Some places just have a way of becoming part of your family story. For the Fancy family, Elk Rapids is one of those places.
Located less than an hour from Dyer Lake Vacation Home, and often just a 30 minute drive when traffic cooperates, Elk Rapids has been one of our favorite day trip destinations for decades. With its beautiful beaches, charming downtown, family friendly parks, and welcoming small town atmosphere, it is the kind of place you can visit again and again and never get tired of.
But for our family, Elk Rapids is more than a nice place to spend a summer afternoon. It is filled with memories, traditions, and stories that now span several generations.
And the best part? We are still making new ones.
Where the Memories Began
Long before the Fancy family called Northern Michigan home, Elk Rapids was already a familiar summer destination.
Patrick’s dad, Steve, spent many childhood summers at White Birch Lodge, a family resort on beautiful Elk Lake. Years later, when Steve had a family of his own, he brought them back to the same resort to enjoy the same Northern Michigan summers he remembered so fondly.
It was during one of those family vacations in 1993 that the idea of leaving Southeast Michigan and moving north first came up. What started as a conversation during a summer getaway eventually became reality when the Fancy family moved to Traverse City in 1995.
Steve passed away in 2012, but his love for Northern Michigan, and especially Elk Rapids, is still very much a part of our family. Every trip back brings memories of those summers at White Birch Lodge, the days spent at the beach, gyros at the Town Club and the traditions he helped start.
It’s funny how a place can hold so many memories. For us, Elk Rapids will always be one of those places.
Are We There Yet? Look for the Water Tower!
Every family has those little stories that get told over and over again. Ours involves a water tower.
When you head north on US 31 toward Elk Rapids, the scenery is part of the fun. You pass apple and cherry orchards, sunflower fields in season, and stretches of beautiful Northern Michigan countryside. Eventually, the landscape begins to change as more homes and businesses come into view.
And then you see the water tower.
Now, most people probably wouldn’t give a water tower a second thought. But for Uncle Alex, it was one of the highlights of the trip.
Alex was just two years old on his first visit to Elk Rapids, and for whatever reason, he was absolutely fascinated by that water tower. From that day forward, it became known as “Alex’s water tower.”
Every trip into Elk Rapids meant keeping an eye out for it. And this little tradition continued for more years than Uncle Alex would probably appreciate us sharing. 😊
And apparently, some family traditions are just too good to let go.
Earlier this year, we were heading north to Marquette for our daughter’s wedding, with 2 of our grandchildren Anna and Bray riding along. As we approached Elk Rapids, I told them to keep an eye out for Uncle Alex’s water tower.
Of course, that led to the whole story about two year old Alex and his fascination with the water tower all those years ago.
Anna and Bray thought it was hilarious. And when we finally met up with Uncle Alex in Marquette, you can probably guess what happened.
Yep. They wasted no time teasing him about his famous water tower.
So here we are, more than 30 years later, and Alex’s water tower is still providing entertainment for the Fancy family. Sorry, Alex. It looks like this family tradition has officially been passed down to the next generation. 😊
A Swan Named Talula Welcomes You to Town
Another familiar sight as you approach downtown Elk Rapids is Talula, a large white swan with a bit of local history. Talula was originally part of a parade float that carried the 1966 Miss Elk Rapids in the National Cherry Festival and Harbor Days parades.
Today, she has a permanent home in Elk Rapids Rotary Park, just north of the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce building, overlooking Elk Lake. She is a fun little piece of Elk Rapids history and worth a quick stop, especially if you have kids along for the ride.
After all, what child doesn’t enjoy seeing a giant white swan?
View of Grand Traverse Bay/Lake Michigan from Veterans Memorial Park 1982
Veterans Memorial Park: Our Favorite Place to Spend a Summer Day
If there was one place that kept bringing the Fancy family back to Elk Rapids, it was Veterans Memorial Park. Located just beyond the downtown area along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, this beautiful waterfront park was the setting for countless summer afternoons.
And when we say countless, we mean a lot.
Back in the day, our minivan would arrive packed with four kids, beach towels, sand toys, basketballs, tennis racquets, snacks, and enough sunscreen to last a small army. Once we parked, the kids couldn’t get out of the van fast enough.
Veterans Memorial Park was perfect for our family because there was something for everyone. The beach offered plenty of room to spread out blankets and enjoy the sunshine, while the playground, basketball courts, and tennis courts provided plenty of opportunities to burn off some energy.
The park also has restrooms and picnic tables, making it easy to spend several hours or even the better part of a day.
Some afternoons were spent playing tennis or basketball. Others involved building sandcastles, swimming, or simply relaxing along the shoreline.
It was the kind of place where you could arrive in the morning, look at your watch a few hours later, and wonder where the day had gone.
