Torch Lake

Michigan's Piece of the Caribbean

A glacial-carved jewel located in the northwest corner of Michigan's lower peninsula, Torch Lake is situated between Charlevoix and Traverse City in Antrim County.

The Cherry Capital Airport is under 35 miles away, and the Kalkaska Memorial Health Center is under 20 miles away for easy travel and medical care.

Torch Lake's clear blue-green waters are often compared to those of the Caribbean. Almost the entire lake is ringed by a sandbar that gives way to a steep drop-off, partly what gives the lake its jaw-dropping contrasting shades.

The name of the lake is derived from a translation from the Ojibwa name "Was-wa-gon-ong," meaning "Place of the Torches." This refers back to the practice of the local Native American population who once used torches at night to attract fish for harvesting with spears and nets.

On the Water Fun

Torch Lake is 19 miles long, two miles wide, and has 41 miles of shoreline, leaving plenty of room for fun.

The lake's average depth is 140 feet and its maximum depth is 302 feet, making it Michigan's deepest inland lake. The lake is so deep, that it stays very cold late into the summer months and often does not freeze over in the winter.

The lake's long stretch of water makes it the perfect spot for boating, kayaking, canoeing, jet-skiing, tubing, or waterskiing! There are multiple public access points to ensure everyone can enjoy the lake.

Other popular activities include swimming, fishing, sunbathing, and relaxing with friends and family.

Explore Traverse City

Nearby Traverse City has plenty of activities and sights to keep the whole family entertained.

Wine enthusiasts will love being in Traverse Wine Coast, featuring about 40 different wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms. If breweries are more your style, CNN Money listed the city among America’s Best Beer Towns.

Depending on the season, there are exciting outdoor activities to partake in. When it's warm, visitors and residents enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, swimming, and sailing. In the colder months, try fat biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, downhill skiing or snowboarding, snow tubing, ice skating, and ice fishing!

Explore Charlevoix

This city is another great option that Torch Lake residents can explore, offering food, drinks, recreation, and culture.

When it comes to dining, Charlevoix has something for everyone. Options like traditional fare, locally sourced ingredients, farm-to-table, French cuisine, and simple soups and sandwiches are just the beginning.

Northern Michigan has beer, wine, and spirits for every outing. Some of the popular places here are Bier's Inwood Brewery and 1918 Cellars.

Besides the lake, residents can get outdoors and enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, golfing, and touring several nature preserves.

To learn about the culture and history of the area, be sure to check out the local sights like the Raven Hill Discovery Center, Earl Young Mushroom Houses, and Castle Farms. Don't forget to see the World's Largest Cherry Pie!

Life on the Lake

Torch Lake is an amazing choice to buy your future family home, retirement residence, or waterfront property.