Notewares Landing Beach
Bellaire, Michigan · on Lake Bellaire
Verified · 2 independent sources
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- No fee found
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Notewares Landing Beach
Noteware's Landing is an Antrim County-managed public access site and lakeside swimming hole on Lake Bellaire near Bellaire, Michigan, reached via M-88, Northlakes Road, and Fisherman's Paradise Road. The county's own parks page designates it for both swimming and picnicking in summer, making it an officially sanctioned lake access and beach rather than an informal spot.
The site sits on the shore of Lake Bellaire, part of Antrim County's Chain of Lakes, in a rural, wooded area of northwest lower Michigan near the village of Bellaire. It functions as a small county-run park/landing with lot parking just off Fisherman's Paradise Road.
Swimming at Notewares Landing Beach
The county describes the site as providing 'swimming and picnicing opportunities' in the warmer months; the Chain of Lakes Water Trail listing adds that the adjacent launch area has a firm, shallow bottom, which is consistent with an easy-entry natural lake beach suited to casual swimmers and families rather than deep-water or cliff-jumping use.
How to get to this swimming hole
From Bellaire, take M-88 south to Northlakes Road; go west on Northlakes Road, then turn north onto Fisherman's Paradise Road and continue about two-tenths of a mile; the park is on the west side of the road.
Parking: Described by Antrim County as offering 'abundant parking'; the water trail listing separately notes a parking lot at the carry-in launch area.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. This is a drive-up county landing off Fisherman's Paradise Road; the Chain of Lakes Water Trail listing puts the length of access (parking lot to water) at less than 50 yards, so no hike or meaningful walk is needed.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
Good for kids
Antrim County's own listing markets the site for family swimming and picnicking, and the Chain of Lakes Water Trail description notes a firm, shallow lake bottom that is easy to enter and stand in near shore. No cliffs, waterfalls, or currents are documented. No lifeguard is mentioned in any source, so young children should still be supervised closely.
Parking
Free
Antrim County describes 'abundant parking'; the Chain of Lakes Water Trail listing confirms a parking lot directly at the carry-in access, with less than 50 yards between the lot and the shoreline. No fee is mentioned in either official source.
Restrooms
Yes
Rustic/portable toilets on-site, available seasonally (spring through fall) per both the Antrim County parks page and the Chain of Lakes Water Trail listing.
Water clarity
Mostly clear
No source gives a clarity rating specific to this landing. Wikipedia's account of the Elk River Chain of Lakes states that water flowing into Lake Bellaire has 'clarified after traversing the immense depths' of Torch Lake upstream, consistent with the firm (non-silty), shallow lake-bottom description at this access point in the Chain of Lakes Water Trail listing. Treat as a general chain-wide characteristic rather than a site-specific measurement.
Hours
Open year-round, dawn to dusk, per Antrim County Parks & Recreation.
On the water
Restrictions: This specific landing is a carry-in access point only, per the Chain of Lakes Water Trail listing -- there is no ramp for trailered or motorized boats here.
Firm, shallow bottom makes hand-launching/landing kayaks and canoes easy. Motorized boats can use Lake Bellaire elsewhere via other ramps on the Chain of Lakes, but not via this landing.
Rentals nearby
Single kayak rentals (adults/teens only; 6 kayaks available)
Prices: $30 for 2-3 hours, $50 for 4-6 hours
6500 Alden Hwy, Bellaire, MI 49615 -- on the Grass River corridor a few miles from Noteware's Landing, within the same Chain of Lakes system as Lake Bellaire · Rental season is June through September; advance reservations required
Kayak rentals (also bike, snowshoe, and ski rentals seasonally)
Bellaire, MI
Notewares Landing Beach: FAQ
Is Notewares Landing Beach kid friendly?
Antrim County's own listing markets the site for family swimming and picnicking, and the Chain of Lakes Water Trail description notes a firm, shallow lake bottom that is easy to enter and stand in near shore. No cliffs, waterfalls, or currents are documented. No lifeguard is mentioned in any source, so young children should still be supervised closely.
Do I need to hike to reach Notewares Landing Beach?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Notewares Landing Beach?
Antrim County describes 'abundant parking'; the Chain of Lakes Water Trail listing confirms a parking lot directly at the carry-in access, with less than 50 yards between the lot and the shoreline. No fee is mentioned in either official source.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Notewares Landing Beach?
Firm, shallow bottom makes hand-launching/landing kayaks and canoes easy. Motorized boats can use Lake Bellaire elsewhere via other ramps on the Chain of Lakes, but not via this landing.
When is the best time to visit Notewares Landing Beach?
Summer for swimming and picnicking; the site is also used in winter as a launch point for ice fishing shanties.
What are the rules at Notewares Landing Beach?
Open year-round, dawn to dusk, per Antrim County Parks & Recreation.
What water body is Notewares Landing Beach on?
Notewares Landing Beach is on Lake Bellaire, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.
