10 Things to Do in Elk Rapids That You Shouldn't Miss

November 13, 2017 Weston Hennigan

Elk Rapids is a village in Antrim County in the state of Michigan. The population was 1,642 at the 2010 census. The village is located within Elk Rapids Township, about 15 miles (24 km) north of Traverse City. It is physically split by the Elk River, which runs between nearby Elk Lake and Grand Traverse Bay.
Restaurants in Elk Rapids

1. Old Mission Lighthouse Park

20500 Center Rd, Old Mission, MI 49686-7900
Excellent
35%
Good
54%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 98 reviews

Old Mission Lighthouse Park

Reviewed By David H - Carbondale, Illinois

Is the sun out? Breeze blowing? Tired of fighting the Traverse City traffic? If you only took the drive it would be enough. The vista views of East and West bays. The Fruit stands. The wineries. Oh yeah....the light house! The traffic is horrendous until you are out of T.C. for a couple of miles. Then Sunday drive. No need to hurry the road just goes to the end than it stops. The eyes feast on the rolling hills, quaint farms,and aqua water. The light house is small. You can go up into the light tower for a $4 fee and look out onto Lake Michigan. You can do this from the beach too. It does seem that the money from the swag shop and light house are being well spent. The grounds are clean and neat. Bathrooms available. There is a bonus historical cabin. The double bonus of a quiet beach that is beautiful. The water is shallow so kids can swim and do all the things kids used to do before WiFi. There is a hose them off spot so you don't have to take #30 of beach sand home with you.

2. Music House Museum

7377 US Highway 31 N, Acme, MI 49690-9533 +1 213-938-9300
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 106 reviews

Music House Museum

The Music House Museum is located on US31 just north of Traverse City, Michigan. Now in their 30th year, the museum presents one of the most unique music museums in America. Ninety-minute tours demonstrate fully-restored mechanical instruments dating from 1870 to 1930.Guest will also see Models of buildings from Traverse City 1930’s era. Music boxes of all sizes, a mechanical street organ, one of largest dance organs built in Belgium in 1922 , Weber Duo-Art reproducing grand piano,1924 Wurlitzer theater organ used to accompany silent films.

Reviewed By teralex7 - West Hempstead, NY

this is a little known gem. Stopped there on our Tauck tour of Michigan and was pleasantly surprised.it was filled with antique instruments, music boxes and other music items. It was interactive, the tour was interesting and thoroughly delightful and the player pianos, old organ and other instruments was very enjoyable.
Don't miss it, you won't be sorry.

3. Torch River Marine

12906 Cherry Ave, Rapid City, MI 49676-9601
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 6 reviews

Torch River Marine

8 Hour Boat Rentals - $380 Twelve 24' South Bay Pontoons 115hp motor - Seats up to ten people. Five 20' Four Winns Open Bow Ski-Boats 220hp motor - Seats up to seven people. Additionally we rent tubes, wake-boards, skis and knee boards. We are open everyday until 7PM. Visit our website for further information and pictures or give us a call to make your reservation.

Reviewed By GrannyTammy01 - Berea, Kentucky

We rented a pontoon and everything was great. The pontoon was very nice and in great condition. Everyone was super friendly. Clean bathhouse, boat storage. We had issues with our own fishing boat once and they were very friendly and helpful that time also. Great place and highly recommend.

4. Bowers Harbor Vineyards

2896 Bowers Harbor Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686-9735 +1 231-223-7615
Excellent
75%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 283 reviews

Bowers Harbor Vineyards

We are a boutique winery located in Northern Michigan on picturesque Old Mission Peninsula. Our cool-climate viticulture experience coupled with our hard work proves to produce superior quality Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and our signature meritage blend the 2896, Langley Vineyard. A visit to our quaint tasting room will afford you the opportunity to taste our sparkling wines, red wines, white wines, and view the quiet loveliness of Bowers Harbor. Wine tasting is comfortable and inviting at Bowers Harbor Vineyards; no need to be intimidated! The Tasting Room Join us in the Bower’s Harbor Tasting Room to try the latest Award-Winning wines! - Wine Tasting - Wine by the Glass - Local Cheeses & Spreads - Coroporate & Private Event Rentals - Dining in the Vines - Summer and Fall Vineyard Tours by Reservation - Parties of 8 or More, Please Call for Reservations

Reviewed By Angela M - Rockford, Illinois

Beautiful grounds, cool outdoor tasting areas, love dogs so I really love the theme. Our wine pourer Kevin was so personable and outgoing and really knew his stuff. He even added a wine to our tasting that he thought I would like based on our...MoreSo happy you had a great time visiting us and hope you are continuing to enjoy the wine at home. I will pass on your kind words to Kevin. We sincerely appreciate you taking the time to give us this positive review! Cheers!

