Does Michigan’s Torch Lake Really Live Up to the Hype?

Michigan’s Torch Lake is often compared to the Caribbean, but does it really live up to the hype? With its striking blue water, popular sandbar, and sunset views, it’s easy to see why this Northern Michigan lake lands on so many summer bucket lists.

After recently visiting for ourselves, I’m sharing my honest thoughts on whether Torch Lake truly lives up to the hype.

Where to Stay Near Torch Lake

Torch Lake spans across 19 miles, so the location isn’t anchored to one individual city or lodging site.

Pro Tip: Summer months are an enjoyable yet busy time, so it is definitely advised that you plan ahead and book early. 

For this trip, we were celebrating our anniversary and traveling with a toddler, so we wanted a relaxing and family-friendly space to retreat to after a long day of fun on the water.

We stayed at Shanty Creek Resort, after being lured by its spacious studios, complete with a full kitchen. Shanty Creek is located about 15 minutes East of Torch Lake. 

We stayed in a King studio for 2 nights, and while we didn’t have time to experience the on-site dining, we loved the indoor pool and complimentary shuttle to Downtown Bellaire and across properties.

Shanty Creek frequently hosts guests visiting the nearby Torch Lake, along with other local gems, and the staff was incredibly helpful and informative about how to navigate the area. 

Find Public Beach Access at Torch Lake Township Day Park

If you’re looking for an out-of-the-way chill spot to enjoy the water and have some shaded options, Torch Lake Township Day Park checks all of these boxes. It is a small park, on the Northwest end of the lake, complete with a playground, pavilion, restrooms, free parking, and a dedicated swimming area. 

We spent some time here, briefly, and it is the perfect spot to have a picnic lunch, or just a mid-day reset, away from the crowds. During our visit in July, the water temperature was comfortable and not too cold.

There is a boat launch area here as well, and we observed several families utilizing this feature to enjoy time on the lake. It is also a nice, low-key area to take in picturesque views and photos of the lake. 

Pro-Tip: It is important to note that parking is incredibly limited. I recommended arriving early, parking elsewhere and being dropped off at the site, or traveling to the sandbar area by boat from a different spot nearby.

The Iconic Torch Lake Sand Bar

We had our 1.5-year-old in tow for this trip, so we did not make it out to the Torch Lake Sand Bar; however, for many people, this area is a non-negotiable, can’t-miss, bucket list item.

If that’s you, there is walking access available.

You can park at the Torch Lake Sand Bar Public Access Point (12906 Cherry Road, Rapid City 49676), walk toward Lake Street, and then from there, you’ll need to swim/walk out to the sandbar–the water is about chest high. 

There are several businesses in the surrounding area that offer pontoon, boat, and kayak rentals at varying prices. Some vendors will even deliver your selected vessel to one of the public launch areas. 

Pro-Tip: The Torch Lake Sand Bar is a more crowded, lively area, and might offer a quieter, family-friendly environment earlier in the day, so please use your discretion depending on your preference and comfort level.

There are now some boats that function like food trucks, offering on-the-water concessions, so be sure to check those out. You can enjoy your time on the water without needing to leave in search of food.

Waterfront Dining at Dockside

While the “food boats” are an amazing concept, during our trip, I was determined to visit the well-known Dockside restaurant, located right on Torch Lake, and known for its stunning overlook and sunset views of the water. 

We visited in the late afternoon/evening, in order to catch the sunset over the water. The views and vibes were incredible and left our family with memories to cherish for years to come. There is a dock area, where you can walk out and take photos or look at the water, along with an open grass area, with chairs to relax in and space for the kids to play. 

We sat outside in the shaded patio area, and it was perfect, watching the sunset, while enjoying our meal. The menu includes typical bar food and American cuisine: Chicken Wings, Salads, Fried Shrimp, Fish, Wraps, Burgers, Tacos, and staple Kids Menu items.

Overall, we had a good experience and great service. 

More Places To Explore Near Torch Lake 

Traverse City 

If you would like to explore more of the Northern/Northwestern Michigan sights and attractions, Traverse City is just a 45-minute drive away from the Southern end of Torch Lake. We stopped here on our way to the resort to visit with family and enjoy some time at one of their local beaches. 

Traverse City is known for its Cherry Festival, beautiful beachfronts, waterfront dining, and outdoor attractions. Bryant Park is nestled on Peninsula Beach and is a great spot for swimming, picnics, and family fun. It is smaller, but has nearby parking, a playground, and restrooms. 

Sleeping Bear Dunes/Empire Bluff Trail 

If the Empire Bluff Trail has been on your list of must-visit Michigan destinations, you can easily fit this into your Torch Lake vacation. The Empire Bluff Trail is a 1.5 mile round-trip hiking trail, located in Empire, Michigan, roughly an hour and a half from the most common Torch Lake area. 

The panoramic Lake Michigan view from the top is well worth the journey. We were able to manage this slightly hilly trail fairly easily, with our 1.5-year-old in a carrier, and while I was also 7 months pregnant. Peterson Beach is nearby and was the perfect, calm spot to enjoy the water, with minimal crowds

You will likely pass the Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor Center along your route to the trail. This is a necessary and valuable stop, where you can retrieve: Parking passes for the day, maps, directions for navigating the trails and dunes, plus friendly staff to answer any questions you may have. 

Read More: Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Like a Local

Mackinac Island 

Michigan has gained global fame for its historic Mackinac Island destination. After our two-night stay at Shanty Creek, we headed North and made it to Mackinaw City in just under two hours.

Once there, we took a ferry over to Mackinac Island for a day of bike rides, horse sightings, scenic outlooks, tasty food, and fun-filled family bonding.

For this trip, we only spent the day exploring, however, the island has a host of lodging options available if you want to stay overnight.  

Read More: 5 Things I’ll Never Do Again on Mackinac Island

So, Does Torch Lake Live Up to the Hype?

Michigan has endless beautiful and exciting places to visit. Torch Lake is one that you won’t regret adding to your list. 

We loved exploring everything near Torch Lake – from spending a beach day on its clear blue water to hiking the Empire Bluff Trail above Lake Michigan and biking on Mackinac Island.

There’s plenty to turn a Torch Lake visit into a memorable family getaway.