Torch Lake, Inland lake in Antrim County, Michigan, United States.
Torch Lake is a freshwater body in northern Michigan that stretches about 19 miles and reaches a maximum depth of around 310 feet (94 meters). The water appears blue and clear, with wooded shores and small villages dotted along the edges.
When the last ice age ended, sandbars formed and cut off a section of what was once part of ancient Lake Michigan. Settlers later gave the water body its current name, while the Ojibwe had called it Waaswaaganing.
Local communities gather at sandy beaches where families swim in water known for its turquoise color and clarity during summer months. Boaters navigate between the shoreline settlements that have grown around the water over generations.
You can reach the water from several villages around the shore, including Alden to the south and Eastport farther north. Those planning to swim or launch a boat will find access points in the communities that line the edges.
Among all inland lakes in Michigan, this one holds the largest volume of water even though other lakes cover more surface area. The average depth sits around 111 feet (34 meters), which keeps the water cool even on hot days.
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