17 Best Things to Do in Bellaire, Michigan
October 11, 2021
Dreaming of a Northern Michigan getaway off the beaten path and full of outdoor adventure? Look no further than Bellaire Michigan. A hub for water sports, hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and more, Bellaire is also home to breweries and wineries, making Bellaire the perfect getaway for adventurers like you! Read on to check out the best things to do in Bellaire!
What to do in Bellaire, Michigan
Bellaire is a perfect town for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to do it all, or for couples seeking a romantic getaway, or for families who love exploring. From rivers to classic Midwest mountains (er… hills), here is your every season guide for what to do in Bellaire, Michigan:
Note! This post contains affiliate links: this means if you choose to make a purchase based on my recommendation, I make a small kickback at no additional cost to you.
What to pack for a trip to Bellaire, Michigan:
Summers on Lake Michigan can be chilly or very hot! Pack for a variety of weather conditions. I recommend…
- Long pants: for women looking for a flattering fit and functionality try Kuhl Freeflex or REI Trailmade
- Long sleeve wool baselayers : wool tops like this make a great hiking layer both for sun protection and for regulating body temperature
- Shorts: I like a quick dry pair with a built-in belt and a elastic waist, swim-friendly pair
- If paddling or swimming: a UPF sun hoodie
- A down puffy jacket that packs down small: nights are a lot cooler than you might expect!
- A solid day hiking pack
- On rugged trails like the Jordan River path, consider trekking poles
- Hiking boots: I like Oboz Bridger Mids for best grip and ankle support, or alternately hiking/paddling sandals like Bedrocks (designed for paddling guides and paddling guide (me) approved)
- If backpacking, backpacking gear!
1) Boat on the Chain of Lakes
spring/summer
Dreaming of the Caribbean but not quite ready to book that flight? Head instead to the Chain of Lakes. The Chain of Lakes runs from the northern wooded lakes near East Jordan, connected by various rivers, through the Intermediate River in Bellaire to Lake Bellaire, to Torch Lake, Elk Lake, and eventually Lake Michigan.
While the northern lakes are most suitable for canoeing and kayaking, the southern lakes are larger with sandy bottoms. Torch Lake, Elk Lake, and Lake Bellaire are perfect for larger boats, tubing, skiing, and just cruising.
While Torch Lake is the most popular (and most crowded!) lake on the Chain of Lakes, Elk Lake has the same crystal blue water but with less boat traffic. For outdoor lovers, paddlers, or boaters looking for solitude, I recommend boating on Elk Lake instead of Torch.
Looking to how rent a boat for Torch Lake or Lake Bellaire? Check out Dewitt Marina.
2) Mountain Bike Glacial Hills
spring/summer/fall
Looking for the ultimate outdoor adventure? Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area is located just outside of Bellaire, Michigan and is the perfect spot to shred the trails. With over 30 miles of mountain biking trails and killer views of Lake Bellaire in the valley below, Glacial Hills has great routes for mountain bikers of all levels.
3) Walk Grass River Natural Area
all season
Love the outdoors, but not looking to break a collar bone? Head over to the Grass River Natural Area instead!
The beautiful boardwalks at Grass River Natural Area will take you through an enchanted forest. The Sedge Meadow Loop cuts deep into the heart of the moss-covered woods and swampland, ecosystems usually inaccessible to hikers. Crystal clear streams like Finch and Cold Creek flow under bridges and to the Grass River.
The Grass River Natural Area includes ADA-accessible interpretive trails. The Sedge Meadow Loop is a great place to spot wildlife! Personally, I’ve seen the river otter out playing around sunset and in the early morning, as well as a variety of unique bird species in the summer and fall.
In my opinion, Grass River is one of the best places to see near Bellaire, and one of the best places in Michigan for viewing wildlife!
4) Visit Short’s Brewery
all season
For me, the biggest draw of Bellaire is the quiet trails and outdoors scene. But the second biggest draw? The breweries and distilleries.
