This region of lakes, rivers, forests and old-fashioned downtowns is made for summer fun. Go explore Charlevoix and the charming small towns along the Chain of Lakes.
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ALDEN
Lovely little Alden on Torch Lake is filled with boutiques, cafés, a specialty spice store, an old-fashioned general store and even a wine bar. A sandy- bottomed swimming area on Torch Lake is adjacent to the downtown boat launch. Raise a glass to a superb collection of Northern Michigan craft brews at Torch Lake Beer Co. Don’t Miss: Alden Strawberry Festival
BELLAIRE
The grand old Antrim County Courthouse presides over this charming town that straddles the banks of the Intermediate River and sits between Lake Bellaire and Intermediate Lake—so yes, think fabulous watersports. Find a lively shopping district and four-season Shanty Creek Resort here. For a small town, the nightlife is hoppin’ with Short’s Brewing Company, Mammoth Distilling, Fireside Lounge and Bee Well Mead & Cider. Don’t Miss: Rubber Ducky Festival
CENTRAL LAKE
This sweet town, located where Hanley Lake meets Intermediate Lake under the bridge, has a true Up North vibe that was kicked up a notch when Mammoth Distilling opened its doors here. Drop by Torch Lake Café for a bite and don’t miss a meal at the stately Blue Pelican Inn—better yet, make it an overnight and grab a room there, too. Don’t Miss: Fourth of July Downtown Parade
CHARLEVOIX
The fabulous downtown on Lake Charlevoix is brimming with galleries, boutiques and restaurants. East Park serves as a hub for outdoor concerts, festivals and farmers markets. With Lake Michigan on one side and Round Lake on the other, stunning beaches and a first-class marina, this city is for water worshippers. Watching boats pass under the drawbridge is a major pastime here, as is drinking craft beer in front of a drop-dead Lake Charlevoix view at Bridge Street Tap Room. Don’t Miss: Charlevoix Venetian Festival
Read Next: The Insider’s List: 10 Things to Do in the Charlevoix Area
EAST JORDAN
With a bounty of Lake Charlevoix and Jordan River shoreline, this lovely city combines outdoor sports with fun downtown shops and eateries. Check out the Jordan Art Walk along city streets, featuring sculptures created by local artists, then grab a bite and a brew at Foundry Craft Grillery. Don’t Miss: East Jordan Freedom Festival
ELK RAPIDS
Wedged between Elk Lake and Lake Michigan, this town is a spot of coastal heaven. Find your place on a golden-sand Lake Michigan beach, browse the boutiques and galleries downtown, explore one of the North’s most beautiful library settings, then fill up at one of this town’s awesome eateries, like the beloved Cellar 152. Don’t Miss: Elk Rapids Harbor Days
ELLSWORTH
Tucked on the northernmost point of the Chain of Lakes, this charmer of a village on Ellsworth Lake has a public park with a fishing pier, labyrinth garden and Michigan’s largest outdoor public archery range. It also sits at the tip of the Chain of Lakes Water Trail, a 100-mile inland water trail for paddlers, with 84 access sites, restrooms, dining and more along the route. Don’t Miss: Ellsworth Pig Roast
Read Next: 10 Outdoor Dining Favorites in Charlevoix & the Chain of Lakes