Bellaire, USA
Introduction
The Great Lakes are a chain of freshwater lakes located in eastern North America. They consist of 5 Lakes – Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario and together they form the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth.
Bellaire is a fishing village near Grand Traverse Bay on the shores of Lake Michigan. The town is surrounded by two major lakes, Intermediate Lake and Lake Bellaire and is close to Lake Michigan. Surrounded by so much water, boating, watersports and fishing for perch, bass, walleye and trout are major attractions. Close by you’ll enjoy other watersports, swimming and golfing in summer. In winter you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding.
Lake Bellaire which connects to Clam Lake and Intermediate River is relatively small, yet deep so that anglers may use a variety of styles to catch the variety of fish that live in the lake’s waters.
Intermediate Lake is a part of the Chain O’ Lakes, which are located in northwest Michigan. Intermediate Lake is near the towns of Central Lake and Bellaire and anglers who fish it will discover a variety of fish residing in the waters. Lake Michigan is the second largest lake in the Great Lakes chain.
Major centres on the lake include Muskegon, Michigan, Gary, Indiana, Milwaukee and Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Chicago, Illinois.
The local museum will give you a glimpse in to the town’s past and the nearby Grass River Natural Area is a wonderful nature reserve.
Things To Do
- Experience Northern Michigan skiing and snowboarding on 2 ski mountains with a 450-foot vertical drop.
- Test Parks Ride Shanty Creek Resorts’ 3 parks and newly expanded halfpipe on your Michigan winter vacation.
- Snowshoe through majestic pines and snow-covered fields.
- Tubing runs ensure smiles and laughter for the whole family.
- Discover Shanty Creek’s three unique villages on your Michigan winter getaway: Summit, Schuss and Cedar River.
Shopping
Bellaire is the perfect place to shop if you are looking for antiques and collectibles.
Dining
Whether you’re looking for the perfect place for romantic dining or for a casual spot to get together for good times, you’ll find it in Bellaire.
Short’s Brewing Company produces a variety of lagers and ales. It also houses a pub, which offers a menu filled with a selection of dishes and allows patrons to sample beers. You’ll also find a selection of cafés, bistros and some family dining in the town.
For more upmarket restaurants or 5-star meals, the nearby towns will offer these.
History
Open from June to September, the Bellaire Historical Museum exhibits items depicting life from the Civil War to the 1960s in Antrim County.
The Grass River Natural Area is a nature preserve that is comprised of wetlands and wildlife habitats. Visitors can wander the miles of trails and identify wildflowers and watch for birds.
Traverse City, the region’s largest city, offers visitors an extensive shoreline with miles of trails for hiking and biking. The annual Cherry Festival in Traverse City is a week-long July celebration that features over 150 events, including parades, live music, food concessions and more. Another prominent Grand Traverse Bay town is Boyne City, set amongst Michigan’s forested hills and complemented by a wealth of outdoor activities such as skiing and biking.
Hunting for mushrooms during the spring and fall is a popular Boyne City activity as well, with guides available to take visitors into the woods in search of morels, chantrelles and other edible mushrooms. Bellaire, Beulah, Empire and Traverse City are just a few of the area communities that have golf facilities, and wine drinkers have the chance to sample the offerings of several area wineries.
