Looking for a nice sandy beach to spend the day? I recommend a boat trip to Elk Rapids and a visit to Dam Beach! You’ll find a large sandy beach overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. Elk Rapids has two public beaches. Dam Beach seems to be the less crowded version. The other beach is located further in town and contains a playground though if you’re looking for that. Both beaches have public restrooms available.
To get there (45 minutes): Take a left off the dock and head downstream into Lake Skegemog. Take a right at the end of the no-wake zone. Head through the opening into Elk Lake (be careful of the shallow area on the left). Go across the lake towards Elk Rapids (use the GPS). Follow the Elk River under the bridge. After going under the bridge, look to your right for the floating public docks (free). After tying up, head up the sidewalk towards the hydroelectric plant. The beach is to the right of the dam down the hill. You will see the signs.
