Fun Things to Do in Alden, Michigan
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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
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.)
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’s Mill House (Spice House)
Grace of Alden – antiques, vintage
Grandma’s Parlor Jewelry – handmade jewelry made in Michigan. Petoskey stones, beads, crystals, pearls and more
Hidden in the Mitten – antiques, vintage, local souvenirs
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
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:
| Date | Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, May 27 | Memorial Day Parade | 1 PM | Downtown Alden |
| Monday, May 27 | Alden Depot Museum open through Labor Day | Sat & Sun 1 – 4 PM | Alden Depot Park |
| Sat & Sun, June 8-9 | Torch Lake Whitefish Fest – Art & Craft Show | 10 AM – 5 PM daily | Alden Depot Park |
| Sunday, June 16 | Strawberry Festival | 12 PM – 4 PM | Alden Depot Park |
| Saturday, June 22 | Antique & Cottage Décor Sale – Antiques & Attic | 9 AM – 4 PM | Alden Depot Park |
| Wed & Thurs, July 10-11 | Torch Lake Happy Days – Art & Craft Show | 10 AM – 5 PM daily | Alden Depot Park |
| Fri/Sat, July 26-27 | Taag Quilt & Artisans Show-Boutique Sale | 10 AM – 4 PM | Twp Community Center |
| Saturday, July 27 | Alden Run | 9 AM | Downtown Alden |
| Saturday, July 27 | Alden Days Activities & Parade | 10 AM – 4 PM | Downtown Alden |
| Sunday, August 11 | British Car Club Show | 9 AM – 3 PM | Tennis Courts |
| Thursday, August 15 | Alden Volunteers’ Golf Fundraiser | Register at aldenvolunteers.com | Antrim Dells Golf Club |
| Sat/Sun | Annual Model Train Show and Swap Meet | 10 AM – 4 PM | Alden Depot Museum |
| Saturday, August 24 | Hot & Classic Car Show | 11 AM – 3 PM | Downtown Alden |
| Fri – Sun, August 30 – Sept 1 | Downtown Alden Sidewalk Sales | 10 AM – 5 PM | Downtown Alden |
| Sat – Mon, August 31 – Sept 2 | Labor Day – Art & Craft Show | 10 AM – 5 PM | Alden Depot Park |
| Saturday, October 12 | Harvest Fest | 10 AM – 4 PM | Downtown Alden |
| Saturday, November 23 | Taag Art & Crafts Show | 9 AM – 3 PM | Twp Community Center |
| Saturday, November 30 | Alden’s Christmas Celebration | Afternoon – Evening | Downtown Alden |
Grab a Bite. And a Drink
- Torch Lake Beer Company: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Drinks & events
- Vista Ridge Vineyard: Charcuterie, wine tasting, patio.
- Blue Water Bistro: Pizza, subs, dessert & more. Indoor/outdoor bar with live music all summer.
- Alden Muffin Tin: Muffins, cookies, scones and great espresso drinks! Breakfast and lunch. Beer, wine, cocktails.
- Lakeside Dip: Ice cream, coffee, bakery. Serves Moomers ice cream. Lawn games & lounge area.
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.
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.
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.
