Elk Rapids sits where the Chain of Lakes meets Grand Traverse Bay, about 26 road miles southwest of Bellaire. It's a small harbor town with a walkable downtown on River Street, a beach in town, good food and a lot of boats. It makes an easy half day, or a full one if you add a boat or a tasting stop.
Where to eat
| Place | Good for |
|---|---|
| Cellar 152, 152 River St. | Started as a wine bar in 2015, now a full restaurant, with a patio looking toward the harbor |
| Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen | Cajun and Creole: gumbo, jambalaya, po' boys |
| Town Club, River St. | Bar and grill with Greek specialties, burgers and sandwiches |
| Riverwalk Grill | Seafood and grill food, with a seasonal waterfront patio |
| The DAM Shop, at Elk Rapids Marina | Breakfast, pizza, coffee and cocktails by the water |
Coffee, bakeries and treats
- Michigander Bakery & Coffee Co., 108 River St. A bakery and coffee shop downtown.
- Happy Camper Coffee Co., 212 River St. Started out of a vintage camper in 2022, with beans roasted in Traverse City.
- Ice Cream Peddlers, for a cone on the walk back to the car.
More in coffee shops and bakeries near Bellaire.
Drinks
The Short's Pull Barn, 211 Industrial Park Dr., is the taproom at Short's production brewery, with a beer garden and food trucks. WaterFire Vineyards in Kewadin is just north of town on Torch Lake. Both are on our wine, mead and distillery trail.
On the water
Elk Rapids Marina, 118 N. Bridge St., rents pontoons, tritoons and surf boats on Elk Lake, and runs captained wakesurf sessions and sunset cruises. You can reach Torch Lake from Elk Lake through the Torch River, but plan on about an hour each way. See boat rentals.
Groceries
Village Market is a full grocery store, handy if you're cooking at the house or packing a boat lunch.
Yearly events
| Event | When |
|---|---|
| Harbor Days | August. The 2027 dates are listed as August 4 to 7 |
| Tree lighting | In 2026, Friday, November 27, 6 to 8 p.m. |
| Northern Escape | February. In 2027 it's February 18 to 21 |
Dates can change, so check with the Elk Rapids Chamber before you go. For the holidays, see the holiday season around Bellaire.
Tips
- Go for sunset. Elk Rapids faces west over the bay.
- Park once and walk. Downtown, the harbor and the beach are close together.
- Expect crowds and tight parking during Harbor Days.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Elk Rapids from Bellaire?
About 26 road miles southwest, an easy drive.
What is there to do in Elk Rapids?
Walk River Street and the harbor, eat at Cellar 152 or Pearl's, rent a boat at Elk Rapids Marina, and stop at the Short's Pull Barn.
When is Harbor Days in Elk Rapids?
In August. The 2027 dates are listed as August 4 to 7. Check with the Elk Rapids Chamber before you go.
Sources
Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and its business directory, Discover Elk Rapids, Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen, The DAM Shop, plus our own restaurant, coffee and boat rental guides. Checked November 1, 2026.