The Tara · Bellaire, Michigan

Bellaire, your way.

Antrim County's seat since 1879, on the Elk River Chain of Lakes in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula. Here's what first-timers ask us most — getting here, when to come, and what's worth your time — with links to our deeper guides for the water and the trails.

The Tara's private dock on the Intermediate River, Bellaire, Michigan

Your dock on the Intermediate River — the start of every day here

A small village, a big backyard.

Bellaire is a walkable village of a few hundred people wrapped by water and woods. The Tara sits a few minutes' walk from downtown and steps from a private dock on the Intermediate River — the connector between Lake Bellaire and the rest of the Elk River Chain of Lakes.

By the numbers

36mi
From Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)
1879
Antrim County Seat
14
Lakes in the Chain
Steps
To Your Dock

Getting here

Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City is the closest airport — about 36 miles, a 50-minute drive up M-72 and US-131. Bellaire is reachable year-round by car; downtown parking is easy and free.

Four Seasons, One Village

Summer

The Chain of Lakes, Wide Open

  • Boating, paddling & the Torch Lake sandbar
  • Fishing Lake Bellaire's 95-ft basin
  • Peak season — book your week early
Fall

Color Season

  • Widely considered the region's best season
  • Glacial Hills & Grass River foliage
  • Quieter roads, same water views
Winter

Skiing at Your Doorstep

  • Shanty Creek / Schuss Mountain · 12 min
  • Nordic skiing & snowshoeing at Glacial Hills
  • Fire pit season back at The Tara
Spring

The Quiet Season

  • Ice-out on the Chain of Lakes
  • Trails reopen at Glacial Hills
  • Lowest rates, fewest crowds

Go Deeper

In Town

Downtown Bellaire

Short's Brewing, Mammoth Distilling, Bee Well Cider, dining & shops — 7 minutes on foot.

Read the guide →
On the Water

Boating Guide

Launch sites, the route to Torch Lake, rentals, and the rules of the Chain of Lakes.

Read the guide →
On the Water

Canoeing & Kayaking

Paddle routes from the dock — the Grass River, Lake Bellaire, and the Natural Area.

Read the guide →
Trails

Biking Guide

Glacial Hills Pathway and Shanty Creek singletrack — 31+ miles of trail, minutes away.

Read the guide →
On the Water

Where to Fish

A guest map to eight spots on Lake Bellaire, with depths and what's biting.

Read the guide →
Outdoors

Parks of Paradise

20+ public parks, natural areas & water access sites within reach of The Tara.

Read the guide →

Keep this guide handy.

Print this page for the essentials, or bookmark it on your phone. We keep printed copies of every guide inside The Tara — ask us for anything this page doesn't cover.

Ready to plan your week?

Everything above starts from your private dock on the Intermediate River.

Reserve Your Week