Introduction

Tucked in the northwest corner of the Lower Peninsula, Michigan’s longest lake is a dramatic 18-mile glacial lake that, at first glance, appears to mimic the waters of the Caribbean. Its blue clay bottom and clear water are known for producing intense color variations, changing from emerald green to fiery gold to a deep turquoise. “Torch Lake is not pastoral, it is dramatic,” says Lynne Delling, a long-time resident of Torch Lake and a local Realtor. “It can kick up in five minutes and have big waves, or be flat as glass.”

While it possesses Caribbean color, the ever-changing Torch Lake sits on the 45th Parallel and is part of a chain of 14 lakes that flow through Michigan’s Antrim County. Its long summer days, intense sunsets, and constant northerly breezes blowing off Lake Michigan have attracted generations of families to its shores since the 1920s. Families fleeing city heat from Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, and Cincinnati sought a quiet, laid-back cottage life on the lake.

Several villages, including Bellaire, Eastport, Alden, Clam River, and Torch Lake, surround the two-mile-wide lake, offering a sleepy town lifestyle peppered with restaurants, shops, and recreational outfitters. Locals and visitors alike gather at Moka for coffee and pastries, head to Shorts Pub to savor seasonal ales, and dine at casual foodie establishments like LuLu’s. Moreover, the vineyards of nearby up-and-coming wineries near Traverse City, such as Brys Estate, are within reach.

On and Off the Lake

Torch Lake is renowned for its two-mile-long sandbar, a gathering place for boaters to swim and socialize, and a prime spot to enjoy fireworks on the Fourth of July. Those who prefer sailing can head to the Torch Lake Yacht and Country Club. Established in 1928, the family-oriented club offers sailing lessons and maintains an active racing schedule for its members.

Furthermore, for those without a boat, rentals are available for everything from pontoon boats to ski boats and jet skis. Non-motorized sports, such as canoeing, windsurfing, and kayaking, are also popular. Swimming in the spring-fed water, which warms up to 80 degrees during the summer months, is a cherished pastime.

With depths of up to 340 feet, Torch Lake is Michigan’s deepest inland lake. This makes it ideal for fishing; anglers can expect to find a variety of fish, including wide mouth bass, trout, pike, and whitefish. Notably, in 2009, an angler caught a 50-pound, 8-ounce Great Lakes Muskie, setting a new Michigan state record for this species.

Off the lake, golfers can explore 26 nearby courses, including the Arnold Palmer-designed Legend course and three others at Shanty Creek. Hikers will enjoy diverse trails at the Grass River Natural Area and Coy Mountain.

The end of summer is celebrated with Bellaire’s Rubber Ducky Festival, featuring food, arts, crafts, a parade, and a Rubber Ducky race. In September, as the hardwood trees begin to showcase their colors, the town hosts a Harvest Festival and Scarecrow Extravaganza. During the quieter winter days, residents venture onto the trails for cross-country skiing and celebrate the holidays with a Gift Fair and a Lights of the Holidays celebration.

Essential activities to undertake include taking sailing lessons, hiking, touring vineyards, renting a pontoon boat, and playing on the golf links.

Finding a Home

The history and sun significantly shape Torch Lake’s real estate landscape. In the 1920s, families migrated from surrounding cities, constructing sprawling cottages on sizable plots of land, particularly on the lake’s east side. Additionally, more modern mansions emerged in the 1990s as development surged on the west side.

The cottages on the east side are considered generational properties. “These residents moved here with their families for the summer and then passed their homes down to other family members,” says Delling, who began vacationing with her family on Torch Lake in 1947. Living on the east side offers perks, notably the prevailing winds from Lake Michigan, which significantly reduce mosquito populations. “People prefer the east side for its colorful sunsets,” explains Delling. In contrast, the west side of Torch Lake is favored by early risers due to its enchanting pink sunrises, featuring calmer water and fewer rocky beaches.

Regardless of which side you choose, a variety of vacation home opportunities are available. On the east shore, you can purchase a furnished custom Maple Island log home with 168 feet of waterfront for $1.2 million or settle in a gated community with golf course views starting at $229,000.

On the west side, one could find a modern home built in 1998, positioned on 12 acres with 929 feet of lakefront, priced at $1.9 million, while a cozy ranch-style cottage bordering the lake can be acquired for $525,000.