The rapid river
Beautiful Sunsets Daily - No Filter Needed!
Beaver Tail Lodge is directly on the Rapid River just half a mile from the famous turquoise-blue waters of Torch Lake and is connected to the Antrim Chain of Lakes with over 55 miles of waterways! You will enjoy nightly bonfires overlooking the river and marvel at the swans, sandhill cranes, eagles, fish, and ducks that call the river home.
Explore the river from your private dock with one of the Lodge's 6 kayaks or rent a boat at the local marina to explore Torch Lake and the surrounding area. Travel just 15 miles to access the Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan. This riverfront log home abounds with wildlife and offers privacy and serenity with beautiful views of the river and pine forests.
explore the 14 Lakes
Torch Lake Chain of Lakes
Follow the waterway map of the lower Antrim chain and easily navigate down Rapid River to Torch Lake less than a mile away! Or navigate through Lake Skegemog and Elk Lake out to the Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan! With 55 miles of interconnected waterways, the possibilities are endless.
Bring Your Boat
There are several nearby marinas and boat launches including one just steps down the road on Aarwood Trail NW. With access points on either the Torch River or the southern edge of Torch Lake, you'll have access to the entire chain of lakes and rivers.
The Antrim Chain caters to out-of-town boaters with easy to navigate signage at every access point so you will never lose your way while out on the water.
Watercraft Rentals
Pontoons and tritoons, ski boats, jetskis, paddleboards, canoes, kayaks and more are all available nearby to rent.
Torch River Marine - 1.9 miles (Rapid City)
Luhr's Landing Marina - 3.1 miles (Rapid City)
Vacation Water Sports - 4.4 miles (Alden)
Alden Outfitters Canoe and Kayak - 4.4 miles (Alden)
Dewitt Marine - 9.1 miles (Bellaire/Clam River)
Dockside - 9.4 miles (Bellaire/Clam River)
Right Tree Adventure Rentals - 13 miles (Elk Rapids)
Summer Activities
Fishing
Watersports
Watersports
The waterways here are renowned for their record breaking Muskellunge and Atlantic salmon, attracting anglers from far and wide. The Antrim Chain of Lakes has dozens of fish species including trout, whitefish, pike, bass, perch, walleye, and bluegill just to name a few. Torch Lake also offers guided fishing charters to help you get the most out of your trip.
Watersports
Watersports
Watersports
Torch Lake offers waterfront experiences for adventurers of any skill level. Sign up for sailing or windsurfing lessons with the family or visit Scuba North for diving lessons on Torch Lake and around the Traverse City area. For those who just want to relax, hire a privately chartered boat for your group to tour the area of your choice.
The Sandbar
Watersports
The Sandbar
Famous for it's turquoise blue waters and white sandy floor, Torch Lake feels like a Caribbean retreat! At the the southern end of Torch Lake, the Torch River and Rapid River merge and lead directly to the two mile long sandbar (a popular gathering place for locals and tourists). The unique glacial history of the area makes it's beauty a one of a kind experience.
the lower antrim chain of lakes
Click to view larger zoomable map!
