Torch Lake

About Torch Lake

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Torch Lake is a glacier-carved lake that is located in northwest lower Michigan. This world famous lake is known for its incredibly clear blue-green waters. Regrettably, that beauty means it stays cold however, that doesn't stop people from enjoying all of the watersports the lake affords.

Learn More About Torch Lake Homes for Sale

Traverse City Homes For Sale

3888 Swaney Road, Traverse City

$3,500,000 - 6 Beds, 7 Baths, 12,374 Sf

MLS® # 1884584

15259 Smokey Hollow Road, Traverse City

$3,499,000 - 4 Beds, 3 Baths, 2,620 Sf

MLS® # 1883987

7799 Underwood Ridge, Traverse City

$3,445,000 - 5 Beds, 7 Baths, 8,468 Sf

MLS® # 1883453

6467 Peninsula Drive, Traverse City

$3,400,000 - 4 Beds, 6 Baths, 5,048 Sf

MLS® # 1881380

15706 Shoreline Court, Traverse City

$2,895,000 - 4 Beds, 5 Baths, 4,814 Sf

MLS® # 1884792

2959 Forest Lodge Drive, Traverse City

$2,895,000 - 4 Beds, 3 Baths, 5,250 Sf

MLS® # 1881533

Torch Lake Homes for Sale

The lake is known for nature activities including hiking, canoeing, fishing and diving. Owing to the low amount of boat activity, it is a nature-lovers paradise. Noted for its exceptional beauty; its waters are unusually clear and exhibit a bright turquoise hue, often resembling Caribbean waters. This quality has made the lake a popular spot for the development of resorts and second homes with notables including Kid Rock, Eminem, and Michael Moore owning vacation homes on the lake.

According to the Northern Great Lakes Realtors Multi-Listing Service, the average sales price for a Torch Lake home is $595,529 with a high of $9,500,000 in 2020. The average sales price for a Torch Lake condominium is $298,986 with a high of $508,800 in 2005.

Torch Lake Community Highlights

Torch Lake, located in Antrim County in Northern Michigan, is famous for its clear, turquoise blue water and its party-perfect sandbars. At 19 miles long, Torch Lake is Michigan’s longest inland lake. It’s also the state’s second-largest inland lake (behind Houghton Lake) at approximately 18,770 acres. Though it might take a while to traverse, Torch’s length does make it a perfect lake for jet-skiing, tubing, and other water recreation. That is, when you aren’t hanging out on its famous sandbar, of course.

Torch Lake Vacation Rentals

If you are looking to rent a home on Torch Lake, there are plenty of reasonably-priced offerings, but be sure to book well in advance. Generally speaking, book a Torch Lake vacation home about 9-12 months in advance. If you wait until a month or two before your trip, you will be met with slim pickings, if anything. Torch Lake is so large that the number of houses doesn't remotely fill the entire coast line - not even close.

Dockside

Dockside is the only restaurant on the water and is a Torch Lake treasure. People will park their boats right at the restaurant and dine in or take it to go. They have a very laid back atmosphere and will even help you dock.

Torch Lake Hotels

Torch lake doesn't have a lot of hotels on it. However, you can stay at the Pointes North Inn in nearby Charlevoix, Michigan or you can book a room and the Beach Condotel or the North Shore Inn, both in nearby Traverse City, Michigan.

Torch Lake has a lot of campgrounds but our favorite is Torch Grove. This campground has 42 campsites and is the closest camping to Torch Lake. They are one mile from the "Sandbar" Area of Torch Lake. The lake itself is accessible directly across the street via public access with a beach and picnic area. 

Torch Lake Boat Rentals

There are a number of boat rental companies on Torch Lake. Dockside, the restaurant we mentioned earlier, rents pontoon boats and jet skis (for some reason they call them wave runners). Chain O' Lakes rentals will pick up and deliver jet skis and boats to the north end of Torch Lake. They have boats, pontoons, jet skis, and speedboats available for rent. 

Torch Lake is just one piece of a larger chain of lakes. Sure, it’s the largest of the chain, and arguably the most beautiful, but there are other areas to explore in the Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed, a 75-mile-long waterway consisting of 14 lakes and connecting rivers in the northwestern section of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, which empty into Lake Michigan. So there is plenty of room for adventuring, and that is exactly what most people who visit or live on Torch Lake do.