And honestly, those were some of the best summer days.
The Elk River: A Favorite with the Kids
Along the northern edge of Veterans Memorial Park flows the Elk River, another favorite spot for the Fancy kids. The Elk River is only about 1.5 miles long, connecting Elk Lake to Lake Michigan through Grand Traverse Bay. For the kids, though, it might as well have been the greatest water attraction in Northern Michigan.
There were two reasons they loved it.
First, the water often felt wonderfully warm during the summer, especially compared with the cooler waters of Grand Traverse Bay. Second, there was a little drop in the river where the kids loved to float along with the current and continue around the bend.
It was simple summer fun, and they could spend hours enjoying it.
The shallow areas were especially appealing when the kids were younger, although river currents and water conditions can change, so children should always be closely supervised.
Looking back, it wasn’t anything fancy (pun intended). No expensive attractions or elaborate plans. Just kids, water, sunshine, and a whole lot of laughter.
Sometimes that’s all you need.
Bridge to Island House 1983
An Island, a Historic Home, and a Library
One of the more interesting places to explore in Elk Rapids is the small island near the mouth of the Elk River that is home to the Elk Rapids District Library. The library is housed in a beautiful historic building appropriately named Island House.
Originally built as a private residence in 1895, the home and its approximately four acre island were donated to the village in 1948. The building was converted into a public library the following year.
A small bridge connects the island to the mainland, making it a fun place to explore. Even if you aren’t planning to check out a book, the island and historic building are worth seeing. It is one of those unexpected little discoveries that adds to the charm of Elk Rapids.
Dinner at the Town Club: A Family Tradition
After a long afternoon at the beach, there was one more stop before heading home. Dinner at the Town Club.
For the Fancy family, a day in Elk Rapids just wasn’t complete without stopping at this longtime local bar and restaurant. And the gyros? We thought they were some of the best around.
After hours of swimming, playing basketball, hitting tennis balls, and soaking up the sun, everyone was hungry. The Town Club was the perfect place to sit down, relax, and enjoy a good meal before making the drive back to Traverse City.
There is something special about those familiar family traditions. The restaurant may have been considered a little bit of a dive, but it was part of the experience. And sometimes those meals together are remembered just as fondly as the day at the beach.
More Beaches Worth Exploring in Elk Rapids
While Veterans Memorial Park will probably always be our family’s favorite, Elk Rapids has several other beautiful beaches worth exploring. Some offer more amenities, while others are perfect for visitors looking for a quieter stretch of shoreline.
Patrick and Uncle Jeff at Old Bathing Beach 1993
Old Bathing Beach: A Quiet Place to Hunt for Rocks
If you enjoy walking along the beach and searching for interesting stones, Old Bathing Beach is a wonderful place to visit. Located off North Bayshore Drive near the Wilcox-Palmer-Shah Preserve, this quieter beach offers a more natural setting.
A roadside turnout includes an informational kiosk and a short boardwalk with stairs that cross the dune and lead down to the shoreline. It’s a lovely place to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and spend a little time looking for Petoskey stones and other interesting rocks. Just remember to bring a small bag for your treasures and leave protected natural features undisturbed.
Dam Beach: A Local Favorite
On the opposite side of the Elk River near the hydroelectric power plant is another popular spot known as Dam Beach. This beach has a more natural feel and is a favorite among locals. It is also a popular area for fishing.
If you’re looking to explore another stretch of Elk Rapids shoreline, it’s worth checking out. As with any beach near a river or dam, pay attention to posted signs and water conditions.
Day Park: A Beach and an Outdoor Art Gallery
Day Park offers something a little different from the typical beach experience. This beautiful park features approximately 15 acres of forests and dunes, along with a quarter mile of shoreline on East Grand Traverse Bay.
It’s a wonderful place to swim, hunt for rocks, enjoy a picnic, or simply relax in the sand. The park includes restrooms, picnic areas with charcoal grills, and an accessible picnic pavilion.
But what makes Day Park especially interesting is the Walk of Art Sculpture Park. Opened in 2013 with just six sculptures, the outdoor art exhibit has grown considerably over the years. By 2023, it featured more than 30 sculptures scattered along the park’s wooded trails. Visitors can stroll through the forest while enjoying artwork created by talented artists. Many of the sculptures are also available for purchase.
Leashed dogs are welcome in the park, making it a nice option for families traveling with their four legged companions. It’s a wonderful combination of art, nature, and beautiful Northern Michigan scenery.
Harbor Days: Small Town Fun at Its Best
If your visit to Elk Rapids happens to fall during Harbor Days in August, you’re in for a treat. For the Fancy family, Harbor Days was an annual tradition and one of our favorite summer events.
The four day celebration brings the community together with a parade, fireworks, carnival rides, activities, entertainment, and, of course, plenty of food. And don’t forget to get some Dam Water before you leave!
