What would you like to do?
Discover the best of Elk Rapids, organized just for you!
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• Find free car + boat parking (map)
• Find EV charging stations (not free) at Village Market and downtown parking lot
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Ames Street Cafe — Farm-to-table breakfast and lunch; indoor + outdoor patio seating; parking lot.
BOS Wine — Snack options including charcuterie boards to accompany wines; indoor + outdoor patio seating; parking lot.
Cellar 152 — Elevated lunch and dinner, full bar with extensive wine selection; indoor + outdoor patio seating with harbor views; public lot or street parking.
Chang Express — Chinese and Thai cuisine; dine in + carry out; public lot or street parking.
Chef Chucks — Classic pizzas, sandwiches, and salads; indoor + outdoor patio seating; public lot or street parking..
Ethanology Distillation — Snacks including charcuterie, occasional food trucks, neighboring restaurant pop-ups to accompany cocktails; indoor + outdoor patio seating; parking lot.
Happy Camper Coffee — Coffee + espresso drinks; coffee shop breakfast and lunch offerings; indoor + outdoor sidewalk seating; public lot or street parking.
Ice Cream Peddlers — Hand-dipped and soft serve ice cream shop; limited indoor + outdoor patio seating; public lot or street parking.
Masala Magic By Anita — Delicious, diverse, authentic Indian cuisine. Visit her on Ames St and her food truck at Townline Ciders; indoor + outdoor patio seating at both locations; parking lots at both locations.
Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen — Cajun/Creole lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch, full bar; indoor + outdoor patio seating, parking lot.
River Street Market — Handcrafted sandwiches, pizza, salads, and soups; takeout only; public lot or street parking.
River Walk Grill — Premiere lunch and dinner; full bar; indoor + waterfront outdoor patio seating; parking lot.
Short’s Pull Barn — Food trucks serving lunch and dinner in the beer garden during warmer months; indoor + outdoor patio seating; lot or street parking.
The Bee Hive Cafe — T.C. Queen Bee’s food truck, nestled in an alleyway garden next to Brocante Vintage Antiques and across from the beach.
The DAM Shop — DAM good coffee + espresso drinks, breakfast, lunch, dinner; full bar; grab ‘n go; indoor + waterfront outdoor patio seating, parking lot.
The Flour Pot Bakery and Coffeeshop — Homemade donuts and pastries, coffee + espresso drinks; takeout only; public lot or street parking.
Foundry Craft Grillery — Handcrafted lunch and dinner; full bar; indoor + outdoor patio seating; public lot or street parking.
Town Club — Comfort bar + grille lunch and dinner; full bar; public lot or street parking.
Village Market — Grab-n-go options; parking lot.
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Ames Street Cafe — Coffee + espresso drinks; indoor + outdoor patio seating; parking lot.
BOS Wine — Wines crafted by biodynamic growers; indoor + outdoor garden seating; parking lot.
Cellar 152 — Full bar with extensive wine selection; indoor + outdoor patio seating with harbor views; public lot or street parking.
Ethanology Distillation — Exquisitely crafted cocktails + spirits; indoor + outdoor patio seating; parking lot.
Foundry Craft Grillery — Full bar; indoor + outdoor patio seating; public lot or street parking.
Happy Camper Coffee — Coffee + espresso drinks; indoor + outdoor sidewalk seating; public lot or street parking.
Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen — Full bar; indoor + outdoor patio seating; parking lot.
River Street Market — Beer, wine, and liquor; takeout only; public lot or street parking.
River Walk Grill — Full bar; indoor + waterfront outdoor patio seating; parking lot.
Short's Pull Barn — Tap room with beer garden; indoor + outdoor patio seating; parking lot.
The DAM Shop — Full bar; indoor + waterfront outdoor patio seating; parking lot.
The Flour Pot Bakery and Coffeeshop — Coffee and espresso drinks; takeout only; public lot or street parking.
Town Club — Full bar; indoor seating; public lot or street parking.
Village Market — Beer, wine, and liquor; takeout only; parking lot.
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Art & Connection — Arts, crafts, cultural, and connective opportunities with specific activities geared towards kids; view their class schedule here.
Bayfront Beach and Bike — Outdoor outfitter and rentals with a selection of outdoor toys and games.
Corner Druggist — Toys, puzzles, and activities for the little shoppers.
