Torch Lake is beautiful large inland lake in the northwest lower peninsula of Michigan, about 15 minutes from Charlevoix and half hour from Traverse City. It is Michigan's longest lake at 18 miles and second largest at 18,770 acres. The lake is of glacial origin and is an unusual, very beautiful turquoise color. Torch Lake is part of the Lower Chain of Lakes, one of 14. Its maximum depth is 300 feet. Its significant size makes it wonderful for fast rides on a powerboat. The Torch River has several public boat ramps. Sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, canoeing, jet skiing, and water skiing are very popular. There are sailing and windsurfing lessons and rentals for boats for those who did not bring their own. The lake is also great for swimming – a popular swimming spot is the two-mile long white sand bar at the south end. Fishing on the lake is superb, and anglers come for lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, yellow perch, rock bass, smallmouth bass, whitefish, muskellunge, and ciscoes.

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