Bellaire is a small village, a few blocks of downtown between two lakes, but there's a lot within a few miles: Michigan's longest inland lake, a ski hill, more than 30 miles of trails, one of the state's best-known breweries, and a 100-mile paddling route. Here's our list, from hosts who live and work here.
Top 10 things to do in Bellaire
- Spend a day on Torch Lake. Michigan's longest inland lake is famous for its clear, turquoise water, and it's about 15 minutes away. Swim at Alden's public beach or take a boat out. Our Torch Lake guide.
- Anchor at the Torch Lake sandbar. The shallow sandbar at the south end of the lake is the classic summer hangout. How to visit the sandbar.
- Ski Schuss Mountain. Bellaire's ski hill at Shanty Creek has 42 trails and night skiing, and kids 8 and under ski for $10. Schuss Mountain ski guide.
- Have a beer at Short's Brewing Company. The original Short's pub is in downtown Bellaire, where one of Michigan's best-known craft breweries got its start.
- Walk the boardwalks at Grass River Natural Area. Seven miles of trails and boardwalk through wetlands and forest, about six miles south of town. Grass River guide.
- Hike or bike Glacial Hills. More than 30 miles of hilly trails just north of Bellaire, with views over Lake Bellaire. Hiking near Bellaire.
- Paddle the Chain of Lakes. Kayak the Intermediate River through downtown, or the quiet Grass River. Chain of Lakes Water Trail.
- Golf at Shanty Creek. The resort's courses make Bellaire a natural base for a golf trip.
- Explore downtown Bellaire. Shops, a riverside park and the 1905 Antrim County Courthouse, all within a few blocks.
- Day trip up north. Charlevoix, Elk Rapids and Traverse City are all within about 40 miles.
Downtown Bellaire and the courthouse
Bellaire has been the Antrim County seat since the 1880s, and its centerpiece is the Antrim County Courthouse. The cornerstone was laid in 1904, and the four-faced clock in the tower was added in 1922 after a local fundraising drive. The courthouse was restored in the early 1990s and is still in use. It's a Michigan State Historic Site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Around it you'll find downtown's shops and restaurants, Short's Brewing Company, and Richardi Park on the Intermediate River, with a swimming beach and courts. The Bellaire Chamber of Commerce publishes a visitor guide with current shops and events.
Things to do in summer
- Boat, swim and paddle on Torch Lake and the Chain of Lakes
- Spend an afternoon at the Torch Lake sandbar
- Swim at Richardi Park or one of the beaches near Bellaire
- Golf at Shanty Creek
- Walk the boardwalks at Grass River
- Catch the Rubber Ducky Festival downtown in August
Things to do in winter
- Ski and snowboard at Schuss Mountain, including night skiing
- Day trip to Boyne Mountain, The Highlands and Nub's Nob
- Go tubing at Summit Mountain
- Cross-country ski and snowshoe Shanty Creek's Nordic trails and Glacial Hills
- Ride the snowmobile trails
- Warm up at Short's, then soak in the hot tub
More ideas in winter things to do in Bellaire.
Things to do in fall
- Drive the back roads for fall color. Antrim County usually peaks in early to mid October.
- Hike Glacial Hills for color over Lake Bellaire
- Paddle the quiet Grass River before the leaves drop
- Enjoy the brewery patios on the last warm days
- Find easier bookings and lower rates after Labor Day
Things to do in spring
- Hike the trails as they dry out and the woods turn green
- Fish as the lakes open up
- Watch for migrating birds at Grass River and the Skegemog Lake Wildlife Area
- Get the best-value stays of the year
Things to do with kids
Bellaire is an easy family trip: calm beaches, flat boardwalk trails, pools, and $10 skiing for little kids. See our guide to things to do in Bellaire with kids, and for bad-weather days, rainy day things to do.
Where to stay
We host five homes in and around Bellaire and on the Lake Michigan shore, each with a private hot tub or sauna. Pick by what you came for: Schuss Mountain, Torch Lake, a big group or a Lake Michigan beach. Compare them in our guide to Bellaire vacation rentals.
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.
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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 Bellaire, Michigan known for?
Torch Lake and the Chain of Lakes, skiing at Schuss Mountain, Short's Brewing Company's original pub, and its historic Antrim County Courthouse.
What is there to do in Bellaire in the summer?
Boating and swimming on Torch Lake, the Torch Lake sandbar, paddling the Chain of Lakes, golf at Shanty Creek, hiking Grass River and Glacial Hills, and the Rubber Ducky Festival in August.
What is there to do in Bellaire in the winter?
Skiing and night skiing at Schuss Mountain, tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, snowmobiling, and day trips to Boyne Mountain and the Harbor Springs resorts.
How far is Bellaire from Traverse City?
About 37 miles, roughly 45 minutes to an hour by car.
Sources
Courthouse history from Antrim County. Trail, lake and ski details from the sources listed in each linked guide. Checked October 2026.