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Long Lake, Michigan, USA

Long Lake, near Traverse City, is a popular vacation destination with activities and vistas that lighten the soul. Whether your vacation plans include non-stop fun or solitude, you can have the best of both worlds at Long Lake.

Located just fifteen minutes from Traverse City, Long Lake is the perfect spot for a vacation or year-round home. The neighborhood is becoming upscale, although not as expensive as Traverse City. Yet there are still loads of summer-cottage-style residences and a good number of year-round homes. They all share beautiful views and a clean lake. The sandy-bottomed lake and sand bars provide plenty of swimming spots; the natural shoreline holds plentiful fish for the taking. There are even two tiny connected ponds, Mickey and Ruth Lakes, and four islands. The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy allows public access to South Island in Long Lake and the Carter-Strong Bird Sanctuary on Ruth Lake. In addition, the Gerald Oleson Foundation allows public access to its island on Long Lake. Timbers Girl Scout Camp shares the northeast shore.

The lake is enjoyed for all types of water sports. Watercraft rentals are available locally or you can bring your own. There are two public boat ramps at Gilbert Park and Crescent Shores Boat Launch. Fishing is popular here; the lake gives up bluegill, brown bullhead catfish, green sunfish, largemouth bass, muskellunge, northern pike, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow bullhead catfish, and yellow perch. And, in winter, there is ice fishing, of course. No matter what the season, there is something interesting going on at Long Lake.

Long Lake is primarily spring fed and has a natural outlet stream leading to Lake Dubonnet. Much of the land in the area is agricultural, but there are still many stands of woods in the area. Long Lake is definitely a far cry from the city in feel but very close if you need to make the trip. Hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and birdwatching are a short distance away. Grand Traverse County has worked hard in conjunction with Long Lake Township to assure that the area remains accessible to nature and in sound ecological shape. The two local lake associations work together to manage the natural resources under their care.

For those times when you wish a change of pace or scenery, Traverse City offers galleries, fine dining, and shops just a few minutes away. The spectacular bay is a perfect spot for either sheltered sailing or as the gateway to Lake Michigan. The Traverse City regional airport makes this area accessible for family and business gatherings.

Traverse City is a town of festivals; there is always an Art Show or celebration going on, such as the world-famous Cherry Festival. In keeping with their reputation as a fruit producing area, there are farm markets and U-Pick facilities all over the county. Charlevoix is a short drive from Traverse City and provides yet another great resort city with activities planned year-round to enchant the visitor.

Less than thirty miles to the west, you can hike Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, see the lighthouse, or visit a local winery. There's even an old-fashioned drive-in at Honor, 20 miles away. Interlochen Center for the Arts hosts a summer music festival just a few miles south. The majority of the major ski resorts in Michigan are less than two hour's drive from Long Lake. Mackinaw City and the Big Mac Bridge are a 112-mile drive along the lakeshore on US 31. If you go, make sure to cross to St. Ignace and sample one of the world-famous pasties. And you won't want to miss the lighthouses at Old Mission Point and Grand Traverse.

Long Lake is 325 miles from Chicago and 266 from Detroit. Book your vacation rental, and come visit Long Lake. You'll never want to leave.

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