Short’s Brewery in downtown Bellaire is my favorite brewery in Michigan. The food is great, the beer is even better, but with it’s extensive indoor and outdoor seating, live music and twinkly lights, the venue just can’t be beat. Order a flight and a white pepper sandwich (or the pizza, or the pretzels, or anything it’s all great!) and thank me later!
Reservations recommended.
Not a beer fan? No problem! Head across the street to Hello Vino for a glass of wine, or to Bee Well Mead & Cider, or to Mammoth Distilling for a cocktail. All located a stone’s throw and an easy walk from each other, the possibilities in Bellaire are endless.
Bellaire is one of the best places to visit in Michigan for beer lovers!
5) Visit Lake Michigan
all season
With just a quick drive from Bellaire you can find the beautiful coastal seascapes of Lake Michigan. Hunt for Petoskey Stones, hop in the water, or take a stroll down a sandy Lake Michigan beach.
A Lake Michigan day trip is the perfect way to experience a Northern Michigan summer but still be back in Bellaire and the woods in time for dinner. Head up to Barnes County Park, or head farther north to Antrim Creek Natural Area. Make it a mini road trip and drive all the way to Charlevoix for a coffee shop tour and lighthouse views.
Looking for more on lakeside adventures? Here are the ten best places to kayak near Traverse City!
6) Paddle the Grass River
summer
When the temperature starts to climb, it’s time for a paddling trip! Launch your boat on Lake Bellaire and paddle to the Grass River for one of the best intermediate level paddles in Michigan. The Grass River is fed by three different streams to explore, is known for river otter sightings, and has a sandy bottom, making it a beautiful and swimmable paddle.
While the Grass River is easily one of the most beautiful paddling routes in Michigan, paddle carefully! The way back upstream may be more difficult than the route with the current.
7) Hike the Jordan River Pathway
summer/fall (muddy in spring; trail closure possible)
Located north of Bellaire off Highway 131, the Jordan River Pathway is the perfect spot for an autumn hike and one of the best hiking trails near Bellaire. For beautiful fall views, begin on the North Country trail and hike a moderate three mile loop down into the valley. After stopping by the river, climb up to the top of Deadman’s Hill, where you’ll finish your hike with sweeping views of the Jordan River Valley below.
The Jordan River Pathway can also be done as a 20-22 mile backpacking route! This route is an excellent alternative to the often crowded Manistee River Trail.
8) Hike to Avalanche Mountain
all season, most beautiful in fall
Looking for an incredible fall view reminiscent of a New England Autumn? Head to Avalanche Mountain Preserve in Boyne City. Take a two-mile hike through the woods to reach this beautiful overlook, or climb nearly 500 steps to view the city from above and cut out the hike.
Avalanche Mountain Preserve also has excellent mountain biking trails, and is available for snowshoeing in the winter. Note that this trail is popular among “leaf peepers”, and on peak autumn weekends you likely won’t have the trail to yourself.
Love fall? Here are the best spots in Northern Michigan for Fall Color!
9) Hit the Town
all season
Autumn in Northern Michigan can be a magical time! Take a break from the trails and stroll through Downtown Bellaire. Walk along the Intermediate River, grab a bite to eat at the Corner Bistro, or stop into the Tea and Spice Exchange, one of my favorite unique Bellaire spots.
Ready to hit the trails but forgot that one piece of gear you swore you’d remember? I’ve been there. Swing by Paddles & Pedals for rentals, apparel, and outdoor gear.
10) Cruise the backroads
fall
Nothing says autumn magic like a scenic drive on the Northern Michigan backroads. Explore SE Torch Lake Drive for lake views and fall colors, or head up scenic M66 to East Jordan. Alternately, head south toward Rapid City and hit Valley Road, and stop by the Seven Bridges Nature Area.
Bellaire is often overlooked when it comes to fall color tours in Northern Michigan, but that just means more fall color for you!
11) Ski at Shanty Creek
winter
Love to ski? You’ve come to the right spot. Shanty Creek is home to excellent downhill skiing, Nordic trails, and the incredible Lakeview Restaurant with beautiful views of Lake Bellaire below.
Due to lake effect from Lake Michigan, Bellaire gets an average of 112 inches of snow every year! That’s a whopping 84 inches more than the national average.
