Perched amidst the stunning landscapes of northern Michigan, Interlochen offers a captivating mix of small-town charm and rich cultural life. Known for its world-renowned Interlochen Center for the Arts, this vibrant community embraces creativity and inspires passion. Visitors and residents alike are continually awed by the serene beauty of the surrounding forests, lakes, and streams that offer boundless opportunities for outdoor adventures.
In Interlochen, nature and art are inseparable, with majestic pines providing a backdrop to the melodies of aspiring musicians. The community is woven together by the sound of symphonies and the sight of dazzling art, making it a haven for artists and nature lovers alike. Whether kayaking on Duck Lake or enjoying a performance at the Arts Academy, there’s always something to capture the imagination.
Family-friendly and welcoming, Interlochen boasts warm-hearted locals who take pride in their unique town. Whether you’re exploring the charming shops and eateries, or participating in engaging community events, you’ll quickly feel the embrace of a place that celebrates talent and encourages a love of nature. Discover the joy of life in Interlochen, where inspiration is around every corner.
Interlochen, Michigan
4 | HelloInterlochen, Michigan • Winter Issue
Interlochen, Michigan: A Harmonious Blend of Nature and Art
Perched amidst the stunning landscapes of northern Michigan, Interlochen offers a captivating mix of small-town charm and rich cultural life. Known for its world-renowned Interlochen Center for the Arts, this vibrant community embraces creativity and inspires passion. Visitors and residents alike are continually awed by the serene beauty of the surrounding forests, lakes, and streams that offer boundless opportunities for outdoor adventures.
In Interlochen, nature and art are inseparable, with majestic pines providing a backdrop to the melodies of aspiring musicians. The community is woven together by the sound of symphonies and the sight of dazzling art, making it a haven for artists and nature lovers alike. Whether kayaking on Duck Lake or enjoying a performance at the Arts Academy, there’s always something to capture the imagination.
Family-friendly and welcoming, Interlochen boasts warm-hearted locals who take pride in their unique town. Whether you’re exploring the charming shops and eateries, or participating in engaging community events, you’ll quickly feel the embrace of a place that celebrates talent and encourages a love of nature. Discover the joy of life in Interlochen, where inspiration is around every corner.
Hello Interlochen, Michigan • Winter Issue |5
Interlochen, Michigan
Featured Story
Activities to Enjoy on the Water
Living on the water in Interlochen brings a steady rhythm of lake life that feels both peaceful and full of possibility. People who settle along Duck Lake or Green Lake often wake to calm water that mirrors the first light of the day. Those quiet mornings are perfect for paddleboarding or kayaking, and
many residents say that these early outings help them understand the lakes in a new way. The stillness makes every sound carry a little farther, and the slow pace lets you follow the shoreline with an easy curiosity. It becomes a simple routine, yet it brings something different every morning,
6 | HelloInterlochen, Michigan • Winter Issue
Activities to Enjoy on the Water
Living on the water in Interlochen brings a steady rhythm of lake life that feels both peaceful and full of possibility. People who settle along Duck Lake or Green Lake often wake to calm water that mirrors the first light of the day. Those quiet mornings are perfect for paddleboarding or kayaking, and many residents say that these early outings help them understand the lakes in a new way. The stillness makes every sound carry a little farther, and the slow pace lets you follow the shoreline with an easy curiosity. It becomes a simple routine, yet it brings something different every morning, whether it is the call of a loon or the sight of a mist line clearing as the sun rises.
Kayaking on Duck Lake can feel like moving through a wide, gentle valley since the lake stretches long and narrow. Green Lake is more open by comparison, and it offers broader water that lets kayakers take longer, sweeping paths without interruption. Both lakes bring a sense of calm that matches the slow paddling rhythm. Many people enjoy paddleboarding for this same reason, since the upright stance gives a high perspective and a steady glide. Morning water usually has very little wind, and that makes balance easier for beginners. It also helps experienced paddlers cover more distance along the coves and inlets that make each lake feel personal.
Fishing plays a central role in lake life around Interlochen, and Long Lake draws anglers from across the region. It is deeper than Duck or Green Lake, which contributes to healthy populations of bass and pike. People who fish here say there is a kind of patience the lake teaches, especially in midsummer when the water warms and the fish settle lower. Families often pass the tradition along from one generation to the next, creating familiar spots where they return each season. Many residents describe fishing on Long Lake as a quiet connection that brings them closer to the water and to each other. It is not unusual to see small boats spread out at dawn, each waiting for the first bite that signals a good start to the day.
Boating adds another layer to living on these lakes, especially for those who enjoy hosting friends or exploring from one side of the shore to the other. Pontoons are a favorite choice because they handle easily and offer enough room for groups of family and friends. People use them for slow evening cruises, midday trips for lunch, or simple rides to enjoy the changing colors as the sun drops. This relaxed style of boating gives everyone a chance to take in the shoreline and the sky while feeling the movement of the lake beneath them.
For those who love speed, tubing, and water skiing, bring a sense of energy that contrasts with the stillness of morning paddling. Long Lake and Green Lake offer enough open water to build momentum safely, which attracts families who enjoy these quick bursts of fun. Tubing works well for younger riders who want excitement without too much skill required. Water skiing, on the other hand, draws people who love the challenge of standing, carving, and balancing behind the boat. Drivers often head out early before the wind picks up since smooth water makes the ride easier and more predictable.
Swimming remains the simplest and sometimes the most memorable part of lake life in Interlochen. Many homes include docks that extend into clean, shallow water, making it easy for both kids and adults to step in at any time. Summer days often unfold around these docks as people jump in to cool off, float for long stretches, or gather to watch a sunset across the water. Swimming close to home offers convenience and comfort, and it allows people to enjoy the lake without planning or preparation. Some neighborhoods even establish friendly swimming areas, where families meet for casual conversation while the kids explore the shallows.
Lake life in Interlochen adapts to whatever pace people want. Some days begin with quiet paddling and end with a slow pontoon ride. Other days revolve around fishing or an afternoon of tubing. The lakes make room for every kind of day, and each activity reflects the larger rhythm of living near water. The experience is not only about recreation but also about feeling connected to the landscape. These lakes shape daily routines in subtle ways, from the gear stored on the porch to the way people plan their mornings and evenings. Over time, residents often find that the water becomes part of their sense of home, steady and always waiting for the next day’s adventures.
Laurie Bouwman
without interruption. Both lakes bring a sense of calm that matches the slow paddling rhythm. Many people enjoy paddleboarding for this same reason, since the upright stance gives a high perspective and a steady glide. Morning water usually has very little wind, and that makes balance easier for beginners. It also helps experienced paddlers cover more distance along the coves and inlets that make each lake feel personal.Fishing plays a central role in lake life around Interlochen, and Long Lake draws anglers from across the region. It is deeper than Duck or Green Lake, which contributes to healthy populations of bass and pike...
whether it is the call of a loon or the sight of a mist line clearing as the sun rises.Kayaking on Duck Lake can feel like moving through a wide, gentle valley since the lake stretches long and narrow. Green Lake is more open by comparison, and it offers broader water that lets kayakers take longer, sweeping paths
Many residents describe fishing on Long Lake as a quiet connection that brings them closer to the water and to each other.
About the Author
Laurie Bouwman is the principal real estate broker and attorney for the Bouwman Realty Group. She has been a broker and attorney for over 35 years. Laurie has a BA from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctorate degree from Hofstra University School of Law.