Elk Rapids Cinema — Our sweet single-screen movie theatre featuring the world's largest black light ceiling mural, offering occasional kid-friendly flicks.
Elk Rapids Golf Club — A historic course on the shores of Elk Lake; golfers of all ages welcome.
Elk Rapids District Library & Island House — Housed in a historic 1865 “Island House” on its own islet, the library offers a variety of engaging programs like story times in an irresistibly charming setting to foster early literacy.
Kayak Launch at Rotary Park — Recently upgraded kayak and paddleboard launch; part of the Paddle Antrim Chain of Lakes Water Trail; parking lot.
Nifty Things — Jellycat toys galore and much more.
Norte Chain Hub — Balance Bike Meet-ups in the spring, summer, and fall for little riders of all levels; view their event calendar here and look for ‘Elk Rapids’ in the event title.
Library Bridge — Iconic white bridge leading to and from the Island House, offering picturesque views of the Elk River in two directions and Grand Traverse Bay; a beautiful spot for family photos!
Stoney Cabin Toys — A magically iconic stone cabin full of both classic and on-trend toys, games, puzzles, and more.
The Dam Shop — Water-centric toys, large lawn area with seasonal yard games, occasional live music.
Dam Beach and Fishing Park — Natural beach area, seasonal bathrooms, and fishing pier overlooking the harbor.
Veterans Memorial Park— Picnic areas, playground, large beach, river area, tennis, pickleball, basketball, seasonal bathrooms, with panoramic views of Grand Traverse Bay.
Elk Rapids Day Park + Walk of Art Sculpture Park — Natural beach setting with pavilion, seasonal bathrooms, small playground on the beach, and nature trails through the sculpture park.
LOCAL SEASONAL EVENTS
Harbor Days — A lively multi-day summer festival with a kid-friendly parade, penny scrambles, pet shows, paddle races, boat lighting, water battles, and fireworks—this is the ultimate family event in town. Occurs annually at the end of July/early August.
Evenings on River Street — This weekly summer tradition on River Street includes live music, food vendors, and kids’ activities. Wednesdays from late June to Harbor Days.
Farmers Market — The Friday Farmers Market is a hit too, with fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and local charm.
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Bayfront Beach and Bike — Outdoor outfitter with rentals for bikes (all ages), e-bikes, Aqua Lily water pads, stand-up paddleboards (SUP), single and double kayaks, Paddlebuoys.
Elk Rapids Golf Course — A historic course on the shores of Elk Lake.
My Michigan Roots— Onewheels, GoPro, and Lift Efoils. EFoil lessons and demos year-round.
Norte Chain Hub— Balance Bike Meet-ups in the spring, summer, and fall for little riders of all levels; view their event calendar here and look for ‘Elk Rapids’ in the event title.
The Dam Shop — Large lawn area with seasonal yard games, occasional live music.
Elk Rapids Marina — Boat rentals including pontoon, tritoon, wake surf, and solar-powered Lily Pad; transient boat slip rentals; cruises and fishing excursions.
Library Bridge — Iconic white bridge leading to and from the Island House, offering picturesque views of the Elk River in two directions and Grand Traverse Bay; a beautiful spot for family photos!
Fishing at the Dam Beach & Fishing Park or Bass Lake.
Kayak Launch at Rotary Park — Recently upgraded kayak and paddleboard launch; part of the Paddle Antrim Chain of Lakes Water Trail; parking lot.
BEACHES
Dam Beach — on Grand Traverse Bay, parking lot, restrooms.
Old Bathing Beach — on Grand Traverse Bay, small parking lot, no restrooms.
Veterans Memorial Park— Picnic areas, playground, large beach, river area, tennis, pickleball, basketball, seasonal bathrooms, with panoramic views of Grand Traverse Bay.
Elk Rapids Day Park + Walk of Art Sculpture Park— Nature trails through the sculpture park, beach, playground, pavilion, and seasonal bathrooms.
LOCAL SEASONAL EVENTS
Harbor Days — A lively multi-day, family-friendly summer festival; Occurs at the end of July, early August.
Evenings on River Street — A weekly summer tradition on River Street, including live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities; Wednesdays from late June to Harbor Days.
Farmers Market — The Friday Farmers Market offers fresh produce, baked goods, flowers from local growers and makers—complete with local charm!
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Art & Connection — Art classes and workshops; view their class schedule here.
