A Scenic Drive Through Antrim & Charlevoix Counties

 

Northern Michigan is full of charming small towns, scenic lake views, and hidden gems. This road trip starts in Elk Rapids, follows the Lake Michigan and Torch Lake shoreline, winds through Boyne City and Charlevoix, and loops back to US 131—hitting the best nature spots, breweries, and local favorites along the way.

 

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, great food, or small-town charm, this trip offers the best of the region.

 

Kick off your journey in Elk Rapids, a harbor town with great coffee, shopping, and stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay.

 

✅ Recommended Stops:

 

✔️ Short’s Brewing Pull Barn – A relaxed, open-air beer garden with a great selection of Michigan craft brews.
✔️ Torch Bay Nature Preserve – Scenic hiking trails and dunes with views of Torch Lake.
✔️ William Good Day Park – A small waterfront park, perfect for taking in Torch Lake’s famous blue waters.
✔️ Providence Organic Farm – A local farm stand offering fresh produce, baked goods, and organic treats.
✔️ Barnes Park Campground – A wooded campground with Lake Michigan beach access and hiking trails.

 

Heading north, you'll pass through Central Lake, a quiet town with scenic views, before reaching the Lake Michigan shoreline.

 

✅ Recommended Stops:

 

✔️ Antrim Creek Natural Area – A hidden, uncrowded nature area with forested trails leading to a quiet beach.
✔️ Central Lake – A small-town stop with local shops, a relaxed atmosphere, and nearby lake access.
✔️ Bier’s Inwood Brewery – A cozy, rustic brewery with countryside views and a great selection of craft beer.

 

Continue into Charlevoix, one of the most picturesque lakefront towns in Michigan, known for its historic architecture and harbor views.

 

✅ Recommended Stops:

 

✔️ Downtown Charlevoix – Stroll the harbor, visit small boutiques, or grab coffee at a lakeside café.
✔️ Mushroom Houses – Drive by these unique stone cottages designed by Earl Young.
✔️ Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse – A great spot for a quick walk and photo opportunity.

 

Now, head inland toward Boyne City, located on Lake Charlevoix, with a thriving food and brewery scene.

 

✅ Recommended Stops:

 

✔️ Lake Street Market – A great place to grab a fresh sandwich, artisan cheese, or picnic provisions.
✔️ Stiggs Brewery & Kitchen – A historic brewery with a rotating selection of house-made beers and hearty pub food.
✔️ Walloon Lake – A quick detour to see one of Michigan’s most beautiful inland lakes, famously loved by Ernest Hemingway.
✔️ Barrel Back Restaurant – A must-visit lakefront restaurant known for its wood-fired dishes.

 

 

Leaving Boyne City, take a peaceful break in Echo Park before heading south.

 

✅ Recommended Stops:

 

✔️ Echo Park – A quiet nature spot with wooded trails and a peaceful atmosphere.

 

The final stretch takes you into Bellaire, home to one of Michigan’s most well-known breweries, before heading back to Torch Lake and looping south to US 131.

 

✅ Recommended Stops:

 

✔️ Short’s Brewing Co. (Bellaire) – The original Short’s location, offering a wide variety of Michigan craft beer.
✔️ Downtown Bellaire – A charming small town with locally owned shops and cafes.
✔️ Alden – A quiet lakeside town along Torch Lake’s eastern shore, perfect for a final scenic stop.