Surrounded by water, golf courses, and hiking trails, Elk Rapids is the perfect location for every nature lover. Whether you prefer spending time on the beach or on horseback, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast in the Elk Rapids area!
Paddle Antrim
Fourteen lakes and connecting rivers create a 75-mile stretch of waterways known as the Chain of Lakes watershed. Covering 500 square miles in Antrim, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse, and Kalkaska counties, the Chain of Lakes includes more than 200 miles of shoreline. The beauty and tranquility of the watershed has attracted water and nature lovers for decades, and the residents of Antrim County understand the importance of protecting and maintaining one of nature’s most valuable resources.
To protect and celebrate the Chain of Lakes, concerned residents and businesses created Paddle Antrim, a 501(C)(3) organization dedicated to maintaining water quality in the lakes, rivers, and streams in Antrim County. Working in partnership with the chambers in Central Lake, Bellaire, East Jordan, and Elk Rapids and actively participating with the Grass River Natural Area, Paddle Antrim is exploring ways to protect the watershed that so many have come to enjoy.
Beach Kayaker
Executive director Deana Jerdee, an avid kayaker, said it’s hard not to appreciate the beauty of the Chain of Lakes. “I have kayaked all over the world – Costa Rica, Thailand, Alaska – but there’s a calmness and clarity of the water here that you can’t find anywhere else,” said Jerdee.
To help celebrate the water they’re working to preserve, Paddle Antrim will host their first festival September 18-19, 2015. The non-competitive, two-day event will cover more than 40 miles along the Chain of Lakes and throughout northern Michigan. “We’re anticipating hundreds of people who will not only enjoy the water but the communities,” said Jerdee. “Each community we’re passing through is excited about the paddle and excited about bringing activities to welcome the people of Paddle Antrim.”
As Paddle Antrim enters their first full year of activities and service, Jerdee looks forward to what the group can do. “It’s bigger than the festival,” she said. “Paddle Antrim is a celebration of the waterways, but we’re really dedicated to protecting them. There will be more to come as we work to improve the waterways in Antrim County and partner with local communities to make a difference.”
For more information on Paddle Antrim, click here.
Chain of Lakes
County, the Chain of Lakes watershed is 75 miles of some of northern Michigan’s most beautiful waterways. Including a series of 14 lakes and interconnecting rivers, the Chain of Lakes begins in Beals Lake and flows 55 miles into East Grand Traverse Bay. With more than 200 miles of shoreline, including Elk River and Elk Lake, the Chain of Lakes provides the perfect opportunity to explore Antrim County by boat, canoe, or kayak.
Located midway along the Chain of Lakes is the Grass River Natural Area, connecting Torch and Clam lakes with Lake Bellaire. Founded in the 1960s, the Grass River Natural Area is a haven for wildlife, including many rare and endangered plants and animals. Nestled among the lakes, streams, and creeks, Grass River Natural Areas provides a diversity of habitats, including marshy bogs and floating sedges.
Chain of Lakes
Meander down the river or spend a day on the lake as you enjoy the beauty and activities available on the Chain of Lakes.
The Chain of Lakes includes:
- Beals Lake
- Scotts lake
- Six-mile Lake
- St. Clair Lake
- Ellsworth Lake
- Wilson Lake
- Ben-way Lake
- Hanley Lake
- Intermediate lake
- Lake Bellaire
- Clam Lake
- Torch Lake
- Lake Skegemog
- Elk Lake
Horses
Located 10 miles south of Elk Rapids in Williamsburg sits Flintfields Horse Park – home of one of the country’s premiere equestrian events. Visit their WEBSITE for up to date information.
OUR COMMITMENT
Over the past eight years, as our events have grown, we remain committed to our core principles.
Great Sport – With more than $4 million in prize money, 12 weeks of FEI and national-level jumpers, hunters and equitation competition, world-renown course designers, and classes for all levels, TCHS attracts Olympic athletes, top trainers, professionals amateur and junior riders from around the world. In 2023, we are proud to host special events and championships including two weeks of Major League Show Jumping CSI 5* competition and the FEI North American Youth Jumping and Dressage Championships.
Great Venue – Since 2015, Traverse City Horse Shows has made significant investment in strategic improvements to Flintfields Horse Park as part of a long-term master plan for the venue. Completed projects include new footing, plus the addition on new competition and schooling rings, permanent pavilions for viewing, clear span tents and pads in the stabling area, and more.
