Torch Lake, Michigan: The Complete Guide (Sandbar, Beaches, Things to Do)

Last Updated: March 2026

Torch Lake is 19 miles long, up to 285 feet deep, and has turquoise water so clear it genuinely looks like someone moved a piece of the Caribbean to northern Michigan. I’ve been going for years — friends own a home on the lake and generously invite me out most summers — and it still surprises me every time I arrive and see that color. This guide covers everything first-timers need to know: the sandbar, public access points, boat rentals, and the best things to do in the surrounding towns.

About Torch Lake Michigan

Torch Lake is located in Antrim County in northern Michigan, part of a chain of interconnected lakes and rivers that flow southwest into East Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan. Its water gets its Caribbean-blue color from a combination of extreme clarity — the lake is spring-fed and glacially carved — and a bottom of white sand and limestone sediment that reflects light differently than most Michigan lakes. National Geographic has named it among the most beautiful lakes in the world.

At 19 miles long, it’s Michigan’s longest inland lake. At roughly 285–300 feet at its deepest point, it’s also among the deepest. That depth is part of why the water stays so clear — it’s too deep for the bottom sediment to cloud up in most conditions. The Chain of Lakes Water Trail that includes Torch Lake also encompasses Elk Lake, Clam Lake, Lake Skegemog, Lake Bellaire, and Intermediate Lake, along with interconnecting rivers including the Torch River, Clam River, and Grass River.

Map of Torch Lake Michigan

Where is Torch Lake?

Torch Lake is in Antrim County in northern Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, roughly 30 miles northeast of Traverse City. The nearest airport is Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City, about 30 miles south. By car: Grand Rapids is approximately 2.5 hours; Detroit is about 4 hours; Marquette is about 4.5 hours. The lake runs roughly north-south, with the town of Alden on its eastern shore and Rapid City near the southern end where the sandbar is located.

The Torch Lake Sandbar

The Torch Lake Sandbar is a shallow underwater shelf at the south end of the lake near the Torch River Bridge — the most social outdoor gathering spot in northern Michigan during summer weekends, and the reason most first-timers come to the lake.

On summer weekends and holidays — especially the Fourth of July — hundreds of boats anchor here, creating a floating party atmosphere with music, food, and swimming in waist-deep turquoise water. Dave’s Burger Barge serves food directly on the water at the sandbar during summer months, which is the kind of detail that makes Torch Lake genuinely unlike any other lake in Michigan.

The sandbar is primarily accessible by boat, kayak, or SUP. However, if you don’t have a boat, you can walk or swim out from the Lake Street Public Access Point in Rapid City — it takes about 10 minutes and the water stays waist-deep on an adult most summers. Park at 12906 Cherry Ave, Rapid City, and walk toward Lake Street. Local law enforcement has increased presence in recent years to keep the atmosphere manageable, particularly on holidays.

If crowds aren’t your thing, the north end of the lake is significantly quieter and the water is just as beautiful. Weekday mornings in late June or early September are when the sandbar is at its best — busy enough to be fun, calm enough to actually enjoy it.

Torch Lake Beaches: Public Access Points

Public beach access on Torch Lake is limited — the majority of the 19-mile shoreline is privately owned. The public spots that exist are worth knowing about, but plan ahead: they fill up fast on summer weekends.

Torch Lake Township Day Park (William Good Day Park)
12201 Pub Dock Road, Kewadin, MI 49648

The main public beach on the northwest end of the lake. It offers 75 feet of shoreline on three acres, with two covered pavilions, restrooms, and picnic tables. Only 52 parking spaces — arrive early on weekends as it fills quickly. Parking is $10/day for non-residents. This is a rocky beach, not sandy — water shoes are recommended. ADA-accessible restrooms on site.

Forest Home Township Park (Family Day Park)
Bellaire, MI 49615

Also known as Family Day Park, this access point has picnic tables, grills, parking, and stairs down to the lake. Walk-in boat launch for kayaks and canoes. Rocky beach — water shoes required. Not suitable for sandcastle building but a genuinely peaceful spot on weekdays.