12) Snowshoe the Jordan River Pathway
winter
While the Jordan River Pathway is most popular in the summer and fall for hiking, don’t count out snowshoe season! Snowshoeing is an excellent workout and a great way to get outside in the cold. Plus, no bugs and less crowds!
With the right gear, snowshoeing and winter hiking can be beautiful and fun instead of miserable and cold!
One of my favorite things about snowshoeing is how quiet the woods are. Plan your snowshoe around sunrise for beautiful glittery snow and your best chance of spotting some furry friends!
Looking for more winter adventures in Michigan? Check out these incredible Michigan winter adventures!
13) Hike/Snowshoe Antrim Creek Natural Area
all season
Missing the green of summer? Head up to Antrim Creek Natural Area where the conifers keep it green year round. Antrim Creek Natural Area is also a great spot to hunt for Petoskey Stones on the Lake Michigan beachfront.
Strap on your snowshoes, enjoy some ices-capes, and check out one of the best underrated trails in Northern Michigan.
14) Watch the sunset in Alden on Torch Lake
winter, fall
What could be better than a winter sunset? Head over to Alden, Michigan to watch the sun dip behind the little lighthouse. Bring a mug full of steamy hot coco, a big blanket, and enjoy one of the most beautiful and simple things life has to offer.
15) Whitewater Canoe or Raft the Jordan River
summer
Looking for a wild wilderness adventure in Northern Michigan? Whitewater canoe or raft the Jordan River, just a half hour north of Bellaire, MI. Winding through the Mackinaw State Forest, the Jordan River is icy cold and crystal clear, and beautiful!
This river includes with light whitewater in the upper portion of the river including small standing waves over the shallow river bed at about 1 ft maximum height. This is a great place for experienced canoeists to test out their skills! Keep in mind that there are many obstacles and the current is swift. Due to the cold water, shade, and possibility of capsize, hypothermia is a potential risk.
You can book a shuttle for a canoe or raft with Jordan Valley Outfitters.
Notes: We had so much fun doing this we went twice in one week! The first time, just me and my partner Andy went. We did the whole three hour option for canoeing and were pleasantly surprised by the challenges on the river! We are both career sea kayaking guides with whitewater experience, and this was a really fun route. It took us about an hour and a half to do the three hour route. Two days later we came back with my brother and sister who were pretty sure they could handle it together in the same boat– both have extensive experience on the Manistee and Au Sable.
We tied down their cooler and all their belongings to their canoe and put their things in drybags. They made it to the second bridge without capsizing, but went over in the fast water section after the bridge. For this reason, I recommend everyone paddling this route be familiar with how to rescue a flooded canoe!
16) Visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes
summer
Did you know the Sleeping Bear Dunes are just over an hour drive from Bellaire? When I visited Bellaire for a few weeks last August, we got up early in the morning and spent the day paddling and exploring around the Sleeping Bear Dunes!
check out that crystal clear water!
17) Take a Lake Day!
summer
The single, best thing to do in Bellaire, Michigan is to take a day at the Lake! Relax, go for a swim, and enjoy beautiful Northern Michigan! You’ve earned it 🙂
Where to stay in Bellaire, Michigan
For unique stays in Bellaire, Michigan check out…
- The Grand Victorian B&B Inn
- Legend Cottage Inn (Budget-friendly)
free resources like this one are made possible by paying subscribers of the Hello Stranger Newsletter. Join the newsletter today to connect with thousands of like-minded adventurers and get gritty and honest adventure stories delivered right to your inbox (aka read my diary).
Love discovering what to do in Bellaire, Michigan? Plan your next adventure:
- Discover the best photo locations near Traverse City
- Plan your ultimate Great Lakes Road Trip with 15 Best Great Lakes Destinations
- Explore beautiful day hikes near Traverse City
check out the Midwest Adventure eBook Bundle for over 300+ pages of detailed adventure planning including hidden waterfalls, the best campsites, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and more covering Sleeping Bear to the end of the Gunflint Trail and everything in-between!
