Bellaire is surrounded by water, but most of the shoreline is private. These are the public places to swim within a short drive.
Beaches at a glance
| Beach | Water | Where | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richardi Park | Intermediate River | Bellaire, just north of downtown | A quick swim, courts, a pavilion |
| Alden public beach | Torch Lake | Downtown Alden | Torch Lake's clear water, shops nearby |
| Torch Lake Township Day Park | Torch Lake | West side, off US-31 | Families, picnics, a boat launch |
| Lake Michigan | Lake Michigan | West of the Chain of Lakes | Waves and big-lake sunsets |
Richardi Park, Bellaire
Bellaire's village park is on the Intermediate River just north of downtown. It has a swimming beach, a large pavilion, tennis and basketball courts, and parking off East Antrim Street. It's easy to pair with lunch or ice cream downtown.
The local health department monitors the water, and the beach has occasionally closed when bacteria levels rose. Check the Health Department of Northwest Michigan's beach advisories before you go.
Alden public beach, Torch Lake
The village of Alden, on the east side of Torch Lake toward the south end, has a small public beach downtown. It's one of the easiest ways to get into Torch Lake's turquoise water without a boat, and Alden's shops and restaurants are a short walk away. There's also a public boat launch at the west end of Helena Road. Learn more in our Torch Lake guide.
Torch Lake Township Day Park
On the west side of Torch Lake, at the end of Public Dock Road off US-31, this township park has a swimming area, a playground, sand volleyball, a basketball court, picnic areas and fire pits, plus a public boat launch (fee charged). Parking is limited, so arrive early on summer weekends.
Lake Michigan beaches
For waves, big-water sunsets and miles of shoreline, head west to Lake Michigan. Two of our homes in Ellsworth put you right there: White Birch Cabin sits on 100 feet of private Lake Michigan shoreline, in a protected bay with shallow water, and Seven Pines Chalet has a private nature trail to the beach, about a four-minute walk.
White Birch Cabin
A newly built log cabin on 100 feet of private Lake Michigan shoreline, with a barrel sauna, kayaks and a paddleboard, and a big lakefront deck.
Check dates and book direct →
Seven Pines Chalet
A cabin on 1.6 wooded acres with a private trail to a Lake Michigan beach, a hot tub under a gazebo, a game room and two fire pits.
Check dates and book direct →Beach tips for families
- Bring water shoes. Some beaches have rocky patches or shells underfoot.
- Expect cold water early in the season. Torch Lake is very deep and stays cool until midsummer.
- Watch the drop-offs. Some lakes shelve off quickly from the shallows.
- Check advisories after heavy rain, when bacteria levels can rise.
- Go early on weekends. Parking fills up fast in July and August.
Where to stay
Every home we host is within a short drive of a public beach. Alm Haus and Northwoods Treehaus also include access to the Shanty Creek pools for days when the lakes are too cold.
Alm Haus
A renovated Northwoods chalet 5 minutes from Schuss Mountain, with a hot tub under the pines, triple-queen bunk room, game room and stargazing dome.
Check dates and book direct →
Northwoods Treehaus
A 1960s A-frame in the pines at Schuss Mountain Resort, with three kings, a stone fireplace, a bunk room with arcade and a treetop hot tub.
Check dates and book direct →
Overlook Bellaire
A 2021 modern home on 10 private acres above Bellaire, looking out over Intermediate Lake. Sauna, cold plunge, hot tub and a game room.
Check dates and book direct →Frequently asked questions
Is there a public beach in Bellaire, Michigan?
Yes. Richardi Park, on the Intermediate River just north of downtown, has a public swimming beach.
Where can you swim in Torch Lake without a boat?
At the public beach in downtown Alden, or at Torch Lake Township Day Park off US-31.
Is Torch Lake warm enough to swim in?
By July and August, yes, especially in the shallows. Because the lake is so deep, it stays cold well into June.
Sources
Checked October 2026 against Village of Bellaire parks, Torch Lake Township and Health Department of Northwest Michigan advisories. Facilities, fees and water conditions change, so confirm before you go.