Torch lake sand bar

Torch Lake Sand Bar

The sand bar located at the southern end of Torch Lake in Northern Michigan is a renowned hangout for boaters in the mood to celebrate the summer months. The shallow depths of the sand bar and pristine conditions of the water provide perfect conditions for bathers looking to park their boats or personal watercraft, and spend a day in a place of rare natural beauty. The water is well known for it's clarity and the 3 distinct shades of blue created by the different depths of Torch Lake. The Torch reaches a maximum depth of 315 feet, and averages 111 feet in depth. On a typical weekend during the summer months (June-September), hundreds of boats converge on the sand bar for a day of relaxation, partying, or both. The sand bar has become a place to view a wide variety of boats, mingle with others, play volleyball, listen to music, eat lunch, and play with kids in the relatively shallow water (18"-36").Keeping Torch Lake CLEAN is a priority amongst the vast majority of residents & visitors to Torch Lake. It is advised that people making plans to spend a day at the sand bar take adequate measures to leave the sand bar as they found it, clean of trash, cans, bottles, & refuse.

4th of July Weekend

The 4th of July is traditionally the first big weekend of the year in relation to sand bar activities.The sand bar also serves as the grand stage for the barges which provide the annual 4th of July fireworks show. Thousands of boats converge on the sand bar for the event which begins shortly after nightfall on the Saturday nearest the 4th of July. The fireworks show is fairly large and comparable to many of the fireworks displays that are held in nearby cities. Once the fireworks' Grand Finale is completed, a parade of boats, operating under navigation lights, occurs as the boats all begin trekking back to the cottages and homes that line the lake.

August & September

August and September are GeneRally the warmest months for visits to the sand bar. The water has reached temperatures of 70 + degrees or higher, with an air temperature of 76 degrees-88 degrees on average. Get to the sand bar early in the day to guarantee a good location for parking a boat and access to the shallowest expanses of the sand bar. There are many larger boats that line the edge of the sand bar for the proximity to the deeper water (as there is a severe drop-off). Smaller boats can usually find an open lane to pull deeper onto the sand bar, but it may require turning off your engine and pulling the boat in using lines, passengers, or assistance from others. Most weekends there is limited food service available from a floating pontoon boat with state and local licensing. Live bands often play from the deck of a floating stage located on the south end of the sand bar. On many weekends, a visitor to the sand bar will also witness parasailing, low-flying personal aircraft, and a coast guard presence. The sand bar is heavily patrolled by SHERIFF patrol boats and personal watercraft.