Bellaire is in Antrim County in northern Lower Michigan, about 37 miles northeast of Traverse City. Most visitors drive up from downstate, and the nearest commercial airport is Traverse City's.
Flying in
Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City is the closest commercial airport, about 35 miles from Bellaire. Plan on roughly 45 minutes to an hour by car. Rent a car at the airport: you'll want one for getting around once you're here.
Driving distances to Bellaire
| From | Road miles | Typical drive |
|---|---|---|
| Traverse City | About 37 | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
| Grand Rapids | About 160 | About 3 hours |
| Lansing | About 190 | About 3 to 3.5 hours |
| Detroit | About 250 | About 4 to 4.5 hours |
| Chicago | About 335 | About 5.5 to 6 hours |
Distances are measured from downtown Bellaire. Drive times are typical summer estimates. Allow extra time for traffic on Friday afternoons and holiday weekends, and for winter weather.
Coming from Chicago? Bellaire is on Eastern Time, an hour ahead of Chicago, so you'll lose an hour on the way up.
The last stretch
Most of the drive into Bellaire is on two-lane state and county roads through farmland, forest and hills. They're scenic but slower than the highway, so don't count on keeping highway speeds for the final stretch, especially after dark when deer are active.
Getting around once you're here
- You'll need a car. There's no practical public transit for getting between Bellaire, the lakes, the ski hill and nearby towns.
- Distances are short. Schuss Mountain is about five minutes from our homes near the resort. Alden and Torch Lake are about 11 miles away, Central Lake about 8, and Elk Rapids and Charlevoix about 26 to 27 miles.
- Parking is easy in downtown Bellaire, but tight at popular lake access sites on summer weekends.
Winter travel tips
- Check road conditions before you leave, especially on Friday drives up from downstate.
- Bring a vehicle that handles snow. All-wheel drive and good tires help a lot on hills and county roads.
- Pack a winter kit: scraper, small shovel, blanket, water and a phone charger.
- Plan to arrive in daylight if you can. Snowy two-lane roads are much easier to drive before dark.
Where to stay
Every home we host comes with parking for several cars, and the homes near Schuss Mountain are a short drive from downtown Bellaire.
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 →
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 →Frequently asked questions
What is the closest airport to Bellaire, Michigan?
Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City, about 35 miles away.
How far is Bellaire from Detroit?
About 250 road miles, typically 4 to 4.5 hours by car.
How far is Bellaire from Grand Rapids?
About 160 road miles, roughly 3 hours by car.
How far is Bellaire from Chicago?
About 335 road miles, about 5.5 to 6 hours by car. Bellaire is an hour ahead of Chicago on Eastern Time.
Do I need a car in Bellaire?
Yes. There's no practical public transit around the lakes, the ski hill and nearby towns.
Sources
Road distances measured from downtown Bellaire with OpenStreetMap routing. Checked October 2026. Drive times are estimates.