The air is pure. The water is blue. And the outdoors is indeed great. So when you’re here, be bold and try something new, like Nordic skiing. Play disc golf. Ride a fat tire bike. Go kayaking on the upper chain.
Then you’ll know just how beautiful this place we call home truly is.
Fishing. Boating. Water skiing. Kayaking. And a very popular sandbar. The turquoise blue waters of Antrim County’s famous Chain of Lakes is literally in Shanty Creek’s backyard.
Torch Lake gets the buzz, named among "the most beautiful lakes in the world” by National Geographic (and deservedly so), but The Chain is much more.
Antrim County’s Chain of Lakes watershed is 75 miles of northern Michigan’s most beautiful waterways, which includes 14 lakes and interconnecting rivers. The Chain begins in Beals Lake and flows 55 miles, ultimately into East Grand Traverse Bay. With more than 200 miles of shoreline, the Chain provides an amazing 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. Grass River Natural Area produces diverse habitats including marshy bogs and floating sedges.
Here are a few ways to get out and splash…
Just minutes from Shanty Creek, Grass River Natural Area is a fantastic place to discover the waterfowl, trees and fauna, and other wildlife that inhabit the Chain of Lakes region.
Visit Grass River
With three trailheads just outside of downtown Bellaire, the trail system of Glacial Hills features 30+ miles of interconnected singletrack biking and hiking trails.
Designed and built by members of IMBA and NMMBA, Glacial Hills delivers a world-class trail experience.
Visit Glacial Hills
Starting with Joe Short's infamous brewpub that literally put Bellaire on the [brew trail] map, Short's delivered on its promise to bring flavorful and inventive beers to its legion of fans.
Meanwhile Short's sister brand, Starcut Ciders, carries the torch by introducing both stark and subtle flavor profiles to its lineup of apple-based ciders.
Life is Short's
Producing spirits that demand attention. Gin, vodka, rum, and whiskey. The bottles are beautiful. The beverages even more.
With tasting rooms in Bellaire, Central Lake and Traverse City.
Larger Than Life Spirits
Like many family-run businesses, Bee Well Meadery owes its success to hard work and passion.
The VanSice family brew honey-based meads and apple ciders with locally sourced fruits including apples, peaches, and of course, tart cherries. Their downtown Bellaire tasting room is a must-see, must-taste experience for guests visiting Antrim County.
What's the Buzz
Antrim County's first winery, is perched above Bellaire near Clam Lake. Overlooking both Lake Bellaire and Torch Lake, the 65-acre vineyard produces a variety of small batch wines including Riesling and Pinot Grigio.
The tasting room features all varietals including their fruit infused wines including blackberry, cherry, pear, and apple.
Grape Life
For pilots looking for a pancake breakfast or an easy approach for a quick bucket list round of golf, Antrim County Airport (ACB) gives you permission to approach.
Just four miles from Shanty Creek, two 5,000 x 100 ft paved runways welcome Cessnas to Gulfstreams and everything in between. Shanty Creek's shuttles can pick you up. 231-533-3000