Now, you might wonder why a family living in Traverse City, home of the National Cherry Festival, would make a point of attending a smaller town festival.
Our response?
Why wouldn’t we?
That’s part of what makes Northern Michigan so special. Every community has its own traditions, personality, and celebrations. Harbor Days has that wonderful small town atmosphere where you can wander around, enjoy the festivities, run into familiar faces, and simply have a good time. For our family, it was another opportunity to make summer memories.
If you’re planning an August visit, check the current Harbor Days schedule so you don’t miss the festivities.
Don’t Forget Downtown Elk Rapids
No visit to Elk Rapids is complete without spending a little time exploring downtown. River Street is the heart of the village, with locally owned shops, restaurants, and places to stop for a treat. Take your time wandering through the stores. You never know what you might discover.
That’s one of the things we’ve always enjoyed about Elk Rapids. It has that relaxed, small town feeling that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile. You don’t need a detailed itinerary or a long list of things to do. Sometimes it’s enough to browse the shops, grab something to eat, and enjoy being somewhere that feels a little less hurried.
Same Place, New Generation, More Memories
Patrick (purple shirt) & Uncle Alex (blue striped overalls) helping to ring the meal bell at White Birch Lodge 1993
It’s hard to believe how much has changed in the past 30+ years. Back then, a trip to Elk Rapids meant six of us piling into the minivan, surrounded by sand toys, beach towels, basketballs, tennis racquets, and four kids who couldn’t wait to get to the water. And, of course, there was young Alex watching for his water tower.
These days, the trips look a little different.
Now it’s Patrick and Lauren bringing their family to Elk Rapids.
There are still sand toys, basketballs, baseball mitts, beach towels, and plenty of sunscreen packed into the vehicle. But instead of four kids scrambling out of the minivan and racing toward the beach, there are now just Anna and Bray. And quite often, there’s another vehicle following along with Grandma, Grandpa Guy, and sometimes aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The kids may be different, the vehicles have changed, and a few of us might move a little slower getting out of the car these days. But the excitement of spending a summer day in Elk Rapids is still there.
And that’s what makes it so special.
Steve’s childhood vacations at White Birch Lodge eventually became vacations with his own children. Those vacations helped inspire a move to Northern Michigan, where the family spent countless summer days enjoying Elk Rapids.
Now Patrick is bringing the next generation back to those same beaches, parks, and familiar places. The older generations get to remember summers gone by while watching the younger generation create memories of their own.
And while Steve is no longer here to join us on these trips, it’s nice knowing that the place he loved as a child is still bringing his family together all these years later. The kids may not realize it now, but someday they’ll look back on these summer afternoons just as fondly as we do. They’ll remember the beaches, the swimming, the games, and the time spent with family. And they’ll have their own stories to tell.
After all, that’s how family traditions begin. One summer, one trip, and one memory at a time. Maybe they’ll even tell them about Uncle Alex and his water tower.
Sorry, Alex. Some family stories are just too good to retire. 😊
Make Elk Rapids Part of Your Northern Michigan Vacation
One of the things we love most about Elk Rapids is how easy it is to enjoy. You don’t need to plan an entire vacation around it. Just pack a beach bag, bring some sunscreen, and head north for the day.
Spend the morning exploring downtown, enjoy an afternoon at the beach, take a walk through the sculpture park, or find a quiet spot along the shoreline to hunt for rocks. And before heading home, stop somewhere for a good meal or a little treat.
For guests staying at Dyer Lake Vacation Home, Elk Rapids is an easy day trip that offers a wonderful combination of beaches, parks, shopping, history, and small town charm. But more than anything, it’s a place where families can spend time together.
Looking back, we probably didn’t realize just how special all those ordinary summer afternoons would become. We were simply enjoying the day, having fun, and making memories without even thinking about it. Now, decades later, those memories are some of our favorites.
So if you’re visiting Northern Michigan, make sure Elk Rapids is on your list. Pack up the family, head north, and enjoy the day.
You never know which little moments will become the stories your family is still telling 30 years from now.
And be sure to watch for Alex’s water tower on your way into town. 😊
👉 Plan your Northern Michigan getaway
Many guests choose to book directly with us to avoid extra platform fees and save a little on their stay. We are always happy to answer questions and help you feel comfortable with the process.
If you prefer using Airbnb, that option is available as well. We want you to book in the way that feels easiest for you.
When you are ready, you can check availability and reserve your dates below.
Book Direct & Save | Book on Airbnb
Our home has been part of our family’s story for years, and because Patrick and Lauren spend so much time here themselves, they make sure it is stocked with the same comforts and conveniences they appreciate. We hope your family creates just as many wonderful memories here as ours has.