Elk Rapids Cinema — Our sweet single-screen movie theatre featuring the world's largest black light ceiling mural.
Elk Rapids District Library & Island House — Our charming local library, housed in the historic 1865 “Island House” on its own islet.
Ethanology Distillation — Distillery tours + tastings where every spirit is milled, mashed, fermented, distilled, barreled, and bottled on-site.
Stoney Cabin Toys — A magically iconic stone cabin full of both classic and on-trend toys, games, puzzles, books, and more.
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Aurora’s Cottage — Cheerful clothing, hats, jewelry, and accessories.
Big Fish Apparel — Elk Rapids and Michigan apparel and swag.
Elk Rapids Beautique — Salon with women’s clothing, hats, jewelry, and accessories.
Elk Rapids Harbor Wear — Elk Rapids and Michigan apparel and swag.
Golden Hill Farms — Home of the “LOCAL” sweatshirts, women’s and baby clothing and hats; jewelry and other accessories.
Haystacks — Women’s clothing designed and sewn in Northern Michigan; comfort-centered women’s apparel and accessories.
My Michigan Roots — Men’s, women’s, and children’s Michigan-branded clothing and accessories.
Northwind Blooms Boutique — Women’s clothing including curvy styles, jewelry, handbags, hats, Elk Rapids-inspired orange and black accessories, and more.
River Street Dog — For your furry family members and friends!
Stuff and Such — Men’s, women’s, and children’s shoes, apparel, and accessories; brands include Hey Dudes, KEEN, Smartwool.
Swim To You — Lakeside living-inspired swimsuits, beachwear, and accessories.
Tinker Tailor — Unique boutique in a sewing studio, home of The Dress Vault: Curated Consignment Formal Wear, tailoring services + alterations, including bridal.
Tiny Traveling Boutique — Now stationary! Affordable, trendy women’s clothing, jewelry, handbags, accessories, and more.
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Aurora’s Cottage — Cottage-inspired home & garden decor, books & toys, Michigan art & sweets, and apparel & accessories for the fun and free-spirited.
Bayfront Beach and Bike — “Surf and turf” combination bike and surf shop featuring a wide variety of goods and accessories to help you create a ‘lifestyle of fun.”
Cellar 152— Gourmet wine + provisions market for all your entertainment, picnic, and boating needs.
Corner Drugs — Traditional drugstore with some Elk Rapids apparel, plus family- and kid-friendly toys/games/puzzles.
Ethanology Distillation — Spirits handcrafted on-site with locally sourced ingredients; single bottles, cocktail kits, wood gift crates, gear + glassware.
Golden Hill Farms/Amy Kate Designs — Fresh and silk floral arrangements and bouquets, home and garden goods, spa and beauty products, and seasonal treasures.
My Michigan Roots — Designed and printed in-house Michigan-inspired apparel and accessories including shirts, hoodies, thermals, jackets, hats, drinkware, and more.
Nifty Things — Filled with fun and funny (and nifty!) offerings, including iconic brands like Jellycat stuffies and Dune Jewelry.
Northwind Blooms Boutique — Floral bouquets and arrangements, women’s boutique, Elk Rapids-inspired orange and black accessories, and more.
River Street Dog — For your furry family members and friends.
Stoney Cabin Toys — A magically iconic stone cabin full of both classic and on-trend toys, games, puzzles, and more.
Traverse Bay Farms— Locally-made gourmet and fruit salsas, including a “Salsa Bar” for sampling.
Wild Flower Soap Works— Locally crafted soaps and natural body care, including bug repellent and anti-itch soaps, sprays, and balms.
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Aurora’s Cottage — Cheerful and unique cottage-inspired home and garden decor.
Blue Heron Gallery — Art gallery featuring a wide selection of wall art and more by local and Michigan artists.
Blue Owl Antiques — Mid-century modern furniture, lighting, and decor; fun and funky stuff from the 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's.
Brocante Vintage Antiques — Vintage furniture, decor items, treasures, antiques, and one-of-a-kind finds.
Elk Rapids Antiques — A traditional antique boutique with 3,000 square feet of inventory, including furniture, lighting, art, decorator items, and architectural pieces.
Golden Hill Farms/Amy Kate Designs — Fresh and silk floral arrangements and bouquets, home and garden goods, spa and beauty products, kitchenware, candles, and seasonal treasures.
