Top 15 Things To Do In Bellaire, Michigan

1. Gulp unique drinks at Bee Well Mead & Cider

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If you’re looking for something new to introduce to your discerning palate, the flavorful drinks of Bee Well Mead & Cider are a must-try. This cider bar was only established in 2014 and has quickly gained patronage in Michigan, with products available in stores and on tap in restaurants.

However, the best way to indulge in its extensive line of drinks, including limited releases, is to pay a visit to its tasting room in downtown Bellaire. The taproom will have you gulping on 20 rotating taps of acclaimed cider and mead. It promises that there’s something for everyone, even the kids! The tasting room also highlights a soda pop and bar snacks corner which will surely be a hit for the little ones.

Bee Well Mead & Cider

Address: 116 N Bridge St, Bellaire, MI 49615

Website: Bee Well Mead & Cider

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 12pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 10pm

2. Have fun at Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area Trailhead

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If your vacation happens to be during the winter, that would be a good time to visit Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area. If you’re not familiar with the place, you can get a trail map at the parking lot on Orchard Hill Road. This is a scenic area that features more than 30 mi (48.28 km) of trails. This outdoor attraction is easily accessible from Antrim County Airport, which is 4.6 mi (7.40 km) away and takes 7 minutes by car. The charming dense forests and picturesque open fields provide beautiful scenery for hiking and taking pictures. If you feel like you need to do some serious workout, then you need to head west where there’s a wider network of trails.

Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area Trailhead

Address: 3417 Eckhardt Rd, Bellaire, MI 49615, USA

Website: Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area Trailhead

Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)

3. Tour Bellaire Area Historical Society and Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Bellaire might be a small town in Michigan, but it is a town rich in history. One of the best things to do close to Bellaire’s Riverside Marina, which is 0.2 mi (0.32 km) and a 5-minute walk away, is to learn the town’s origins at Bellaire Area Historical Society and Museum. The society features a wide collection of all types of artifacts that illustrate different historical events like the Civil War. You will find original copies of newspapers from as early as 1885 to the present day, cemetery records, copies of Antrim County Atlases of 1897 and 1910, including materials from Fisherman’s Resort on Lake Bellaire, among other artifacts.

Bellaire Area Historical Society and Museum

Address: 202 N Bridge St, Bellaire, MI 49615, USA

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

4. Plan a picnic at Richardi Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Are you wondering where you can take your family around Bellaire to have some fun? Richardi Park is the ideal place to visit. Situated north of downtown on the Intermediate River and just 1.9 mi (3 km) and a 5-minute drive from Antrim County Airport, the beautiful park features a whole lot of outdoor activities. From tennis courts and basketball courts to the lovely swimming beach, there are a lot of facilities in the park to ensure you enjoy your time. There is also a large pavilion that can be rented for picnic purposes. More interesting features in the park include a nice fishing area and grills so you can enjoy a barbeque.

Richardi Park

Address: E Antrim St, Bellaire, MI 49615, USA

Website: Richardi Park

Opening hours: 5am - 11pm (daily)

5. Hike the Grass River Natural Area

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you are enjoying a romantic vacation or getaway in Bellaire, one of the best places should take your loved one is the Grass River Natural Area for some hiking. The gently flowing streams and the rustling aspens provide true tranquility, a perfect atmosphere for romance. Make sure to bring along your day pack with whatever you might need for your trip. Don’t also forget to bring your camera with you, for you will definitely need pictures to remind you of these moments. If it’s over the summer, you can book a guided hike at Grass River Education Center. Antrim County Airport is just 11 minutes away by car.

Grass River Natural Area

Address: 6500 Alden Hwy, Bellaire, MI 49615, USA

Website: Grass River Natural Area

Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)

6. Interact with locals at Short's Brewing Company Bellaire Pub

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Has it been a long busy week for you and you’re looking for entertaining things to do near Bellaire’s hippest sports? Maybe you should visit Short’s Brewing Company Bellaire Pub. Here, you will have the chance to interact with local residents as you get to enjoy Michigan’s favorite beer. You will meet very polite brewing staff who will explain to you their unique brewing process and guide you to the site of the company’s first beer house, the Huma Lupa Licious. There’s a taproom that features 20 specialty beers. You should grab a beer and enjoy some live music in the pub. From Antrim County Airport, this pub is a 3-minute drive (1.7 mi/2.73km).

