Spend some time antiquing during your Rapid City visit.
East of Lake Michigan, Rapid City's greatest claim to fame is Torch Lake, dubbed by National Geographic Magazine as the third-most-beautiful lake in the world, surpassed only by Switzerland's Lake Geneva and Canada's Lake Tahoe. This one-stoplight town boasts only two hotels that can claim to be in Rapid City, but there are quite a few resorts and bed and breakfasts in the area. During your stay, visit the Old Mission Point lighthouse, go antiquing in the nearby village of Alden, spend some time in the Traverse Bay casinos, or just enjoy fishing and swimming in the lake.
Torch River Resort
The clear water and sandy bottom make Torch Lake a favorite swimming spot.
Just 200 yards from the shore of Torch River, this fifteen-room establishment is a reasonably-priced getaway for those who enjoy fishing, swimming, hiking, hunting and boating. All rooms and suites have refrigerators and microwaves and Wi-Fi, and there are outdoor barbecue facilities. Boat rentals are available and it is a short swim to Torch Lake Sandbar, which is a notorious party location. The lake's crystal clear waters, sandy bottom and glorious sunsets make for a memorable vacation.
Torch River Resort
12800 Cherry Avenue
Rapid City, Michigan 49676
231-322-4444
torchriverresort.com
Northwind Resort
Dock your jet ski right in front of Torch River Resort.
At the southernmost tip of Torch Lake, Northwind Resort is so close to the shore you can almost dangle your toes in the water from the front porch. In fact, three of the nine rooms are literally steps from the water. It is rather like a small apartment complex, with several barbecue stations, a big fire pit, groupings of outdoor furniture and tables, a little private beach with a wooden glider swing, and a dock where you can park your personal watercraft or boat (rentals are available nearby). Only three rooms have mini-kitchens, but all the rooms have two double beds, a microwave, fridge and a little dining set. The decor is early bad motel, but the beds are comfy, it's clean, and with all the activities around you--including four casinos--you more than likely will only be in your room to sleep.
Northwind Resort
12553 S. West Torch Lake Drive
Rapid City, MI 49676-9333
231-322-4554
northwindresort.com
Inn at Torch Lake
The Inn at Torch Lake serves afternoon wine and tea.
Four miles north of Rapid City and a block from the lake shore, the Inn at Torch Lake offers the most elegant lodging in the area. In the quaint village of Alden, the Inn has only suites, two with whirlpool baths and all with fireplaces, data ports, luxurious bedding, satellite TV, and a basket of soaps, lotions, shampoo and conditioner. The four beautifully appointed suites are named after lakes, and they are a bit pricey for the region. There is also a recently added 1000-square-foot apartment with a full gourmet kitchen. Chief cook and bottle washer Harvey Bartel makes a full European breakfast, serves a lovely afternoon tea and hosts an early evening wine reception.
Inn at Torch Lake
9076 Helena Road
Alden, MI 49612
231-331-4845
inn-at-torchlake.com
Tags: Torch Lake, Rapid City, Torch River, Northwind Resort, River Resort