5. Walk of Art

Elk Rapids, MI 49629
Excellent
76%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 16 reviews

Walk of Art

Reviewed By ktown825 - Irvine, California

Walk of Art in Elk Rapids is a great destination to ride bikes to! The wooded and beachy grounds are well maintained and facilities are clean. There are several benches and tables to sit at to take in the nature, enjoy the art, and even have a picnic. The plaques had scannable QR codes for more information but we were somewhat pressed on time so we didn't get to check those out. Looking forward to coming again next time we are in the area.

10443 S Bayshore Dr, Elk Rapids, MI 49629-9549 +1 231-264-0123
Excellent
64%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

Twisted Fish Gallery

Twisted Fish Gallery features original paintings, sculpture, jewelry, glass, pottery, metal and wood pieces. The artists we represent are selected for the high quality of the work they create. Find an original piece for your home, office or garden. Voted "Best Fine Art Gallery" two years running by TRAVERSE magazine readers. Open year-round. Buy art anytime, online at FineArtMart.net.

Reviewed By IndySig - Indy

Beautiful sculptures, gorgeous gardens, whimsical gifts, serious paintings and beautiful custom made jewelry. The Twisted Fish Gallery certainly has something for everyone. Hand carvings, silk scarves, it's all beautiful.

The art here isn't crafty crap, it's done by some very talented people. Prices are a bit high, but items are also one of s kind.

7. Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery

3309 Blue Water Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686-8561 +1 231-223-9303
Excellent
68%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 311 reviews

Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery

Welcome to Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery. Spanning 91 acres, Brys Estate is one of the largest contiguous winery estates on Old Mission Peninsula. Opened in 2005, we're a family-run business that crafts wines from our 58,000 vines planted less than a mile from Lake Michigan. The Brys experience includes an old-world tasting room, unique Upper Deck with Bridge Above the Vines, and a barn-turned-guest house that offers panoramic views of the bay and Old Mission Peninsula.

Reviewed By Timothy D - Holland, Michigan, United States

Brys focuses on the wine and their grounds. It was a great location for tasting because they also involve some education of their processes in the midst of tasting. When done tasting, you can order platters and sit on their porch overlooking the winery. There are also lawn games available. Also, in a different location, they have a small shop. It’s quaint and it also is in a beautiful location.

This winery focuses on relaxation and enjoyment of the grounds.

8. Elk Rapids Golf Course

724 Ames St, Elk Rapids, MI 49629-9769 +1 231-264-8891
Excellent
58%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7 reviews

Elk Rapids Golf Course

Reviewed By Al J - Fort Worth, TX

Northern Michigan has its share of great, spectacular golf courses. Elk Rapids is no exception. It is a great Par 36, 9-hole course, with some challenging Par 5's and a couple of Par 3's that will surprise you because of the approaches. Bring your irons, and a driver, and be prepared to enjoy! Great pricing at $15 w/o a cart.

9. Rennie Orchards

11221 Munro Rd, Williamsburg, MI 49690-9597 +1 231-264-8387
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 16 reviews

Rennie Orchards

Reviewed By Matt S - Brighton, Michigan

We've been here two years now to pick our own cherries. The concept of going to pick your own cherries is a great concept...not to mention you end up with some of the freshest fruit you can possibly have!!

The grounds are great, and in great weather (which we were fortunate to have both times) this is a great location to be at. Pails and ladders provided!

The staff has been friendly, and are readily available to answer any questions.

10. Guntzviller's Spirit of the Woods Museum

11060 S US Highway 31, 2 miles south of Elk Rapids, Williamsburg, MI 49690-9405 +1 231-264-5597
Excellent
54%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Guntzviller's Spirit of the Woods Museum

Reviewed By Samantha484 - Menasha, Wisconsin

Guntzviller's store is great -- full of moccasins and other really nice Minnetonka items.
If you go through a doorway, you enter the museum. It's bigger than it appears from the outside.
There are many native Michigan species featured, but also many other animals. They are displayed in realistic settings with information available for each. It's a good way to spend an hour on a rainy day.
It is free, but donations are accepted.

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