Torch Lake Has The Clearest, Most Pristine Water In Michigan (2024)

FAQs

Is Torch Lake the clearest lake in Michigan? ›

We are surrounded by so many bodies of water, from small ponds and rivers to small and large lakes that inhabit our state and country. Then, on a larger global scale, we are surrounded by small and large seas as more than 70% of the Earth's surface is water.

Get ready for an amazing experience when you see Torch Lake, ranked by National Geographic as "the third most beautiful lake in the world." The lake's deep Caribbean blue color is mesmerizing. At 18 miles long, it is Michigan's longest lake, and is the state's second largest lake, covering an area of 29-square miles.

Torch Lake Has The Clearest, Most Pristine Water In Michigan | Michigan travel, Michigan vacations, Torch lake.

The sediments at the bottom of Torch Lake are primarily calcium carbonate (limestone), pulverized when glaciers once sat where the lake now lies. The combination of fine calcium carbonate white sediment and very low organic content means there's nothing to darken or discolor the lake's water.

The largest alpine lake in North America is the clearest it has been in more than 40 years — and the credit goes to microscopic animals. Lake Tahoe, a popular tourist destination that sits on the border of California and Nevada, receives more than 15 million visitors a year, according to the Lake Tahoe Tourism Board.

The Torch Lake was ranked as the third-most beautiful lake in the world by National Geographic.

Torch Lake is Michigan's own slice of the Caribbean.

Torch Lake in Antrim and Kalkaska counties proves that beauty can always be found close to home as it has the bluest water in Michigan. The shockingly blue waters attract locals and visitors alike who come to gawk at the gorgeous natural spot and swim in its pure, cool waters.

Torch Lake is home to a number of celebrity retreats. At one point, Kid Rock, Eminem, Michael Moore, Ted Nugent, and others. Though Torch Lake is a favorite spot for the rich and famous, you don't have to be a celebrity to own a home here.

Torch Lake is a challenging place to live for a small fish. There's not a lot of food to eat. Trees have been removed from along the shore, so spawning areas for smaller fish and minnows have disappeared.

Why is Torch Lake so cold? ›

Torch Lake stays cold until mid-July, because of its huge water volume — 858 BILLION gallons! Underground springs (45 degrees) continually add 48-50 degree F water to Torch Lake.

Chelsea emerged on top in 2023 after a panel of judges — everyday people not working in the water industry, according to Lincoln — declared its water the best-tasting. The city draws its water supply from wells, and it's treated by a reverse osmosis system, Colburn said.

City of Chelsea's drinking water competing for best in the nation after bagging best in Michigan title. Agricole Farm Stop is a little specialty grocery store located in Downtown Chelsea. The city's drinking water has been voted the best-tasting in the state by the Michigan Rural Water Association. CHELSEA, Mich.

Michigan's Torch Lake Looks Exactly Like The Caribbean Sea.

from Wikipedia: "According to local legend, Torch Lake was recognized as the third most beautiful lake in the world by National Geographic Magazine, though National Geographic flatly denies ever publishing such a ranking" Locals have been pushing this National Geo.

High concentrations of mercury, PolyChlorinated Biphenyls (PCB's), and dioxins—all toxic byproducts of industrialization—are the reasons for the advisories. It has recently been advised to never eat lake trout from Torch Lake, even for a healthy male.

Torch Lake is home to a number of celebrity retreats. At one point, Kid Rock, Eminem, Michael Moore, Ted Nugent, and others. Though Torch Lake is a favorite spot for the rich and famous, you don't have to be a celebrity to own a home here.