Short's Brewing Company Bellaire Pub

Address: 121 N Bridge St, Bellaire, MI 49615, USA

Website: Short’s Brewing Company Bellaire Pub

Opening hours: 11am - 12am (daily)

7. Taste the best cupcakes at Ruthann's Gourmet Bakery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Would like to treat your taste buds with some mouthwatering cupcakes? Ruthann’s Gourmet Bakery is one of the most popular bakeries in this small town. This dessert shop is a four-minute walk from Antrim County Circuit Court (0.2 mi/0.32 km) via E Cayuga Street. The bakery boasts a variety of amazing food and great staff who are very courteous. The bakery specializes in cookie art, wedding cakes, muffins, bread, bagels, and amazing cupcakes. It is also worth noting that their specialty coffee is by far the best in Northern Michigan, and their creative coffee drinks are unrivaled. The delicacies don’t end there as they are also known for their tasty butter crème. Your vacation is not complete without a visit to Ruthann’s Gourmet Bakery.

Ruthann's Gourmet Bakery

Address: 105 N Bridge St Suite B, Bellaire, MI 49615, USA

Website: Ruthann’s Gourmet Bakery

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7:30am - 4pm; Sun: 9am - 2pm

8. Enjoy canoeing over Grass River

Canoeing is one of the most entertaining outdoor activities that you can engage in. It is also a perfect way to enjoy a romantic vacation with your better half. The Grass River in Bellaire is one of the most popular places for canoeing in the northern part of Michigan. As you traverse the tranquil waters, you will have the opportunity to see the unique wildlife in their natural habitat. The surrounding environment is beautiful and charming creating a perfect romantic atmosphere. There are naturalists who will guide you as you get to learn about the natural history of this beautiful river. If you’re planning to explore another nature spot in Bellaire, Richardi Park is an 11-minute drive away via Comfort Road and M-88 West.

Grass River

Address: 6500 Alden Hwy, Bellaire, MI 49615, USA

Website: Grass River

Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)

9. Tour the magnificent Torch Lake Cellars

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Torch Lake Cellars is a nice, classy family-owned winery that is perfectly perched on the hills of Bellaire, Michigan. Apart from the beautiful and charming surrounding scenery, you also get to enjoy breathtaking views of the vineyard and Torch Lake. Lake Bellaire, which is just 10 minutes away by car, is also within view of this winery. If you are a wine enthusiast, you will be delighted to visit this place. It features a wonderful tasting room that features a mosaic-tiled floor and a rustic wood winding staircase that leads to a 25-in (62.5-cm) copula. They serve very delicious wines as well as a variety of handcrafted hard ciders. The packaging of wine is done on-site.

Torch Lake Cellars

Address: 5245 Clam Lake Rd, Bellaire, MI 49615, USA

Website: Torch Lake Cellars

Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)

10. Head to Chain O' Lakes Campground for an outdoor adventure

Bellaire may be a small town, but it is not short of fun and entertainment. If you were wondering where to take your family and have fun, one of the best things to do around Bellaire is exploring Chain O’ Lakes Campground. Experience tranquility by staying in camp-in cabins that have porches and an outdoor fire pit. Enjoy the charming scenery as you traverse the waters. You can rent a kayak and enjoy a thrilling exploration where you will experience eye-catching tree-lined waterways. Paddle up to the Thayer access point where you can swim or enjoy a picnic if you brought some snacks along. Antrim County Airport is 5.2 mi (8.36 km) away by car or an 8-minute drive.

