Torch Lake places to stay
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Top-rated places to stay in Torch Lake
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Popular amenities for Torch Lake places to stay
Lake houses in Torch Lake
Home in Michigan
4.74 out of 5 average rating, 172 reviewsUnique 7 bedroom Round House Petoskey Mi
Home in Interlochen
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 123 reviewsLavish Lakehouse|Steps to Water|BBQ, Kayaks, Dock
Home in Traverse City
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 185 reviewsLong Lake Therapy-HotTub/Walk To Beach/Fire Pit/AC
Home in Gaylord
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 124 reviewsKassuba Lake Retreat - Peak Fall Colors!
Home in Honor
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 116 reviewsNW Michigan house w/ lake & woods
Home in Suttons Bay
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 123 reviews20 Foot to the Water + hot tub + sauna
Home in Traverse City
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 135 reviewsThe Triple L (The Long Lake Life)
Home in Mancelona
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 158 reviewsMI Black Bear Lodge - Comfort in the Woods
Torch Lake fishing places to stay
Chalet in Cadillac
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 137 reviewsForest Lawn A Frame Chalet Cabin by Lake Mitchell
Cabin in Fife Lake
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 175 reviewsQuiet relaxation, peaceful view. 35 min. to TC
Cottage in Cadillac
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 172 reviewsHidden Gem on Lake Mitchell Canal. 3BR - LG Yard
Cabin in Indian River
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 147 reviewsTheRiver'sEdge~HotTub*Kayak*Boat*Ski*Stargaze*Pet!
Home in Houghton Lake
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 135 reviewsRiver Vista
Guesthouse in Bellaire
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 456 reviewsRiverside Retreat—Kayaks included!
Home in Central Lake
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 132 reviewsRelaxing Year-Round Lakefront Retreat!
Cabin in Richfield Township
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 202 reviewsCozy Red Near Woods, Lake & ORV Trails
Lake side cottage rentals in Torch Lake
Cottage in East Jordan
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 133 reviewsCedar Creek Cottage lakefront near Boyne City
Cottage in Beulah
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 152 reviewsPrivate Lakefront Cottage - Crystal Lake
Cottage in Roscommon
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 140 reviews🔥Bonfire☮️Peaceful🏝Higgins/Houghton⛵️Boating
Cottage in Elk Rapids
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 250 reviewsWaterfront Cottage in Elk Rapids, Michigan
Cottage in Gaylord
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 336 reviewsCozy Cottage on the Lake.
Cottage in Petoskey
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 215 reviewsCharming Lakefront Guest Cottage
Cottage in Houghton Lake
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 143 reviewsIroquois Lakeview -Peak colors arriving!
Cottage in Central Lake
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 111 reviewsFall & Winter Openings@Private, Modern Lake Home!
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.
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