On a hot July afternoon, the south end of Torch Lake fills with anchored boats, floating mats and people standing in clear, waist-deep water. The Torch Lake sandbar is one of the best-known summer spots in Michigan. Here's how to enjoy it, and how to be a good neighbor while you're there.
Where is the Torch Lake sandbar?
The sandbar is along the south shore of Torch Lake, near where the lake drains into the Torch River. The closest village is Alden, on the east side of the lake toward the south end. From Bellaire it's a short drive to a launch, or a longer boat ride if you put in further north.
How the sandbar formed
The sandbar is a leftover from the end of the last ice age. About 10,000 years ago, a much bigger river flowed through what's now the Rapid River valley, carrying glacial meltwater. It built up a delta between Lake Skegemog and Torch Lake and pushed sand north into the lake, creating the wide shallow shelf you can stand on today.
How to get there
Almost everyone arrives by boat. Alden has a public launch downtown at the west end of Helena Road, and Torch Lake Township Day Park, on the west side of the lake off US-31, has another. If you don't have a boat, rental companies around the lake rent pontoons by the day or half day.
A few tips:
- Launch early. Ramps and parking near the south end get very busy on summer weekends.
- Enter and leave the sandbar only from public access sites. The shore around it is private property.
Best days and times to go
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Weekday mornings | Calm, uncrowded, the best water color |
| Weekday afternoons | Lively but manageable |
| Summer weekends | Packed, with a party atmosphere |
| Fourth of July | The busiest day of the year. Expect crowds and long waits at ramps |
For a family outing, pick a weekday. For the full scene, go on a Saturday in July.
Sandbar rules and etiquette
Local lake association Conserve Torch asks every visitor to follow a few simple guidelines:
- Go slow. The sandbar is a no-wake area. Idle in, and watch for swimmers, anchor lines and the sandy bottom.
- Don't dive off your boat. The water is shallow.
- Anchor near the drop-off, a good distance from shore.
- Respect private property. Don't walk onto or tie up to private shoreline.
- Keep music at a moderate level.
- No overnight mooring. Boats can't stay on the lake overnight.
- In an emergency, call 911. Dispatch will contact the Marine Patrol.
What to bring
- An anchor with plenty of line, and a second anchor to keep the boat from swinging
- Water shoes or sandals
- Plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat: there's no shade on the sandbar
- Floats and a waterproof phone case
- A trash bag, so you can pack everything out
Where to stay
Our homes near Schuss Mountain are about 15 minutes from Torch Lake, with hot tubs and game rooms for when you get back. In Ellsworth, White Birch Cabin sits right on Lake Michigan about five minutes from Torch Lake, and Seven Pines Chalet has a private trail to a Lake Michigan beach.
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 →
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 →Frequently asked questions
Where is the Torch Lake sandbar?
At the south end of Torch Lake, near where the lake drains into the Torch River. Alden is the closest village.
Can you get to the Torch Lake sandbar without a boat?
Practically, no. The shoreline around it is private, so you need to arrive by boat from a public launch. Rent a pontoon if you don't have one.
How deep is the water at the sandbar?
Shallow enough to stand in across much of the bar, often around waist-deep. It drops off quickly at the edges, so keep an eye on kids.
When is the Torch Lake sandbar busiest?
Summer weekends, and above all the Fourth of July.
Sources
Formation history and visitor guidelines from Conserve Torch. Checked October 2026.