Great Hospitality – From an elegant VIP Club overlooking the Grand Prix and Main Hunter Ring, to casual ringside bars and lounge areas we want our guests to relax and enjoy the show! With a jam packed schedule of happy hours, ice cream socials, pizza parties and other special events, our goal is the be the FUN horse show! Looking for something to do at the end of the day? Our on-site concierge can connect you with great restaurants, wineries, and other recreational activities to help guests make the most out of their stay.
Great Entertainment – We are not your traditional horse show! Like other major league sporting events, we believe in providing engaging entertainment as well. Sunday’s are family days and feature fun activities such as a farmers market, horseless horse show, autograph sessions, special exhibitions and cultural celebrations with our partners, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.
Boating
With Grand Traverse Bay to the west and the Chain of Lakes running through Antrim County, it’s hard to travel far without experiencing the beauty and pleasure of life on the water.
Whether you prefer a leisurely paddle down the river, a cruise around the bay, or harnessing the wind with your sails, there’s plenty to do on the water in the Elk Rapids area. From pontoon boats to kayaks to stand-up paddleboards, there’s a way for everyone to enjoy the water. Bring your own or rent a boat for an hour, day, or week. Enjoy the quiet calm of Bellaire, Intermediate, and Clam lakes, or explore the depths of Torch Lake and the Grand Traverse Bay. If flowing water is more your speed, enjoy the 75-mile long Chain of Lakes watershed, connecting 14 lakes and interconnecting rivers. There’s a perfect pace and a perfect place in the Elk Rapids area for every water lover.
More information:
Elk Rapids Harbor
Chain of Lakes
Fishing Guide
Fishing License
Hiking
From wetlands to hiking trails to state game areas, there’s no shortage of parks and natural areas to explore in the Elk Rapids area. Grab your boots and your camera and get back in touch with nature at one of our many beautiful hiking locations.
Petobego Natural Area
Located along Angel Road in Whitewater Township, Petobego Natural Area features 250 acres of vibrant habitats. As part of the Tobeco Creek watershed, the natural area includes Petobego Pond and Petobego Marsh, as well as a conifer swamp, northern shrub thicket, agricultural fields, and successional grasslands. Also in the natural area is the Petobego State Game Area, providing a quality hunting experience while preserving non-game wildlife and their habitats.
Lake
Maple Bay Natural Area
Easily identified in the summer by the acres of sunflowers, Maple Bay Natural Area sits just south of Elk Rapids along US 31. A short drive down a gravel path – past the farm house, sugar shack, root cellar, and pole barn – takes you to the end of the agricultural fields and the beginning of the forest. From there, navigate nearly two miles of hiking trails through luscious woodlands and past endangered species habitats on your way to beautiful Grand Traverse Bay.
Sand Lakes Quiet Area
Part of the Pere Marquette State Forest, the Sand Lakes Quiet Area is the perfect place for year-round enjoyment. With hiking, biking, and cross country ski trails, five marl lakes, and hills covered in oak-pine forests, there’s plenty to see and explore on this 2,800 acre preserve. Stay on dry land to observe the deer, turkeys, and songbirds, or bring your snorkel to admire the rainbow trout, brook trout, and other aquatic systems of the marl lakes. Because motorized vehicles are prohibited, you can enjoy the outdoors as nature intended.
Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area
With 345 acres, 100 species each of flowers and birds, 20 species of trees, and 12 distinct habitats, including three wetlands and two hardwood forests, Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area is located in Forest Home Township. Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area is a key component to protecting the water quality in Torch, Clam, and Intermediate lakes, as well as protecting the Grass Creek headwaters. With 28 miles of shared trails, it’s the perfect place for hiking, biking, hunting, cross country skiing, or observing the wildlife, which include eagles, great-horned owls, and the red-shoulder hawk.
Grass River Natural Area
Founded in the 1960s, the Grass River Natural Area is a haven for wildlife, including many rare and endangered plants and animals. Located midway along the Chain of Lakes, it connects Torch and Clam lakes with Lake Bellaire. Nestled among the lakes, streams, and creeks, Grass River Natural Areas provides a diversity of habitats, including marshy bogs and floating sedges.
The Grass River Center for Education provides year-round educational opportunities, as well as special events, like the Grass River Shiver 5K, summer day camp, story hour, and Saturday follow walks. Grass River Natural Area continually provides enjoyable educational opportunities while protecting and preserving the diverse network of wildlife along Grass River.
Biking
In our bike-friendly community, we bike to work, for fun, and for exercise. Whatever your reason for riding, 10 miles-an-hour is a great pace to experience Elk Rapids. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly trail or a through-the-woods challenge, you'll find what you're looking for in town or on one of our many nearby trails. Bring your own bike or rent one for the day as you explore Elk Rapids at your own pace.