Other Great Lakes of Michigan

Listen, Labor Day weekend may be your last chance to take a vacation this summer-but "getaway" doesn't always mean lounging on the ocean. We're in the Great Lakes State! There are plenty of impressive bodies of water in our backyard that offer the tranquil scenes of a vacation without really leaving home.

Torch Lake

When people say they're "going to the lake" for the weekend, they're most likely talking-or at least should be talking-about Torch Lake. Along its 2,700 crystal-clear acres, relaxing by the water and booze cruising come to a serene cohabitation, giving you the best of both worlds. And with enough beach parties to rival Cancún, Mexico, Torch Lake may be just the vacation you never knew you needed.

 

Where to stay:

• The Inn at Torch Lake
• $165-$225/night 
• 231-645-1251 or Inn-at-TorchLake.com

Elk Lake

If Torch Lake is where the party begins, then Elk Lake, Torch's smaller but nearly identical sister, is where you come to recover-a vacation from your vacation. Boasting spectacular views of dense rural Michigan outback, the lake often seems uncharted. Such is the reason Elk Lake is the perfect place for some rest and relaxation with the family.

 

Where to stay:

• Wandawood Resort
• $124-$195 
• 231-264-8122 or WandawoodResort.com

 

Lake Charlevoix

Lake Charlevoix may not be an official Great Lake, but that doesn't make its 17,200 acres of royal blue lakefront any less grand as the third-largest lake in the state. By foot or bike trail, nearby nature reserves, beaches, parks and historical sites such as the Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse invite you to discover a different side of livin' in the Mitten.

Where to stay:

• Pointes North Inn
• $102.99-$185.99; two-night minimum stay Labor Day weekend 
• 231-547-0055 or PointesNorthCharlevoix.com