Harbor Antiques Mall — Over 4,000 square feet of quality and unique antiques, including furniture and chandeliers.
Lighting Hearth & Home Studio — A dedicated space by Gross Electric offering a personalized, expert one-on-one guidance to elevate your living spaces with exquisite lighting.
Mullaly's 128 Studio & Gallery — Featuring over 3,400 fine artists and craftsmen from throughout North America, including unique pottery, original paintings, sculptures, and more.
Northwind Blooms Boutique — Floral bouquets and arrangements, candles, and more.
The Robin Nest — Curated heirlooms and artisan home accessories, including kitchenware, serving pieces, linens, candles, decorative accents, pillows + throws, and more.
Twisted Fish Gallery — A spectrum of fine art for the serious collector or the more casual art lover, including wall art, mixed media, and sculpture, along with representational and abstract paintings by a diverse group of artists.
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Blue Heron Gallery — Featuring a wide selection of works by local and Michigan artists + fine views of owners Dan Reszka’s working watercolors + ink studio as well as Pat's colorful gardens.
Mullaly's 128 Studio & Gallery — Featuring over 3,400 fine artists and craftsmen from throughout North America, including unique pottery, jewelry, original paintings, wood, glass, and more; has become well-known by locals and visitors alike for its ‘Outstanding Glass’ and one-of-a-kind twists for your love of art.
Twisted Fish Gallery — A spectrum of fine art for the serious collector or the more casual art lover, including glass, metal, jewelry, wood, and sculpture, along with representational and abstract paintings by a diverse group of artists.
Walk of Art Sculpture Park — Uniquely beautiful outdoor sculpture gallery throughout the trails and beach areas of the Elk Rapids Day Park on South Bay Shore Drive.
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Blue Owl Antiques — Mid-century modern furniture, lighting, and decor; fun and funky stuff from the 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's, including vintage + retro toys and games.
Brocante Vintage Antiques — Vintage treasures, antiques, and one-of-a-kind finds.
Elk Rapids Antiques — A traditional antique boutique with 3,000 square feet of inventory, full of charms of the old world; primitives, early American, and European antiques, decorator items, and architectural pieces.
Harbor Antiques Mall — Over 4,000 square feet of quality and unique antiques.
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Beehive Salon— Aveda Concept Salon; haircuts, color, styling, blowouts, perms, scalp massage + treatments, facial waxing.
Behind the Pines Salon— Hair salon
Bodywise — Yoga & Pilates + Wellness Coaching with Judith Wonacott.
Blue Waters Acupuncture & Massage — Acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, electro-acupuncture, dry needling, AcuMyo therapy, tui na, integrative massage therapy, hot stone therapy.
Elk Rapids Beautique— Salon with multiple stylists and clothing + accessories boutique overlooking the beautiful Elk River.
Elk Rapids Yoga Flow — Community-focused studio with small class sizes for all levels and abilities.
Harbor Fitness — A local gym for local people. Memberships available and visitors welcome!
Husbands Barber Shop — Multigenerational single-chair barber shop across from the Elk River.
Indulge Elk Rapids Day Spa — Haircuts, hair color, manicures, pedicures, massage, facials, chemical peels, dermaplane, waxing, brow + last tints, spray tanning.
Just Elegance Salon & Spa — Manicures, pedicures, eyelash extensions, brow and lash tints, lash lifts, waxing, facials, and chemical peels with Licensed Esthetician, Nail Technician, and Permanent Makeup Artist Jenny Roeser.
Lake Roots — Beauty salon, haircuts + color.
Nadora Esthetics — Facials, facial massage, dermaplane, high frequency treatment, eyelash lifts, brow and eyelash tint, brow lamination, brow stains, waxing, mobile facial parties, consultations with Licensed Esthetician Ashley Wheeler.
Sapphire Nails — Manicures, pedicures, acrylics, shellac, powder dips, nail design.
The Hair Parlor — Full-service hair salon specializing in color, cuts, and styling for women, men, and children; located inside Northwind Blooms boutique.
Waterside Wellness — Tailored therapeutic massage therapy, guided group and private meditation sessions for ages 8+, and Revelation Breathwork sessions.
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The Elk Rapids DDA is now proud to partner with the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce for all local events!
Please click here to view the Chamber’s event calendar and search “Elk Rapids.”
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