Food scene
Cellar 152
152 River StGreat local brews and wine, hip yet casual atmosphere, live music
Always lively, fun New Orleans style food...you have to try the alligator bites! Great drinks, fun for any age group
66 locals recommend
Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen
617 Ames StAlways lively, fun New Orleans style food...you have to try the alligator bites! Great drinks, fun for any age group
Town Club
133 River StTypical pub food plus great greek options, nice selection of beer
Cone Corral & Pizzeria
115 Ames StGreat pizza and sandwiches at a great price
Ice Cream Peddlers
141 River StHomemade, yummy, it's ice cream, need I say more, you have to go there
Moomers Homemade Ice Cream
7263 N Long Lake RdBest.ice.cream.ever. Homemade, great flavors, yum
Dockside Torch Lake
6340 Old Torch Lake DrIf you rent a boat, this is a must for your food stop!
Waterside deck is popular, live music in the summer. You'll find craft beer, seafood + grill fare, mixed reviews on food honestly but most people enjoy it, service can slow
11 locals recommend
Riverwalk Grill and Taproom
106 Ames StWaterside deck is popular, live music in the summer. You'll find craft beer, seafood + grill fare, mixed reviews on food honestly but most people enjoy it, service can slow
Distillery with tours available (we did this with a groupon). Creative, fresh ingredient concoctions, definitely worth a visit if this is your thing. Owner are a super nice young couple, very enthusiastic and love sharing their trade.
22 locals recommend
Ethanology
127 OldsDistillery with tours available (we did this with a groupon). Creative, fresh ingredient concoctions, definitely worth a visit if this is your thing. Owner are a super nice young couple, very enthusiastic and love sharing their trade.
There is a general store in downtown Elk Rapids, but to stock up on supplies and for more selection, I suggest the village market. There is also a Meijer's further away for heavy duty shopping!
22 locals recommend
Village Market
250 Ames StThere is a general store in downtown Elk Rapids, but to stock up on supplies and for more selection, I suggest the village market. There is also a Meijer's further away for heavy duty shopping!
When you need to stock up or need that random thing, this is the best/cheapest option. About a 15-20 min drive
53 locals recommend
Meijer
3955 N U.S. 31 SWhen you need to stock up or need that random thing, this is the best/cheapest option. About a 15-20 min drive
Super fun and delicious pick your own or purchase! Check first to make sure in season. Tons of variety, super nice family
7 locals recommend
Rennie Orchards
11221 Monroe RdSuper fun and delicious pick your own or purchase! Check first to make sure in season. Tons of variety, super nice family
Altonen Orchards US 31 Market
11595 US 31 SBest local fruit stand around! Don't miss this!
Elk River Farmers Market
716 Main St NWYum.
2021 season is 6/11/21-10/8/21 open every Friday 8am-noon
On route 31 you can find the bar and various food trucks. They have really improved the offering here, including adding a fenced in area filled with games and places for the kids to run around.
25 locals recommend
Short's Brewing Company Production Facility
211 Industrial ParkOn route 31 you can find the bar and various food trucks. They have really improved the offering here, including adding a fenced in area filled with games and places for the kids to run around.
Highly recommended by my friend, I haven't been but she is a reliable source
15 locals recommend
Chateau Fontaine
2290 S French RdHighly recommended by my friend, I haven't been but she is a reliable source
This winery got the highest rating from my friend. It's a great experience and the "bites" are the best according to her!
41 locals recommend
Rove Estate Tasting Room and Vineyard
7007 E Traverse HwyThis winery got the highest rating from my friend. It's a great experience and the "bites" are the best according to her!
Mari Vineyards
8175 Center RdQuality wines, beautiful facility
Bonobo Winery
12011 Center RdEvidently a great location
Bowers Harbor Vineyards
2896 Bowers Harbor RdBeautiful setting
I am a big fan of ice cream, if you go to Charlevoix, don't miss this stop!
8 locals recommend
Kilwins
233 Bridge StreetI am a big fan of ice cream, if you go to Charlevoix, don't miss this stop!
Considered a fun place to go if you want an outing with fun beer
207 locals recommend
Short's Brewing Company Bellaire Pub
121 N Bridge StConsidered a fun place to go if you want an outing with fun beer
Grab your morning coffee, breakfast or lunch here! Casual and fun, offering places to sit and relax or play some corn hole. A favorite! You can also rent a boat for the week and if available, for the day. Inside, you can pick up beer, wine and supplies
The DAM Shop and Food Truck
118 Bridge StreetGrab your morning coffee, breakfast or lunch here! Casual and fun, offering places to sit and relax or play some corn hole. A favorite! You can also rent a boat for the week and if available, for the day. Inside, you can pick up beer, wine and supplies
Guntzviller's Berry And Vegetable Farm
11122 U.S. 31Awesome fruit: pick your own or purchase!
New for 2023. Family friendly with indoor and outdoor dining options. Get's busy so go early if possible
Foundry Craft Grillery
New for 2023. Family friendly with indoor and outdoor dining options. Get's busy so go early if possible
Highly recommend! New for 2023. Love hanging out here in the morning or getting an iced coffee in the afternoon
Happy Camper Coffee Co.
