Elk Lake is a 9-mile-long lake in Antrim and Grand Traverse counties near Elk Rapids, and at 192 feet deep it's Michigan's second-deepest inland lake after Torch Lake.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Elk Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
It's the last big lake in the Elk River Chain of Lakes, sitting just west of Torch Lake and draining through the Elk River into East Grand Traverse Bay.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Elk Lake
Just show up and ride — your boat, jet skis and gear are ready at Elk Lake with no towing required.
- MasterCraft wakesurf & wakeboard boat rentals – premium surf boats seating 12 to 18, with surf boards, wakeboards, skis and tubes available.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – quick, easy-to-ride watercraft for exploring every cove of Elk Lake.
- Private boat tours & lessons – a driver-instructor runs the boat and coaches first-timers and experienced riders alike.
- Water toy rentals – add tubes, floating lily pads, paddle boards or a water trampoline to your day.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Elk Lake at a glance
| Location | Elk Rapids |
|---|---|
| Length | About 9 miles |
| Width | About 1.5 miles |
| Max depth | About 192 feet |
| Chain | Elk River Chain of Lakes |
| Outlet | Elk River to Grand Traverse Bay |
Best things to do on Elk Lake
- Wakesurfing – calm coves on still mornings.
- Water skiing and tubing – long stretches of open water.
- Jet skiing – open water and quiet bays.
- Fishing – lake trout, bass and perch.
Where to launch at Elk Lake
- Public access sites – ramps near Elk Rapids and Williamsburg.
Weekday mornings are the quietest time on the water. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Elk Lake
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Michigan requires an observer besides the driver when towing.
- Jet skis can't run between sunset and 8 a.m. in Michigan.
Michigan boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children under 6 must wear one on the open deck whenever the boat is underway, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires an observer besides the driver, and the person being towed must wear a life jacket. Towing isn't allowed from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.
- Jet skis can't be operated between sunset and 8 a.m., must stay at slow-no-wake speed within 200 feet of a Great Lakes shoreline, and the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver.
- Stay at slow-no-wake speed within 100 feet of docks, rafts, swimming areas, moored boats and people in the water, and in shallow water near shore. Many inland lakes also have local slow-no-wake hours, so follow the posted rules at the launch.
Map of Elk Lake
Elk Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Elk Lake?
MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys like tubes and lily pads, and private boat tours with lessons.
Do I need a truck to tow the boat?
No. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Elk Lake, so there's no towing.
Where is Elk Lake?
Near Elk Rapids, northeast of Traverse City, just west of Torch Lake.
Can you jet ski on Elk Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Elk Lake.
How deep is Elk Lake?
About 192 feet at its deepest, second only to Torch Lake among Michigan's inland lakes.
Is Elk Lake connected to other lakes?
Yes. It's part of the Elk River Chain of Lakes, linked to Lake Skegemog and the lakes upstream.