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
Different Types of Waterfront Properties in the Area
Waterfront living around Interlochen offers a variety of experiences, each shaped by the character of the lake and the land surrounding it. People often begin their search thinking all lakefront properties feel the same, but spending time on different lakes quickly shows how much they vary. Duck Lake,
Green Lake, Long Lake, Lake Michigan, and Grand Traverse Bay each carry a distinct personality that influences daily life. The shoreline, depth, weather, and overall setting work together to create options that fit a wide range of lifestyles. Understanding these differences helps buyers picture what
6 | HelloInterlochen, Michigan • Winter Issue
Different Types of Waterfront Properties in the Area
Waterfront living around Interlochen offers a variety of experiences, each shaped by the character of the lake and the land surrounding it. People often begin their search thinking all lakefront properties feel the same, but spending time on different lakes quickly shows how much they vary. Duck Lake, Green Lake, Long Lake, Lake Michigan, and Grand Traverse Bay each carry a distinct personality that influences daily life. The shoreline, depth, weather, and overall setting work together to create options that fit a wide range of lifestyles. Understanding these differences helps buyers picture what living on the water will really mean.
Duck Lake sits among quiet neighborhoods and mature trees, and that sense of calm defines many of its properties. The shoreline tends to slope gently, which makes the water accessible for people who want an easy approach for swimming or launching a kayak. Homes here often attract buyers who prefer slower days with light boating and relaxed mornings. The lake’s shape and orientation reduce heavy wave action, so docks usually stay stable and paddling remains smooth even in the afternoon. Residents often describe Duck Lake as a place where they can enjoy the water without feeling that the lake demands constant upkeep or attention. Its size and pace make it a comfortable fit for people who value privacy and consistency.
Green Lake offers a slightly different rhythm. It has more open water than Duck Lake, and that gives it a broader feel from the shoreline. Many homeowners enjoy this wider view, especially during sunset when the sky reflects across the surface. The lake supports calm recreation much like Duck Lake, but the openness can make it feel more connected to the surrounding landscape. Properties on Green Lake draw people who want quiet living paired with a sense of spaciousness. The public access near Interlochen Center for the Arts adds another layer to the area, since visitors often bring energy to the shoreline during performances and summer events. That seasonal rhythm shapes the experience of living here, yet the neighborhoods remain peaceful once you move a little distance from the busier areas.
Long Lake stands apart because of its depth and the recreational possibilities that depth allows. Boaters appreciate the space for water skiing, tubing, and longer rides, while anglers value the fish habitat supported by deeper sections. Homes on Long Lake often suit buyers who want a more active lake lifestyle. The shoreline varies from rocky stretches to softer landings, which gives homeowners choices depending on whether they want a rugged look or an easy walk into the water. Many residents say Long Lake feels like a place where the lake itself becomes part of the daily agenda, since the activity level encourages people to spend more time outside. The views also change quickly with the weather, and that movement adds to the lake’s appeal for those who enjoy watching the seasons shift in real time.
Lake Michigan creates a completely different environment for waterfront properties. Its size brings dramatic scenery and powerful weather patterns that shape both the shoreline and the experience of living there. Homes along Lake Michigan face stronger winds and larger waves, which means owners often plan for more maintenance and structural protection. The reward comes through sweeping views, open horizons, and a sense of connection to one of the Great Lakes. Buyers drawn to Lake Michigan usually appreciate its rugged beauty and the feeling of being next to something larger than the inland lakes. It offers a lifestyle built on natural drama rather than quiet routine.
Grand Traverse Bay blends elements of inland lakes and Lake Michigan. It has the calm, protected water that boaters appreciate, along with long sightlines that give the shoreline a sense of openness. The bay includes a range of neighborhoods, from small cottages to upscale waterfront homes, and that variety supports many different approaches to lake living. People who choose Grand Traverse Bay often want convenient boating access, scenic views, and a community atmosphere that still feels tied to Northern Michigan. The water remains clear through much of the year, and the shoreline offers enough texture to keep the landscape interesting without the harshness seen along open Lake Michigan frontage.
Choosing among these waterfront options comes down to how someone wants to live each day. Duck Lake and Green Lake offer quiet routines and comfortable access for paddling and swimming. Long Lake creates opportunities for active recreation and deeper exploration. Lake Michigan provides grandeur and rugged beauty, while Grand Traverse Bay offers a balanced mix of scenery and accessibility. Each lakefront experience comes with its own pace and personality, and buyers often feel drawn to the one that best matches their vision of home. In Interlochen and the surrounding region, lake life is not a single idea but a collection of possibilities shaped by water, weather, and landscape.
Laurie Bouwman
buyers who prefer slower days with light boating and relaxed mornings. The lake’s shape and orientation reduce heavy wave action, so docks usually stay stable and paddling remains smooth even in the afternoon. Residents often describe Duck Lake as a place where they can enjoy the water without feeling that the lake demands constant upkeep or attention. Its size and pace make it a comfortable fit for people who value privacy and consistency.Green Lake offers a slightly different rhythm. It has more open water than Duck Lake, and that gives it a broader feel from the shoreline. Many homeowners enjoy this wider view, especially...
living on the water will really mean.Duck Lake sits among quiet neighborhoods and mature trees, and that sense of calm defines many of its properties. The shoreline tends to slope gently, which makes the water accessible for people who want an easy approach for swimming or launching a kayak. Homes here often attract
Many residents say Long Lake feels like a place where the lake itself becomes part of the daily agenda, since the activity level enc...
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.
