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 »


Bellaire – A Paddle Antrim Festival Community

As you will see, the lovely Village of Bellaire has much to offer its visitors as well as its residents. It’s a wonderful place to visit, live, raise a family or retire.  The community is looking forward to being a part of the Paddle Antrim Festival. Water is the backdrop of life in Bellaire, the county seat. Swimming, boating, fishing and beach-combing are summer activities that give way in the… Read More »


Paddle Antrim Festival Dates Announced

For Immediate Release Paddle Antrim Festival Dates Announced Bellaire, MI – Paddle Antrim will present the first Paddle Antrim Festival on September 18 & 19, 2015.  The Paddle Antrim Festival includes a two-day kayak paddle through Northern Michigan’s Chain of Lakes.  The first day begins in Ellsworth continuing through Central Lake to Bellaire, meandering through numerous small lakes.   The second day will continue from Bellaire, ending in Elk Rapids, passing through… Read More »