Lake Michigan's Less-Crowded Neighbor Offers Picturesque Water For Your Outdoor Adventures

If you are thinking about where to find the most beautiful lakes in the Midwest, Michigan is a good place to start. Known as the Great Lake State, it borders four of the five Great Lakes in North America. Lake Michigan, the second largest by volume, attracts visitors each year and remains one of the most popular American tourist destinations. Just east of Lake Michigan in Antrim County, however, lies Torch Lake, a quieter treasure. Covering 29.3 square miles and stretching 19 miles in length, it is Michigan's second-largest inland lake and its longest. With an average depth of 111 feet and a maximum of more than 300 feet, it is also Michigan's deepest inland lake.

Torch Lake's beauty has earned it the nickname "Caribbean of the North," and it was once ranked as the third most beautiful lake in the world by National Geographic for its turquoise waters and sandy bottom. Formed by glaciers about 11,000 years ago, it was once a deep bay of Lake Michigan before a sandbar closed its northern mouth, leaving the long lake seen today. Its name in English comes from the name bestowed upon it by the Ojibwa people who lived along its shores: Waaswaaganing, meaning "place of torches." The name comes from the Ojibwa people's practice of using fire to draw fish to the surface of the lake at night. Early settlers later adapted it to "Torch Light Lake," which eventually became Torch Lake. Today, its beauty secures its place among the prettiest waters around the world, with its clear waters and long shoreline setting the stage for outdoor recreation.

Torch Lake is best enjoyed by getting on the water, as there is plenty of room for watersports such as wakeboarding, waterskiing, boating, kayaking, or simply cruising at your own pace. Renting a pontoon at Torch Lake Rental is one of the best ways to explore the lake, with a full-day rental running about $300. Each rental comes with life jackets, a cooler packed with ice, float mats, and knee boards at no extra charge.

Swimming is a must-do, and the best place to take a dip is the famous Torch Lake Sandbar. Just a few feet deep, the sandbar stretches across the southern end of the lake, creating a perfect spot to anchor your boat, step into the clear water, and wade as far as the eye can see. You can spend hours at the sandbar relaxing — swimming, floating, picnicking, or simply soaking up the sun. Fishing is another favorite activity, with the lake full of trout, bass, perch, and muskellunge. You'll need a Michigan fishing license, which is available for $10 a day.

Beyond the shoreline, outdoor adventures continue. The Torch Lake Nature Preserve offers a 1.5-mile trail of hardwood forest that opens up to stunning views of the lake. A visit to the Torch Conservation Center, situated in Alden less than a 30-minute drive from Torch Lake, should be on your list as well. Open Thursday through Sunday, this center gives you a chance to explore local heritage through pottery, paintings, and artisan crafts inspired by the lake itself.

For a place that feels remote, Torch Lake is surprisingly easy to reach. The Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City is the closest airport and is served by popular airlines such as Delta, United, and American. From there, a car or taxi ride to Torch Lake takes about 37 minutes and usually costs between $95 and $120. Torch Grove Campground, which is only a mile from the sandbar, offers 42 campsites to stay. However, reservations can take a long time to secure, and there are also several other lodging options on TripAdvisor. One highly recommended choice is the Torch Lake Bed and Breakfast, just a couple of miles from the shore, with rooms starting at between $300 and $400 per night and offering sweeping views of the lake.

The best time to visit this less-crowded paradise is summer, from June to August, when the water is warmest and the top layer reaches about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You might even be lucky to attend the July boat party, which takes place at the lake every Fourth of July. For your trip, essentials to pack include sunscreen, a hat, and swimsuits — and don't forget a camera. That way, you can capture some gorgeous shots of the lake, and then you'll have some memories of the trip to look back on.