Neighborhood Beaches
Antrim Creek Natural Area (ACNA) is a 156-acre tract that lies just south of the Charlevoix/Antrim County Line and only 1.5 miles from US-31. Its most notable feature is the nearly one mile of Grand Traverse Bay shoreline, the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline remaining within the entire 132 miles of the bay between Norwood and Northport.
Torch Lake We are located less than 6 miles from world famous Torch Lake. There is a sandy swimming beach and Michigan DNR boat launch at the north end in Eastport. Turn left from US-31 onto East M88, then make a right at Eastport Landing.
The William K. Good Day Park is 2 miles south of Eastport in Torch Lake Village. Turn left off of US-31 onto Public Dock Rd. This spot is our favorite for family picnics and features a nice playground, volleyball and basketball courts, grills, and a gently sloping lawn leading to a child-friendly (and watchable) swim area. There is also a boat launch and recently upgraded boat & trailer parking area.
Fisherman’s Island State Park is a 2,678 Acre public recreation area named for a small piece of land located some 900 ft from the mainland, and features more than 6 miles of unspoiled Lake Michigan shoreline. The park is also home to a 2.5 mile (one-way) hiking trail that wanders through the old dune and wooded area, with trail heads accessible on Bell’s Bay rd and the Day Use Area. Very popular among rock hounds and hunters during the fall season.
Local Food, Beverage, and Entertainment
Antrim Dells Golf Club and Restaurant is located just up the hill from us on Antrim Drive. This Jerry Dennis designed course is woven among the natural beauty of the rolling drumlins, and has been a northern Michigan favorite for over 30 years.
The rustic lodge style clubhouse at Antrim Dells offers spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the Leelanau peninsula from the dining room and deck. They are open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for dinner starting at 5:00 pm, and specialize in Great Lakes White Fish & Great Lakes Perch, BBQ Ribs, and Prime Rib. (Prime Rib is served Fridays and Saturdays only). We can attest to the fabulous ribs and have heard great things about their fish, too.
The Antrim Dells Sunset Bar & Grill is also open 7 days a week for lunch. The sandwiches and burgers are excellent and very reasonably priced.
Torch Lake Cafe “TLC“ is 5 minutes south of us, at the intersection of US-31 and M-88 in Eastport. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week, using locally sourced ingredients. You’ll find a full service bar stocked with many local craft brews and spirits and live local music playing most evenings.
Golden Nugget Bar & Grill is an easy 7 miles east of us down Atwood Rd, in the village of Ellsworth. This is our go-to place to sneak away for a late afternoon lunch or meet up with the fam to get “Nuggetized.” They make the best olive burger around, along with tasty sandwich wraps and appetizers. They also serve prime rib and steak dinner specials on the weekends, and regularly feature local (mostly rock) bands.
The Front Porch breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday. Get there early for dibs on a slice on their delicious homemade pies.
The Chain of Lakes Water Trail is a 100+ mile inland water trail made up of 12 lakes and interconnected rivers which flow into the East Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan, and is also home to famous Paddle Antrim Festival. The Chain of Lakes is divided into the Upper Chain and Lower Chain, separated by a dam in the Village of Bellaire. This water trail is diverse, with both small and large lakes connected by meandering rivers, creating experiences for all levels of paddlers to enjoy. Whether kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding or fishing, the chain gives you the opportunity to choose your own adventure. We are minutes away from multiple entrance and exit points, and will happily guide you toward our favorites.