Things to do in Torch Lake

Hiking

There are many opportunities around Torch Lake to discover walking and hiking trails.  Spend a few hours on an easier trail, or plan a camping trip around a more vigorous path.  Whatever your choice, don't forget your camera because the views are amazing here. The Grass River Nature Area offers 1,100 acres of forest, creeks, rivers, lakes, marshes, and open meadows for you to explore.  

Glacial Hills offers 765 acres of natural land you can find more information by going to www.glacialhillstrails.org.

Horseback Riding

If you love horses, you will enjoy a day spent at Sandy's Stables.  No matter what your skill level is, the folks at Sandy's will make sure you're comfortable and that you have a good time. Sandy's Stables are on 18 acres of lush grassy pastures and riding trails offer spectacular views.  

Skydiving

Feel the rush of falling through the sky at 120 mph with Harbor Spring Skydiving over Lake Michigan.  Make sure to get a video of the event to show your friends and family when you get home.

Biking

Bring your bike with you and explore the beautiful bike trails around Torch Lake.  Torch Lake Michigan offers lush forests, rolling hills, and colorful wildflowers. If you'd rather rent a bike, Brick Wheels and Revolution Bike Shop both have them available.  For information on trails in the area, visit www.trailscouncil.org.  While you're not riding, we'll store your bike for you.  Don't miss out on the picturesque scenery of Torch Lake!

Shopping

Planning on a little retail therapy during your vacation? Whether you're looking for precious antiques or the trendiest boutiques, you'll find a variety of shops near Torch Lake. 

Make sure to stop by Brownwood Acres which has an enchanting tea room and a fun candy shop. 

Also be sure not to miss Adams Madams which has a local art gallery, handmade crafts, and a book nook.

The King Orchards farmer's market is another must-see if you like fresh seasonal produce.  Or if you're more interested in delicious cheeses, wines, and seafood, visit Toski Sands Market in nearby Petoskey.

Experience the charm of Square Deal Country Store in Traverse City, Michigan.  They have an excellent selection of western wear and equine supplies.

If a traditional mall is more your style, you'll find all your favorite department stores at Grand Traverse Mall, located on the south end of Traverse City.

Casinos

Whether your game is blackjack, roulette, or slots, you'll find plenty of action at the Turtle Creek Casino in Williamsburg near Traverse City.

The Odawa Casino in Petoskey (approx. 34 miles north of Torch Lake) has 50,000 square feet of gaming space.  They also have poker rooms, buffets, and shopping!  

In Suttons Bay (approx. 54 miles from Torch Lake), the Leelanau Sands Casino hosts blackjack tournaments and high-quality entertainment.  Eat at the Double Eagle restaurant and catch a show or stop by the lounge for a thrilling evening.  

If heading out on the water of Torch Lake isn't your thing, the lake can still be enjoyed from dry land too. The sandbar is a lovely spot to set up for a few hours with a good book or good friends, admiring the views and enjoying the relaxing atmosphere all around. Other activities nearby include golf, with over two dozen courses right nearby, and hiking, with many different trails both around Torch Lake itself and a little further away at the Grass River Natural Area.

Fishing

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced that the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) has recognized an Atlantic salmon caught at Torch Lake in Antrim County in October 2011 as a world record for land-locked Atlantics. The record Atlantic salmon, caught by Indiana resident Tom Aufiero, weighed 26 pounds, 12 ounces. Aufiero, who caught the fish while fly fishing with a shrimp pattern, released the fish after weighing it.

As previously mentioned, nearby Traverse City also runs kayaking tours, vineyard tours, brewery tastings, and more, and plenty of great restaurants and charming little townships and villages can also be discovered and explored around Torch Lake.

Torch Lake, Michigan Schools

Torch Lake is large, very large. So much so it touches on the following four school districts:

• Elk Rapids Public Schools
• Central Lake Public Schools
• Bellaire Public Schools
• Ellsworth Public Schools

Torch Lake Annual Events

memorial day parade, fourth of July, farmers market, classic car show, model train show