Chain O' Lakes Campground

Address: 7231 S M 88 Hwy, Bellaire, MI 49615, USA

Website: Chain O’ Lakes Campground

11. Play golf at the Chief Golf Course

Chief Golf Course, also popularly known as the Spirit of the North, is one of the popular destinations in Northern Michigan. This attraction is a short distance from Antrim County Airport, which is 3.2 miles (5.14 km) up north. Experience Northern Michigan at its finest as you enjoy the perfect harmony between natural beauty and the game of golf. The course features dramatic shaping, bunkers, and water hazards that pose challenges to its patrons. You can participate in an 18-hole golf challenge to test your golfing skills. What makes the course even more charming is the rolling terrain with a tranquil atmosphere that will overwhelm your senses with its exquisite conditioning. You will also enjoy eye-catching sunset views over Lake Bellaire.

Chief Golf Course

Address: 5085 Shanty Creek Rd, Bellaire, MI 49615, USA

Website: Chief Golf Course

12. Tuck into a lovely meal at Bellaire Bar & Restaurant

Are you looking for a nice laid-back joint to take your loved one? Bellaire Bar & Restaurant, just a minute’s walk from Antrim Community Church, is a lively place to visit. This is a great place with an inviting atmosphere and great service. Although the restaurant is popular for its mouthwatering burgers, they also specialize in other delicacies such as tacos, sandwiches, and salads. Treat your better half to a delicious burger. After you have quenched your appetite, you can grab a beer and enjoy a drink as you unwind. The staff is friendly and very attentive. This is a joint you must visit before your vacation is over.

Bellaire Bar & Restaurant

Address: 217 N Bridge St, Bellaire, MI 49615, USA

Website: Bellaire Bar & Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 9pm

13. Go hiking across Cedar River Natural Area

When on vacation, you always want to do things that are fun and exciting. Hiking would be a good way to have fun. Cedar River Natural Area is one of the hidden gems in Bellaire. This is a scenic hiking area that has trails meandering through an indigenous swamp conifer forest and upland forest. The beautiful Cedar River has riparian forests along its banks. The most popular feature in this area is the Craven Park Campground, which is just a short walk from the Fairground Trailhead. During the spring, the natural area blossoms with wildflower that makes for an interesting place to hike. Antrim County Airport is just 1.2 miles (1.93 km) north of this outdoor attraction.

Cedar River Natural Area

Address: Craven Park, Bellaire, MI 49615, USA

Website: Cedar River Natural Area

14. Go bowling at Bellaire Lanes & Games

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

When on vacation with family, it’s always best to engage in outdoor bonding activities and games. One place in Bellaire that is best known for family entertainment is Bellaire Lanes and Games. This is a lovely bowling alley that is situated in a picturesque environment and is within reach of Lake Bellaire, which is only a mile (1.6 kilometers) away. This center features an eight-lane bowling alley, an arcade, and a laser tag, making it the ideal place to bring your family. There is also an on-site bar and restaurant with some mouthwatering selections on the menu. After playing and having fun, the family can then enjoy some delicious meals and drinks as they unwind.

Bellaire Lanes & Games

Address: 4800 S M 88 Hwy, Bellaire, MI 49615, USA

Website: Bellaire Lanes & Games

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 3pm - 11pm; Fri: 3pm - 12am; Sat: 12pm - 12am; Sun: 12pm - 10pm

15. Enjoy a burger at Pelican's Nest Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Are you looking for a restaurant in Bellaire where you can take your family out for dinner? Pelican’s Nest Restaurant, a 5-minute drive (2.4 mi/3.86km) from Lake Bellaire, will prove to be a wonderful choice. This is a family-friendly American restaurant that features some good music and special events. Although they serve a variety of mouthwatering delicacies on their menu, the restaurant is popularly known for its tasty burgers. The meals are prepared with fresh ingredients handpicked by the chefs, and the staff is super friendly. After you enjoy your meal, you can grab delicious drinks at the bar as you relax and enjoy the live music.

The Pelican's Nest Restaurant

Address: 5085 Shanty Creek Rd, Bellaire, MI 49615, USA

Website: The Pelican’s Nest Restaurant

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm

Enjoy a sublime vacation in Bellaire, Michigan

Have you ever heard of the saying, don’t judge a book by its cover? Bellaire may be a small town but despite that, it has a lot to offer. It is such a unique town with beautiful attractions that will definitely excite you. You will experience some breathtaking and beautiful moments that will live in your memory for a long time.