Highly recommend! New for 2023. Love hanging out here in the morning or getting an iced coffee in the afternoon
Neighborhoods
Fun day trip to visit quaint downtown, mushroom homes, light house (photo op) and shop local boutiques
101 locals recommend
Charlevoix
Fun day trip to visit quaint downtown, mushroom homes, light house (photo op) and shop local boutiques
Great dining, strolling around...everyone loves to spend a day there but it's great coming back to the quiet of Elk Rapids!
260 locals recommend
Traverse City
Great dining, strolling around...everyone loves to spend a day there but it's great coming back to the quiet of Elk Rapids!
Sightseeing
Bike, kayak, paddle boards etc every thing you need for your visit either rent for the day or week
Bayfront Beach and Bike
130 River StBike, kayak, paddle boards etc every thing you need for your visit either rent for the day or week
Tons of fun: mini golf, go karts, zip line, water boats etc even a Dairy Queen onsite
29 locals recommend
Pirate's Cove Adventure Park
1710 US-31Tons of fun: mini golf, go karts, zip line, water boats etc even a Dairy Queen onsite
For ski bums, can't beat this Mountain in Michigan. Water park inside when COVID isn't around
121 locals recommend
Boyne Mountain Resort
1 Boyne Mountain RdFor ski bums, can't beat this Mountain in Michigan. Water park inside when COVID isn't around
Crystal Mountain
I haven't been but I hear it's great
The ski shop is on the mountain and had a good pic so I am using it. Schuss is less than an hour from our home, easy drive
11 locals recommend
Schuss Mountain Ski Shop
The ski shop is on the mountain and had a good pic so I am using it. Schuss is less than an hour from our home, easy drive
Fun skiing and tubing! Book tubing reservations early, it fills up fast! Evidently there is a zip line too!
31 locals recommend
Mt. Holiday Ski and Recreational Area
3100 Holiday RdFun skiing and tubing! Book tubing reservations early, it fills up fast! Evidently there is a zip line too!
This is a little hidden gem that is about a 1 mile walk from our home, so doable if you like walking. Trek thru the woods and see unique and fun sculptures, the big sand bucket and shovel on the beach is my fav for a photo opp! Also collect Petosky Stones along the beach!!
7 locals recommend
Walk of Art Sculpture Park
920 S Bay Shore DrThis is a little hidden gem that is about a 1 mile walk from our home, so doable if you like walking. Trek thru the woods and see unique and fun sculptures, the big sand bucket and shovel on the beach is my fav for a photo opp! Also collect Petosky Stones along the beach!!
If you love horses, you don't want miss this!!! Grand Prix is on Saturday, highly recommend!!!
8 locals recommend
Great Lakes Equestrian Festival
6535 Bates RdIf you love horses, you don't want miss this!!! Grand Prix is on Saturday, highly recommend!!!
Elk Rapids District Library
300 Isle of Pines DrCutest little library
Twisted Fish Gallery
10443 S Bay Shore DrI haven't been but I know people enjoy this place
Elk Rapids Golf Club
724 Ames StVery popular
Ultimate Charter Fishing
I have not used them but they are recommended online.
Love this place. Owner is amazing, it's like stepping back in time. Candy is old time pricing and the place is so charming. Look at the ceiling!
7 locals recommend
Elk Rapids Cinema
205 River StLove this place. Owner is amazing, it's like stepping back in time. Candy is old time pricing and the place is so charming. Look at the ceiling!
A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort
627 Ag A Ming DrI have had numerous guests golf here
If you want a good workout, climbing Sleeping Bear dunes is it!
303 locals recommend
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
9922 W Front StIf you want a good workout, climbing Sleeping Bear dunes is it!
I have not been here personally but it is about 10 min away and from the outside looks great!
33 locals recommend
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
100 Grand Traverse Village BlvdI have not been here personally but it is about 10 min away and from the outside looks great!
They do a great job with nails and quick hair touch ups...books up quickly so plan ahead
Hairport Salon & Spa
404 Bridge StThey do a great job with nails and quick hair touch ups...books up quickly so plan ahead
City/town information
One of the most beautiful lakes in the world! Rent a boat for the day and enjoy!
21 locals recommend
Torch Lake
One of the most beautiful lakes in the world! Rent a boat for the day and enjoy!
Adventure/Outdoors
Great place to look for Petosky stones! Trail is half on the beach, half thru the woods
Wilcox-Palmer-Shah Preserve
North Bayshore DriveGreat place to look for Petosky stones! Trail is half on the beach, half thru the woods
Elk River Marina
118 Bridge StHighly recommend. Book this early--sells out quickly!
Elk Rapids Yoga Flow
Nameste
Rent a boat with tubes for a great day on the water. Torch lake is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
Sun Life Torch River
Rent a boat with tubes for a great day on the water. Torch lake is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
Traveler advice
Don't miss
Elk Rapids Trails and Maps
There are 17 different trails in the area for hiking or biking. They range from 1 mile to 20+ miles. "TrailLink" by Rails-to-Trails Conservatory, has a helpful app so you can find the best one for your energy level or activity goal
Book before you go
Boats and bikes
During the high season, it is best to plan ahead if you want to rent a boat and/or bike during your stay
What to pack
Tap water isn't very tasty
I suggest bringing or buying big containers of filtered or spring water for your stay