If bright blue water, sandy lake bottoms, and long summer days sound like your kind of trip, Torch Lake is about to be your new favorite place.
This stretch of northern Michigan is home to the state’s longest inland lake at 19 miles long, with water so clear and blue it almost doesn’t look real.
Along the way, you’ll find shallow spots where you can wade, quiet shoreline areas where it’s just you and the waves, and laid-back stops for food and drinks.
This road trip strings it all together into one easy route, so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring and soaking up every second on the water.
1. Alden
Alden is a tiny lakeside village on the southeast shore of Torch Lake in Helena Township, Antrim County.
Here, you can stroll through Alden Depot Park & Museum for front-row lake views, then step inside the restored 1908 depot to explore local history exhibits.
When you’re ready to eat, grab a table at Bluewater Bistro & Pizzeria for a BBQ chicken pie or seafood like blackened salmon.
With just a handful of streets and easy access to one of Michigan’s most photographed lakes, this place feels like a laid-back launch point for enjoying that unreal blue water.
(Please note that Alden Depot Park & Museum is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, so be sure to check hours before you go.)
2. Torch Lake Sandbar
Just five minutes from Alden, you’ll find the Torch Lake Sandbar, a popular spot for wading in shallow, crystal-clear water.
The sandbar stretches across the south end of Torch Lake, where the gradual slope makes it perfect for relaxing, floating, and hanging out.
To reach it, you’ll usually need a boat or something like a kayak, paddleboard, or jet ski, which makes the whole experience feel a bit more like an adventure.
Fun fact: The water’s turquoise color comes from its sandy, limestone-rich bottom formed by glaciers and its spring-fed conditions, giving it a Caribbean-like feel.
3. Maplehurst Natural Area
If you’re ready to trade the crowds for a quiet stretch of shoreline, Maplehurst Natural Area is your next stop.
This 386-acre preserve features forested trails and open meadows surrounding Lake Maplehurst, a 60-acre spring-fed basin.
To explore, you can stroll through peaceful terrain and make your way to higher ground for stunning views of Torch Lake, Elk Lake, and Grand Traverse Bay.
There are no restaurants or rentals here, just a small parking area, so you can keep things simple and enjoy a slower pace away from the busier sandbar scene.
4. WaterFire Vineyards – Torch Lake Winery
About a 10-minute drive from Maplehurst is WaterFire Vineyards, which switches things up with a glass of wine and beautiful views over Torch Lake.
This boutique winery spans a 26-acre property lined with estate-grown grapes, and the tasting room opens to a patio with sweeping vineyard views.
Once you’re settled in, you can try small-batch wines or grab a cider, then pair it with a few bites and learn more about their sustainable farming practices.
It’s the kind of place that feels unhurried, ideal for winding down after a day by the water.
5. William Good Day Park
Next up is William Good Day Park, which gives you no-hassle access to Torch Lake in Kewadin, just 10 minutes from WaterFire Vineyards.
It offers a swim area with shallow, crystal-clear water and a public boat launch, making it a popular place to start exploring the 19-mile-long lake.
You’ll also find picnic tables, a wide grassy lawn, and a playground, so it’s a great spot to take a break, eat lunch, or let kids burn off some energy between stops.
With scenic views and the occasional buzz of jet skis, this place strikes a nice balance between laid-back and lively.
6. Torch Lake Beach and Boat Ramp
Keep your lake day going with a stop at Torch Lake Beach and Boat Ramp, a larger public access spot about five minutes from William Good Day Park.
This spot features a wide sandy beach with shallow, warm water, offering plenty of space for wading, swimming, and spreading out.
There’s also a well-maintained boat launch, plenty of parking, and open space that makes it a go-to for launching pontoons and speedboats.
Between the steady lake breezes and nonstop views of that bright blue water stretching for miles, it’s an easy place to pause and take it all in.
7. Torch Lake Nature Preserve
If you’re craving a quiet escape, Torch Lake Nature Preserve offers a peaceful 95-acre forested area with trails and a tucked-away feel.
To explore, follow the well-marked 1.5-mile trail as it winds through maple and beech trees, and keep an eye out for birds along the way.
The path is mostly shaded with a few switchbacks, creating a cooler, more comfortable walk on warmer days.
It’s a nice change of pace when you need a break from all the swimming and driving.
8. Torch Lake Cellars
Then there’s Torch Lake Cellars, a family-owned winery located just 10 minutes from Torch Lake Nature Preserve.
Set on a 102-acre property, it’s known for small-batch wines made and bottled on-site, along with hard ciders if you want to mix things up.
It’s a relaxed setup with a rustic tasting room and outdoor seating, plus yard games and views of the surrounding countryside instead of the busy lakefront.
So order a flight, pair it with local cheese or salami, and let yourself linger a little longer than planned.
9. Dockside Torch Lake
Cap off your Torch Lake adventure with a meal at Dockside Torch Lake, a casual waterfront restaurant in Bellaire.
This spot is famous for its boat-up access, so you’ll see pontoons and speedboats pulling right up to the dock while people grab tables on the outdoor patio.
The menu keeps things fun and easy with favorites like lobster rolls, burgers, fish tacos, and cold drinks, all served with views of boats cruising along Torch Lake.
With nonstop action on the water just a few feet away, it’s the perfect place to sit back, eat well, and watch the lake life roll by.
(Please note that Dockside Torch Lake operates seasonally, opening from April through October and closing from November through March, so plan accordingly.)
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