviewsGunther’s Cottage -Nostalgic, SuperClean, Historic
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Home in Bellaire
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 127 reviews3rd Night Free:Clam Lake Cottage-Torch Lake Access
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Home in Elk Rapids
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 140 reviewsBay View Downtown Elk Rapids
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Home in Traverse City
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 182 reviewsBeautiful Traverse City Lakehouse - pets allowed
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Home in Arcadia
5 out of 5 average rating, 102 reviewsLake Michigan Waterfront at Inspiration Point
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Home in Frankfort
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 139 reviewsThe Jewel House
Your guide to Torch Lake
All About Torch Lake
One of the most picturesque lakes in Michigan — which is saying something, considering it’s next to Lake Michigan — Torch Lake is beloved for turquoise water so clear you can see the bottom. Some even compare it to the Caribbean. The shoreline of this 19-mile-long body of water, the biggest of 14 in the Elk River chain of lakes, is ringed by evergreen trees and pricey lakefront homes. Most visitors come here to spend their days in and on the water, whether in a fishing boat or on jet skis, innertubes, or paddleboards.
During the summer months, boats and rafts cluster along the shallow two-mile sandbar at the lake’s south end, resembling a floating party. But it’s easy to drift away from the festivities to a spot where you can relax and soak in the beauty of Northern Michigan, or placidly fish for trout and wide-mouth bass. Off the water, small resort towns such as Elk Rapids, Alden, and Bellaire promise distraction in the form of restaurants and shops, and the cultural draws of Traverse City are just 30 miles away.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Torch Lake
Given Torch Lake’s location in northern Lower Michigan, it may not be a surprise that peak season here is June through August, when the temperatures hang between the 60s and 80s Fahrenheit. While sunny days are frequent in summer, so are rainy ones, especially in August and September, so bring waterproof jackets along with your swimsuits and sunblock. Both spring (April-May) and fall (October-November) are gorgeous in Michigan, with cool temperatures and plenty of color in the wildflowers and trees. Although the lake does not freeze in winter, below-freezing temperatures and snowfall are common. Bundle up!
Top things to do in Torch Lake
Boating
A number of companies rent out pontoons or small boats for an afternoon or a few days. You can stay on the lake — after all, there’s quite a bit of it to peruse — or, if you have a smaller boat, travel along the river to the connected Elk Lake and Clam Lake.
Charlevoix
Located just 20 miles from the northern tip of Torch Lake, picturesque Charlevoix is worth a day trip to browse through the craft shops and wander around the century-old Castle Farms. Charlevoix’s most eye-opening feature: 26 stone-and-thatch cottages known as “mushroom houses.”
Grass River Natural Area
With Grand Traverse Bay to the west and Torch Lake to the east, your options for shoreline walks are many, and there are bike trails aplenty as well. Dedicated hikers will enjoy exploring the forests and meadows of the 1,500-acre Grass River Nature Preserve in Bellaire, as well as a 1.5-mile-long boardwalk that leads through the wetlands.
Torch Lake Tour
Northeastern Michigan’s wineries, cideries, and breweries have flourished over the past decade, and the Torch Lake Tour directs you to 10 of them, a loop that circles the lake. You can find your own way around the tour or hire a driver to guide you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the weather in Torch Lake?
Torch Lake experiences a range of weather, with warm summers averaging 70°F (21°C), and winters often seeing heavy snowfall with temperatures around 20°F (-6°C). This makes it a great destination for both summer water activities and winter sports like snowshoeing.
What are some of the best things to do in Torch Lake?
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as exploring Torch Lake's crystalline blue waters, hiking in the nearby natural areas, or bird-watching. In the winter, the area transforms into a hub for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
What is the best time of year to visit Torch Lake?
Torch Lake is most visited in the summer, specifically between June and August, when the temperatures average around 70°F (21°C). The Torch Fest, an annual community event featuring live music and local food, takes place in July and attracts many visitors.
What are the best places to stay in Torch Lake?
Alden, situated on Torch Lake's southeast side, is a frequently suggested area to stay due to its charming village atmosphere. Central Lake, another popular location, provides easy access to both Torch Lake and Intermediate Lake.
What are the best places to visit in Torch Lake?
Visitors frequently enjoy the clear blue waters of Torch Lake and the scenic views of Helena Township Park. Also popular is the nearby Grass River Natural Area, a fantastic spot for nature enthusiasts to explore.
What are some hiking trails in Torch Lake?
For hiking enthusiasts, Torch Lake provides a number of trails. The Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area, which is just 15 miles (24 km) from the lake, has over 31.5 miles (50.7 km) of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and in winter, snowshoeing. The Grass River Natural Area, only 8 miles (13 km) away, also has seven trails covering 7.5 miles (12.1 km), where you can explore diverse habitats like wetlands, forests, and meadows.
What are some family activities to do in Torch Lake?
Families can explore the vibrant Torch Lake, engage in various water sports like paddle boarding and kayaking, or simply enjoy a relaxed picnic on its sandy shores. Nearby, the Grass River Natural Area provides exciting opportunities to discover local wildlife on a hike or family bird-watching session.
What are some of the best day trip ideas in Torch Lake?
Day trips can include visiting the charming town of Traverse City, known for its art scene and dining, or exploring the scenic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, both within 160km. Locally, the Grass River Natural Area offers a delightful immersion into nature.
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