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Fun Things to Do in Alden, Michigan

Alden Michigan Torch Lake Swimming Ballpark

This Little Town on Torch Lake is Full of Surprises

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Alden, be sure to stop at the general store for ice cream and then walk down to the boat dock to enjoy your treats, relax, and soak in the lake sights.

Alden is a small town located on the east side of Torch Lake.

The main street through Alden is lined with unique little shops and adorable white picket fences covered with bright, colorful flowers.

Take a look!

things to do in alden - shop at the alden millhouse
Alden Mill House
Alden MI Safe Harbor Torch Lake

Arrive by Boat

If you’re visiting via boat, they have a Safe Harbor with docks that you can use for daytime docking so you can shop and have lunch in Alden. (They do not allow overnight docking but there is no limit for daytime docking.)

Alden Millhouse Alden Michigan

Go to the Mill House

And be sure to shop at The Alden Mill House kitchen store for their proprietary spice blends, perfect for summer grilling (Miracle Blend and Bavarian seasoning are the best!) I get all of my Rada cutlery here, too.

Before you leave, be sure to hang out in their garden. It’s a breath of fresh air, and the building out back is pretty funny.

Stop into the Specialty Shops

Alden isn’t big, and it’s far from the beaten path, so the quality of the stores here might surprise you. Do yourself a favor and stop into Nifty Things for the unexpected gifts you didn’t know you needed, Harvey’s Trading Co for that Michigan-inspired clothing you won’t want to take off, and Spencer Creek Trading Company for a Torch Lake mug, toys, or something to remember your trip by.

Of course, there are many other gems to pop into while you’re here.

Alden Outfitters

Alden’s Mill House (Spice House)

Cater Candles

Grace of Alden – antiques, vintage

Grandma’s Parlor Jewelry – handmade jewelry made in Michigan. Petoskey stones, beads, crystals, pearls and more

Harvey’s Trading Co

Hidden in the Mitten – antiques, vintage, local souvenirs

Nifty Things

Ol’ Glory Flowers

Spencer Creek Trading Co

The Pear Tree

Trendz Apparel

Torch Conservation Center

True Blue Gallery

Swimming at the Alden Ballfield Beach Torch Lake

Swim at the Beaches in Alden

Yes, you can go swimming in Torch Lake in Alden but you won’t find big, sandy beaches here.

You can swim at any of the public access points in town.

Pictured: the Alden Ballpark Canoe Launch. 11656 S East Torch Lake Dr, Alden, MI 49612

Fun fact: the famous Torch Lake Sandbar stretches all the way to this part of Alden. Often, boats will anchor off-shore for a full day of fun.

There’s also a small Torch Lake swimming beach in Alden at Archie Valleau Landing near the safe harbor docks downtown.

If you’re looking for a place to lay on the beach, this is probably your best bet but know that the sandy beach area is quite small.

📷: Archie Valleau Landing

Alden Outfitters kayak paddle board rentals Torch Lake

Paddle on Torch Lake

Alden is an excellent spot for paddlers.

Launch a canoe or kayak from the Ballfield Park, or, pictured above, the Torch Lake Public Access at Archie Valleau Landing. If you’re looking to launch a kayak or SUP, these places are ideal.

The Train Depot Park also provides access to Torch Lake, although the water is a considerable distance from the parking area.

Alden Outfitters is the place to go for paddle board and kayak rentals, as well as gear.

Paddle Antrim’s website details routes and launch info to help you plan a paddle on Torch.

Stop by a Special Event

Alden might be small but they know how to have fun. From spring to winter, events fill up Alden’s calendar with things to do. Here’s what’s going on in Alden in 2024:

DateEventTimeLocation
Monday, May 27Memorial Day Parade1 PMDowntown Alden
Monday, May 27Alden Depot Museum open through Labor DaySat & Sun 1 – 4 PMAlden Depot Park
Sat & Sun, June 8-9Torch Lake Whitefish Fest – Art & Craft Show10 AM – 5 PM dailyAlden Depot Park
Sunday, June 16Strawberry Festival12 PM – 4 PMAlden Depot Park
Saturday, June 22Antique & Cottage Décor Sale – Antiques & Attic9 AM – 4 PMAlden Depot Park
Wed & Thurs, July 10-11Torch Lake Happy Days – Art & Craft Show10 AM – 5 PM dailyAlden Depot Park
Fri/Sat, July 26-27Taag Quilt & Artisans Show-Boutique Sale10 AM – 4 PMTwp Community Center
Saturday, July 27Alden Run9 AMDowntown Alden
Saturday, July 27Alden Days Activities & Parade10 AM – 4 PMDowntown Alden
Sunday, August 11British Car Club Show9 AM – 3 PMTennis Courts
Thursday, August 15Alden Volunteers’ Golf FundraiserRegister at aldenvolunteers.comAntrim Dells Golf Club
Sat/SunAnnual Model Train Show and Swap Meet10 AM – 4 PMAlden Depot Museum
Saturday, August 24Hot & Classic Car Show11 AM – 3 PMDowntown Alden
Fri – Sun, August 30 – Sept 1Downtown Alden Sidewalk Sales10 AM – 5 PMDowntown Alden
Sat – Mon, August 31 – Sept 2Labor Day – Art & Craft Show10 AM – 5 PMAlden Depot Park
Saturday, October 12Harvest Fest10 AM – 4 PMDowntown Alden
Saturday, November 23Taag Art & Crafts Show9 AM – 3 PMTwp Community Center
Saturday, November 30Alden’s Christmas CelebrationAfternoon – EveningDowntown Alden

Grab a Bite. And a Drink

Get Ice Cream & Go to the Park

Grab some ice cream and walk a few steps to the tennis courts and playground at the Village of Alden Park. Tyler St, Alden, MI 49612

You can find more park space at the Depot Museum, and a short drive away, at the Ballfield.

Alden Train Depot Museum

Visit the Depot Museum & Park

Once upon a time, the Pere Marquette Railroad delivered vacationers to “the finest depot on the line north of Grand Rapids.”

Today, the Alden depot serves as a museum and community hub for events held for locals and tourists alike. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day on weekends from 1-4 PM. Free admission. 10670 Coy St, Alden, MI 49612

Pick Flowers at Ol’ Glory Flower Farm

Ol’ Glory Heritage Farm is a family owned English flower farm in Alden, Michigan featuring heirloom quality flowers. Offering You-Pick services. 11018 Cemetary Road, Alden, MI.

Hike the Coy Mountain Preserve

Just a few steps away from the shops, Coy Mountain Preserve is a short trail that takes you through hardwoods, climbing up, til you begin the descent. At just 1.6 miles, it’s a refreshing jaunt. 9025 Valley St, Alden, MI 49612

Do the Art Walk

This short 20-stop art walk points out sculptures, wood carvings and other art features around town.

The Inn at Torch Lake

Stay the Night

Alden is where you’ll find one of our favorite B&B’s, The Inn at Torch Lake. If you can, stay here and let Harvey make you a scrumptious breakfast!

With five rooms and one apartment, the Inn makes a great Romantic Getaway.

Map of Alden

What’s Your Favorite thing to do in Alden?

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Melody VanderWeide

INFJ. Mom of 3. Idea chaser-People believer-Inspiration seeker. Together we make GR amazing – Let’s go!

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