Dam Beach and Fishing Park
Elk Rapids, Michigan · on Elk River
Verified · 3 independent sources
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- No fee found
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Dam Beach and Fishing Park
Dam Beach and Fishing Park is a Village of Elk Rapids-owned park and beach where the Elk River meets East Grand Traverse Bay, right beside the Elk Rapids Dam and hydroelectric plant. The Village of Elk Rapids itself describes this swimming hole as a favorite local place to swim for residents and families, and it doubles as a fishing, paddling, and birdwatching access point.
The park occupies a sandy shoreline at the harbor mouth, adjacent to the Elk Rapids Dam and hydro power plant near Ames/Dexter Street, with views across the Elk Rapids harbor and East Grand Traverse Bay. It is part of the Sunset Coast Birding Trail, noted for waterfowl and gulls during migration and wintering bald eagles on the open water below the dam; the shoreline dunes support pitcher's thistle, a threatened wildflower.
Swimming at Dam Beach and Fishing Park
Swimming is in the calm, freshwater bay off a sandy, gently sloping beach next to the dam outflow. The Village of Elk Rapids calls it a favorite family swimming spot, and the Sunset Coast Birding Trail page lists swimming alongside fishing and kayaking as regular activities here; it reads as a casual, local community beach rather than a destination swim spot.
How to get to this swimming hole
The park sits at the end of Dam Road, beside the Elk Rapids Hydro Power Plant off Ames Street and adjacent to the Elk Rapids Dam off Dexter Street, about a mile from downtown Elk Rapids.
Parking: On-site parking lot at the park (per Michigan Water Trails access-point listing).
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. Drive-up village park: the on-site parking lot at the end of Dam Road opens directly onto the beach and picnic area, with a short walking path along the harbor/dam/beach per the Sunset Coast Birding Trail page, no hike or trailhead involved.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Village of Elk Rapids describes it as a favorite family swimming spot on a sandy beach with a gentle incline, but the beach sits right beside the Elk Rapids marina channel where motorized boats and sailboats regularly enter/exit, Michigan Water Trails flags this boat traffic as a specific hazard for people in the water, so young kids should be watched closely near the channel side.
Parking
Lot
On-site parking lot at the end of Dam Road, adjacent to the beach; no fee is mentioned in the Village of Elk Rapids parks page or the Michigan Water Trails listing, but no source explicitly states it is free.
Restrooms
Yes
Pit toilets on-site, confirmed by both the Michigan Water Trails access-point listing and the Sunset Coast Birding Trail page.
On the water
Restrictions: Carry-in access only, Michigan Water Trails lists this as a carry-in launch point (soft sand, medium incline to the parking lot), not a trailer boat ramp. The adjacent marina channel sees motorized boat and sailboat traffic, a hazard called out specifically for paddlers/swimmers.
Sunset Coast Birding Trail lists kayaking alongside swimming and fishing as a regular activity at this park.
Rentals nearby
Powered watercraft rentals: wake-surf boats, pontoons (50hp-200hp and a VIP tri-toon), and Taiga Orca all-electric jet skis, plus captained charters and wake-surf lessons. No kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards listed.
Prices: Starting prices: 50hp pontoon $349, 90hp pontoon $449, 115hp pontoon $549, 200hp tri-toon $649, VIP Tahoe tri-toon $999, Supreme/Montara wake-surf boats $749, Taiga Orca electric jet ski $99
118 Bridge Street, Elk Rapids, MI 49629, same Elk Rapids harbor as Dam Beach, roughly 0.5-0.7 mi away in the downtown/Bridge Street area; boats are used on Elk Lake and Torch Lake rather than launched from Dam Beach itself · Rentals & Gas Dock open every day 9am-7pm
Dam Beach and Fishing Park: FAQ
Is Dam Beach and Fishing Park kid friendly?
Village of Elk Rapids describes it as a favorite family swimming spot on a sandy beach with a gentle incline, but the beach sits right beside the Elk Rapids marina channel where motorized boats and sailboats regularly enter/exit, Michigan Water Trails flags this boat traffic as a specific hazard for people in the water, so young kids should be watched closely near the channel side.
Do I need to hike to reach Dam Beach and Fishing Park?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Dam Beach and Fishing Park?
On-site parking lot at the end of Dam Road, adjacent to the beach; no fee is mentioned in the Village of Elk Rapids parks page or the Michigan Water Trails listing, but no source explicitly states it is free.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Dam Beach and Fishing Park?
Sunset Coast Birding Trail lists kayaking alongside swimming and fishing as a regular activity at this park.
When is the best time to visit Dam Beach and Fishing Park?
Spring, summer, and fall (per Michigan Water Trails listing); winter visitors come mainly for birdwatching, including bald eagles on the open water below the dam.
What are the rules at Dam Beach and Fishing Park?
As with all Village of Elk Rapids parks, the beach cannot be reserved exclusively for private events and operates first-come, first-served; tents or structures require Village Council permission (Village of Elk Rapids).
What water body is Dam Beach and Fishing Park on?
Dam Beach and Fishing Park is on Elk River, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.
