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 »

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 »

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 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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »