Paddle Antrim Ready to Kick Off First Festival

Paddle Antrim is quickly gaining recognition for bringing awareness to the amazing treasures of Antrim County’s Chain of Lakes and the wonderful communities along the water trail.  This non-profit organization is hosting the first Paddle Antrim Festival September 18 & 19, 2015.  The event is highlighted by a two-day kayak paddle through Antrim County’s Chain of Lakes and five communities. The two day paddle includes most of the Upper Chain… Read More »


Paddle Antrim Raffling off Kayak & Paddle Board

Win yourself a new kayak or paddle board!  We teamed up with Bellaire Rotary for a Kayak Raffle to raise money for our communities and precious waters here in Northern Michigan. Prizes: 1st- 12′ Daggar Axis kayak with paddle and car accessories 2nd – 10′ Pelican paddle board and paddle 3rd – $250 cash 4th-10th – $50 We want to especially thank Backcountry North of Traverse City & Alden Marine &… Read More »


Paddle Antrim Offers Intro Kayaking Classes

Ever wanted to learn to kayak?  Maybe you have been out a few times in a kayak but want to feel more comfortable out on the water? Paddle Antrim is offering half-day Introduction to Kayaking classes on August 16th, 17th, and 18th throughout Antrim County.  Participants will learn the basics to get them out on the water and off to the right start.  The class will go over the equipment,… Read More »


Elk Rapids – A Paddle Antrim Festival Community

Embraced by East Grand Traverse Bay to the west, Elk Lake to the east and Bass Lake to the north, Elk Rapids is one of the most charming of all the harbor towns in Northwest Lower Michigan. Comprised of one square mile, everything is within walking distance: public beaches, unique dining, quaint shops and an abundance of access points for boaters navigating the waters of Lake Michigan, Grand Traverse Bay… Read More »


Paddling Bellaire to Elk Rapids – Day 2

June 1, 2015 – Today’s the day we were paddling from Bellaire to Elk Rapids, Day 2 of the Paddle Antrim Festival kayak event and I could not wait.  After paddling Day 1 two weeks earlier, I was eager to take on the new challenge of 27 miles, longer than I have ever paddled in the past.  The crew included Paddle Antrim president/COO of Short’s Brewing Company Matt Drake, other… Read More »


Paddling Ellsworth to Bellaire – Day 1

May 16, 2015 – As a kayaker who has spent the last five years doing short paddles with my two awesome future paddlers (ages 3 & 5), I was excited when we decided to “pre-paddle” the kayak event route for the Paddle Antrim Festival in September.  Today was the day to get out and do the 15+ miles of Day 1 which goes from Ellsworth to Bellaire.  Paddle Antrim’s president… Read More »


Paddle Antrim Festival Kayak Event Registration Opens

Paddle Antrim announced that registration is now open for the inaugural Paddle Antrim Festival kayak event which will be September 18 & 19, 2015.  This two-day, 40-mile kayak paddle through most of Antrim County’s Chain of Lakes, from Ellsworth to Elk Rapids, is a one-of-a-kind experience. The first day meanders 16 peaceful miles through many small lakes from Ellsworth to Bellaire.  The second day is a more challenging 27 mile… Read More »


Central Lake – A Paddle Antrim Festival Community

WELCOME! The Village of Central Lake is located in Antrim County, in the heart of Northwest Michigan’s “Chain Of  Lakes.” We have the beautiful waterways, friendly businesses, and a country life style offering a wide range of recreational activities. As a year-round vacation location, we welcome golfers, skiers, campers, hunters, snowmobilers, fishermen, and anyone looking for a peaceful get-a-way. Summer events in Central Lake include art festivals, craft fairs, and the largest Fourth of July… Read More »


The Paddle Experience

The first day begins on the sandy beaches at the Village of Ellsworth’s beautiful Ellsworth River Park.  In the first couple hours, paddlers cut through the calm waters of four small lakes before passing under the bridge into Intermediate Lake in the Village of Central Lake.  Thurston Park is a perfect spot to pull out and stretch with park amenities and restaurants and shops a quick walk up.  The paddle… Read More »


Ellsworth – A Paddle Antrim Festival Community

Activity and enthusiasm share the stage in the Village of Ellsworth. Located at the north end of the Chain-of-Lakes, this community boasts strong agricultural and lumbering roots. It remains a solid agricultural region with many dairy and beef farms, orchards, vineyards and farm markets. Ellsworth is very involved in local and Chamber of Commerce events, programs and activities. One of the area’s signature events, the Pig Roast, is celebrated and… Read More »


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