Your guide to all things Northern Michigan
If you need anything at all during your stay, please reach out. We’d be more than happy to help!
Northern Michigan is a true slice of paradise and we are absolutely delighted to share it with you! To help you make the most of your Up North adventure, we have created this guide of all our favorites in the area.
Welcome to the lake
Grocery
Ice Cream
Muffin Tin | Alden
M88 Morning Grind | Bellaire
Ruthann’s Gourmet Bakery | Bellaire
The Outpost | Traverse City
Happy Camper Coffee | Elk Rapids
Coffee & Pastries
Torch Lake Cellars | Bellaire
Short’s Brewing Company | Bellaire
Mammoth Distilling | Central Lake & Bellaire
Cellar 1914 | Central Lake
Mari Vineyards | Old Mission Peninsula
BOS Wine | Elk Rapids
Wine & Spirits
Dockside | Bellaire
Short’s Brewing Company | Bellaire
Corner Bistro | Bellaire
Torch Lake Café | Eastport
Cellar 152 | Elk Rapids
Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen | Elk Rapids
Amical | Traverse City
Artisan | Traverse City
Cook’s House | Traverse City
Modern Bird | Traverse City
Food
Food & Drink
The perfect base camp
Our properties are nestled on the shores of Torch Lake just north of the quaint town of Alden and south of Clam River. Take in all of the area’s top destinations, from charming towns and wineries to dining in nearby Elk Rapids and Bellaire. Up for an adventure? Take a day trip to visit Mackinac Island or Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Providence Organic Farm | Central Lake
Friske’s Farm Market | Ellsworth
Royal Farms Farm Market | Ellsworth
King Orchards | Central Lake and Kewadin
Ol’ Glory Flower Farm | Alden
& More
Skiing
Butch’s | Bellaire
DeWitt Marine | Bellaire
Dockside Water Sports | Bellaire
Northaire Pontoon Rental | Bellaire
Fishing with Jim Outfitters
Charters North
Boats
Butch’s | Bellaire
Uniquely North | Bellaire
The 45th Apparel | Bellaire
The Pear Tree | Alden
Torch Lake Lunch Bell | Eastport
Margot | Elk Rapids
Shops
More to Do
Within walking distance of the marina, shops and restaurants, this park has a huge beach, playground, sport courts and a great swimming area where the river meets the bay.
Located just a few miles south of our properties and within walking distance of downtown Alden, this is a great place to let the kids run off some steam or play tennis. Within steps of the Muffin Tin.
A fun place to eat lunch, shop for fresh produce or donuts, or let the kids play on the huge outdoor play area complete with goats and a zip line. Combine with a visit to Rex Beach and Torch Lake Lunch Bell nearby.
The dock next to Dockside is great for fishing and boat watching along Clam River and Torch Lake. Bait and equipment available at Butch’s.
Rent just about anything you need to explore the area including kayaks, stand up paddle boards, bikes, e-bikes, tandem bikes, snow shoes, and fat tire bikes.
Rent a clear-bottom kayak to enjoy a thrilling view of the sandbar. Kayaks launch from the public access by the sandbar on the south side of the lake.
Year-round destination with an extensive network of trails to hike, bike (including fat tire), and cross-country ski.
A nearby gem with almost 1,500 acres of nature preserve including a floating boardwalk on the wetlands, camps and educational events, beautiful trails for hiking, kayaking and cross-country skiing.
Gorgeous beach with views of Grand Traverse Bay. Walk the trails in the woods, go rock hunting, or just relax and enjoy a quiet beach day.
The great outdoors
We love to go the extra mile for our guests! We can have a birthday cake ready upon your arrival or arrange to have a private chef make an unforgettable meal for your group. We are always available to provide additional recommendations or help craft a unique vacation experience. Just drop us a line at hello@watercampstays.com or mention it in a message to us during booking.
Looking for a way to make your stay extra special?