Archie Valleau Landing — Alden

Located on the east shore in Alden, Michigan, this small access point has a sandy beach — the only genuinely sandy public beach on the lake. Good for swimming and splashing with kids. Limited parking.

Lake Street Public Access — Rapid City (Best for Sandbar)

This is the access point to know if you want to reach the sandbar without a boat. It’s labeled in Google Maps as “Torch Lake Sand Bar Public Access Point.” Park at 12906 Cherry Ave, Rapid City, and walk toward Lake Street — about 5–10 minutes. From the beach, you can wade or swim out to the sandbar in roughly 10 minutes. Water stays waist-deep on an adult. Parking is limited so arrive early or have someone drop you off.

Boating on Torch Lake: Launches and Rentals

The best way to experience Torch Lake is from the water. There are multiple public boat launches around the lake — check current fees and conditions before your trip.

Main launch sites: Torch Lake Public Boat Launch (southeast side), Clam River Boat Launch, Torch River State Forest Campground Boat Launch, Brownwood Acres Boat Launch (south end, less crowded), and Torch Lake Marine Boat Launch. The Torch River Bridge Boating Access Site has a $12 fee. You can also access Torch Lake via the Chain of Lakes from Elk Rapids and surrounding waters.

Torch Lake Boat Rentals

Pontoon boats, jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards, SeaDoos, flyboards, and hoverboards are all available for rent. Clear Water Kayaks (6784 E Traverse Hwy, Traverse City — 231-632-6583) offers see-through kayak rentals that deliver to a public launch of your choice. 2025 pricing: $35/hour, $70/2 hours, $135/4 hours. Tandem kayaks available (425 lb weight limit).

Additional rental companies on and near the lake:

• Torch Lake Rentals — 12906 Cherry Ave, Rapid City, MI 49676 · (231) 322-4495
• Torch Lake Tiki — Crystal Beach Rd NW, Rapid City, MI 49676 · (231) 322-3070
• Torch Lake Pontoon Boat Rentals — (231) 633-0149
• Butch’s Tackle & Marine — 6235 Crystal Springs Rd, Bellaire, MI 49615 · (231) 377-6787
• M & K Marine — 7381 Rapid City Rd NW, Rapid City, MI 49676 · (231) 620-8783
• Luhrs Landing Boat Rentals — 13707 W Torch River Rd, Rapid City, MI 49676 · (231) 322-2868
• Vacation Water Sports — 9170 Helena Rd, Bellaire, MI 49615 · (231) 350-8745
• Sunny Daze Jet Ski Rentals — Torch Lake Sandbar, Rapid City, MI 49676 · (231) 633-4090
• Dockside Water Sports — 6326 Old Torch Lake Dr, Bellaire, MI 49615 · (231) 377-7777
• Torch River Shack — 7711 Crystal Beach Rd NW, Rapid City, MI 49676 · (231) 322-4000
• Boat Torch, LLC — 6132 Crystal Beach Rd NW, Rapid City, MI 49676 · (231) 753-6139
• Northaire Resort and Pontoon Rentals — 204 W Cayuga St, Bellaire, MI 49615 · (231) 377-7764
• Grand Valley Marine — 11988 SE Torch Lake Dr, Alden, MI 49612 · (231) 331-6242

Best Things to Do Near Torch Lake

Torch Lake’s location in Antrim County puts you within easy reach of some of northern Michigan’s best small towns, trails, wineries, and breweries. These are the spots worth making time for.

Bellaire

Bellaire is the closest town to the lake and the one you’ll pass through most often. Short’s Brewing Company (121 N Bridge St) is the anchor — award-winning craft beers including the Bellaire Brown and Irish Red, plus excellent food (fresh-baked pretzels, mac and cheese, pizza, and great sandwiches). Don’t skip it. The Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area (1688 E Cairn Hwy) offers 30+ miles of hiking and biking trails through rolling northern Michigan terrain. Paddles and Pedals in Bellaire rents mountain bikes if you didn’t bring your own. Also worth stopping: Brownwood Acres on NE Torch Lake Dr makes legendary donuts on Wednesday and Sunday mornings in summer — go early, bring cash.

