Elk Rapids / Kewadin

🏖️ Beaches

• Elk Rapids Day Park Beach — Downtown Elk Rapids

  Sandy swimming beach on East Grand Traverse Bay with a playground, picnic tables, and restrooms. Great short hikes through sculptures in the woods and beach. Walk to downtown shops and ice cream afterward.

• Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor Park — Elk Rapids

  Small waterfront park at the marina—great for watching boats, fishing off the pier, or catching a sunset.

• Torch Lake (South End Sandbar) — Kewadin / Rapid City

  Michigan's famous Caribbean-blue lake. The south-end sandbar (accessible by boat) is a summer gathering spot; public access points are nearby on the Kewadin side.

• Elk Lake Beach Access — Kewadin

  Quieter shores on Elk Lake—ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, or a peaceful swim away from the crowds.

🥾 Hiking & Nature

• • Maple Bay Natural Area — Just south of Elk Rapids in Williamsburg

    Create your own loops and hiking lengths. Go through a meadow or the forest. Rockhunt on Lake Michigan by various beach access points.

7+ miles of wooded trails winding through rolling glacial terrain. Loops range from easy 2-mile walks to longer backcountry hikes. Mountain biking and cross-country skiing in season.

• Chain of Lakes Water Trail — Elk Lake / Torch Lake

  Paddle the connected chain of 14 inland lakes. Launch from Elk Lake or Torch Lake and explore by kayak or canoe.

⛵ Marinas & Boating

• Elk Rapids Municipal Marina — Downtown Elk Rapids

  Full-service harbor with transient slips, fuel dock, pump-out station, and walking-distance access to shops and restaurants. Reserve ahead in peak season.

• Elk Lake & Torch Lake Boat Launches — Kewadin area

  Public ramps provide easy access for pontoons, fishing boats, and jet skis on both lakes.

• Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals — Various

  Several local outfitters rent kayaks, SUPs, and canoes by the hour or day—ask for current recommendations.

☕ Coffee Shops

• The DAM Shop — Downtown Elk Rapids

  A local favorite right on the dam. Fresh-roasted coffee, espresso drinks, house-made baked goods, and a sunny patio overlooking the water. Great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

• Happy Camper — Elk Rapids

  Cozy riverfront coffee shop with a variety of pastries, breakfast sandwhiches, and antique furniture.

Delicious bakery and local coffee business! Enjoy down at the beach or at their outdoor picnic tables.

🍽️ Restaurants

• • Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen — Elk Rapids

    Cajun and Creole classics—gumbo, po'boys, beignets—in a colorful downtown setting. Popular for brunch.

  • Riverwalk Grill — Elk Rapids

    Casual American fare with a deck overlooking the river. Great spot for burgers, fish tacos, and sunset drinks.

  • Town Club — Downtown Elk Rapids

    Hearty comfort food, full bar, and a friendly locals' vibe.

  • Cellar 152 — Downtown Elk Rapids

    Farm-forward seasonal menu with creative small plates and a carefully curated wine list.

  • Masala Magic by Anita — Elk Rapids

    Delicious authentic Indian cuisine. Perfect for lunch or dinner.

Homestyle breakfast and lunch—hearty portions, friendly service, cash or check only. Great live music calendar.

🍸 Bars & Nightlife

• Ethanology — Elk Rapids

  Unique distillery with locally sourced, hand-crafted cocktails. High-end industrial vibe, perfect for warm summer nights (or cozy winter ones!)

• Riverwalk Grill — Elk Rapids

  Also a solid spot for after-dinner drinks with a gorgeous riverside view. Boat right up!

• The Dam Shop — Elk Rapids

  Open late enough for an evening espresso or a casual glass of wine.

🍷 Wineries & Tasting Rooms

• • Bos Wine — Downtown

    Locally grown and sourced wine in a cute farmhouse (and backyard patio).

  • Waterfire Vineyward — Just north of Elk Rapids

    Cozy tasting room with gorgeous views and a great summer music line-up.

Elk Rapids sits at the base of both wine regions. Chateau Chantal, Black Star Farms, and Left Foot Charley are all an easy drive.

🪑 Antiques & Shopping

• Downtown Elk Rapids Shops — River Street

  Stroll the walkable downtown strip for boutiques, vintage finds, and locally made gifts. Highlights include home décor stores and a year-round Christmas shop.

• Wilson Antiques — Traverse City (15 min)

  Worth the short drive—four floors of vintage furniture, estate jewelry, and one-of-a-kind curiosities.