Michigan Municipal League Announces Regional Finalist
for Community Excellence Award 
Elk Rapids Nominated for Community Character Counts Project

Evening on River Street - Wednesday July 2 The Famous 3 B's

Several Harbor Day event applications are now available

See Harbor Days

Embraced by East Grand Traverse Bay to the west, Elk Lake to the east and Bass Lake to the north, the community of Elk Rapids is one of the most charming of all the harbor towns in Northwest Lower Michigan. Comprised of one square mile, everything is within walking distance: public beaches, unique dining, quaint shops and a modern marina for boaters navigating the waters of Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay.

The Elk Rapids area is a year-round playground for all types of outdoor activities. Golfing, fishing, boating, hunting, biking, hiking, skiing, exploring - if you are interested in finding your own part of paradise, we invite you to visit us! Read on for a small sampling of some of the year round family friendly events in the Elk Rapids area.

Rich in history

In 1852, Elk Rapids was the first city platted in Antrim County. Originally named Stevens, Michigan, a set of elk horns found in the Meguzee River Rapids was muse for a name change, and Elk Rapids was adopted in 1858. New names were also assumed for Meguzee Lake and Meguzee River in honor of the elk horns.  Elk Rapids was the Antrim County seat until 1879, when the seat was moved to Keno (now Bellaire, Michigan). 
 
(Photos by Graydon DeCamp)