2025 MARCHNatural Wonder-Torch Lake

< Back to Table of ContentsTurquoise waters of Torch LakePURE MICHIGAN
MICHIGANCatching the Glow of Torch LakeBy Maria Lennart
Torch Lake, with clear turquoise waters that rival those of the Caribbean, might well be the crown jewel of northern Michigan’s majestic Chain of Lakes, a group of more than a dozen glacier lakes and their interconnecting rivers that extend across 55 miles in the Northern Lower Peninsula.A gorgeous sunset at Torch LakeADOBE STOCKIts beautiful blue color, made possible by the lake’s limestone sediment-covered bed and low organic content in the water, is made even more striking by the surrounding white sand beaches. It is the state’s longest lake and was first formed as a fjord-like bay extending from ancient Lake Michigan.Torch Lake is a vacation magnet for watersports enthusiasts.The name “Torch Lake” derives from an Ojibwe term for “Place of the Torches,” referring to the indigenous people’s practice of the using torches to attract fish to the surface at night to be netted or speared. Today, the body of water is a vacation magnet for watersports enthusiasts who enjoy boating of all sorts or wading out to a large natural sandbar to swim, sunbathe or munch on burgers sold from a pontoon boat.Sun setting at Torch LakeADOBE STOCK
The 19-mile-long lake also offers plenty to enjoy onshore, thanks to hiking trails, nature preserves, cherry and apple orchards, wineries, craft breweries, distilleries and a cider mill waiting to be visited. Rockhounds can hunt for Petoskey stones—smooth, fossilized coral—while wintertime brings ample opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Quaint towns Alden, Elk Rapids and Bellaire offer a taste of old-fashioned Americana, evident in the local festivals and classic main streets lined with one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants.The Lakeview Hotel Shanty Creek Resort is located in Bellaire, Michigan, around 30 minutes from Torch Lake.THE LAKEVIEW HOTEL SHANTY CREEK RESORTIf you are planning a trip to Torch Lake visit AAA.com/Travel for reservations.Check Out These Other Great Stories!Perfect Picnic DestinationsRail Tour of the RockiesTips for Attending the Kentucky DerbyA Colorful Road Trip of TexasHello Spring CoverContentsAAA NEWSNatural Wonder-Torch LakePartner-Sevierville-TNBanana BallFamily-Spring-Break-Road-TripsPartner-Alpine-Helen-GAKentucky DerbyPartner-Oconee-SCRocky MountaineerPartner-LenscraftersPerfect Picnic DestinationsRoad Trip - TexasAAA Savings Career Assistancebest theme park foodsAAA Savings TicketsAAA SavingsAAA Savings FuelWellness while travelingLocal EventsUser-guide