Elk Rapids

Elk Rapids sits on East Grand Traverse Bay about 15 miles southwest of the sandbar and is one of the most charming small towns in northern Michigan. Elk Rapids Beach (305 US-31) has a sandy shoreline, ADA beach mat access to the water, and easy family swimming. The Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall (315 Bridge St) dates to 1883 and is listed on the Michigan Register of Historic Sites. Downtown is very walkable — boutiques, toy shops, and the Flour Pot Bakery for coffee and cookies. The Twisted Fish Art Gallery (10443 S Bay Shore Dr) is a voted “Best Fine Art Gallery” sculpture garden worth a stop. For dinner, Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen always has a wait — it’s always worth it.

Central Lake

Central Lake sits on Intermediate Lake, part of the Chain of Lakes. Mammoth Distilling (2407 Main St) is one of northern Michigan’s top distilleries — the Rosen Rye is worth trying. Fudgees (2420 Main St) serves homemade fudge and Moomer’s Ice Cream. Thurston Park has a sandy beach and kayak launch. And if you happen to be here on a Wednesday or Sunday summer morning, the Brownwood Acres donut operation on NE Torch Lake Dr is a legitimate event.

Torch Lake Cellars — Winery

Torch Lake Cellars at 10997 E Torch Lake Dr in Central Lake offers wine tastings with panoramic lake views. Handcrafted northern Michigan wines in one of the best settings on the Chain of Lakes.

WaterFire Vineyards at Torch Lake Winery

WaterFire Vineyards at 12180 Sutter Rd in Kewadin is another solid winery stop with lake views and northern Michigan varietals. Worth combining with a visit to Torch Lake Cellars for an afternoon wine tour of the Chain of Lakes region.

A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort

A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort at 627 Ag A Ming Dr in Kewadin sits on the shore of Torch Lake and was named the 2023 Michigan Golf Course Association Course of the Year. The views from the course are genuinely exceptional — even non-golfers may find it worth a look.

Grass River Natural Area

The Grass River Natural Area near Bellaire is one of the best hikes near Torch Lake — a network of ADA-accessible boardwalks and trails through wetlands along crystal-clear rivers. Keep an eye out for river otters, eagles, kingfishers, and swans. The Grass River itself is beautiful to kayak — gentle current, clear water, sandy bottom, and good wildlife viewing. Kayaking the Grass River is one of the more underrated things you can do on a Torch Lake trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About Torch Lake Michigan

How deep is Torch Lake?

Torch Lake has a maximum depth of approximately 285–300 feet, making it the deepest inland lake in Michigan. The average depth is around 111–140 feet. At 19 miles long, it is also Michigan’s longest inland lake and second-largest by surface area after Houghton Lake.

Can you swim to the Torch Lake sandbar without a boat?

Yes — from the Lake Street Public Access Point in Rapid City, you can walk or swim out to the sandbar in about 10 minutes. Water stays waist-deep on an adult most summers. Park at 12906 Cherry Ave, Rapid City, and walk to Lake Street. This is the best option if you don’t have a boat rental.

What is the best time to visit Torch Lake?

Late June through early September for swimming, boating, and the sandbar experience. The Fourth of July weekend is the most festive but also the most crowded — law enforcement presence has increased significantly in recent years. Weekdays in late June or early September offer the best balance of good weather and manageable crowds. Fall is beautiful for driving the Chain of Lakes area without any of the summer traffic.

Keep Exploring Northern Michigan

→ Michigan Rock Hunting: Where to Find Petoskey Stones Near the Chain of Lakes

→ Traverse City Breweries: The Best Craft Beer in Northern Michigan

→ Best Beaches in Michigan: The Complete Lake Michigan Guide

Michigan Travel Treasures: Your Ultimate Michigan Adventure Awaits

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