The Village & Township of Elk Rapids
" Working Together for a Better Community"
" Working Together for a Better Community"
Elk Rapids Harbor & Marina The 212-plus slip harbor is considered one of the best in Michigan, and its proximity to downtown make it a perfect place to tie up for a few hours or for the entire season.
Public Boat Launches are located on all of the Township's lakes (Bass, Birch, Elk lake and Grand Traverse Bay) giving boaters and anglers endless chances to cast their lines for lake trout, bass, steelhead perch, whitefish and a variety of pan fish. Handicapped-accessible piers in the harbor and the boardwalk around Kids Pond are favorite fishing spots for young and old in all seasons. Visit the Village Website |
The Historical Village of Elk Rapids is committed to providing residents, property owners, business people and visitors with an environment that promotes safe, productive, and happy lives in an efficient and caring manner.
The Village is located in the southwest corner of Antrim County, bounded by East Grand Traverse Bay to the west, Elk Lake to the east, Bass Lake to the north, and a river, Elk River, runs through it. The Village owes most of its development to man's love of water and water's power. Boaters, day trippers and sunbathers seek out Elk Rapids' sandy shores, quaint shops and unique restaurants. The Village is completely enclosed within the Elk Rapids Township. Although the village covers only one square mile, its forefathers have preserved its most scenic areas and dedicated them to public use areas. |
AREA PARKS & BEACHES
ANTRIM COUNTY'S DAY PARK: When you enter Antrim County's Elk Rapids Day Park, you step into nature. After a busy day, take time to enjoy the trees, the sound of birds, the feeling of the breeze on your skin, and the smell of the earth as you unwind and recharge at the beach!
Try the park's many hiking trails or enjoy a picnic using the Deborah Wentworth Memorial Pavilion. There are also picnic tables and grills in various locations throughout the park. A bath house near the pavilion offers modern facilities in season and the parking lot is open May to October. A pedestrian entrance allows use of the park year round. Art Rapids!, a local non-profit group, has worked with Antrim County to develop an outdoor sculpture park within the Antrim County Day Park, the "Walk of Art," that is drawing visitors from far and wide. In addition to the sculptures, Art Rapids! also hosts workshops and events in the Antrim County Day Park. Directions to the park: Located on the East Arm of Grand Traverse Bay - just outside the Village of Elk Rapids on South Bayshore Drive. |
Veteran's Memorial Park (Public Beach & Kid's Swimming Hole) & the Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor & Marina
HISTORICAL TOWNSHIP & VILLAGE BUILDINGS
Township & Village Historic Buildings: The Township & Village are committed to the goal of preserving the beautiful historic buildings located within the Township.
Historic Old Town Hall - Another important historical building of preservation concern is owned by the Township of Elk Rapids which is the Elk Rapids Town Hall building located on River Street.
|
The Historic Isle of Pines & the Island House
The Island House resides on a park-like 4 acre island bequeathed to the residents of the Village of Elk Rapids in 1948 by Katherine McCormick. The current use of the Island House on the Isle of Pines houses the local library. On April 26, 1979, the Village of Elk Rapids was notified by the Michigan Historical Commission that the “Isle of Pines” and Island House had been listed in the State Register of Historic Sites. See: Island House History Island House Walk Bridge - Beautiful wooden bridge walkway between River Street and the Historic Island House.
The Township & Village of Elk Rapids are home to many turn of the last century Victorian farms and houses, Most have now been restored to their to their delightful grandeur.
The area churches strive to retain their original turn of the last century charm. |