Banks Township is a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts and a welcoming destination for visitors.
Explore the Seasons
Spring:
Hunt for morel mushrooms, cast a line in our trout streams, and explore the first blooms of the season.
Summer:
Enjoy kayaking, swimming, rock hunting, and sunbathing at our beautiful Lake Michigan park.
Fall:
Take in Michigan’s stunning fall colors with a bike ride or a scenic drive along our breathtaking roadways.
Winter:
Experience the peaceful, snow-covered hills that Banks Township is known for.
Visit Our Local Farms and Orchards
Stop by Friske Farm Market, Royal Farms, Rocky Top Farm and Bolts Farm for farm-fresh produce and family fun. Enjoy fruit picking, wine tasting, fall corn mazes, and kid-friendly playgrounds—perfect for seasonal adventures.
Public Access
Banks Township offers two public access sites for boat launching on the Chain of Lakes, both owned and maintained by the State of Michigan:
Ellsworth Lake – Convenient access for boating and fishing. Suitable for launching kayaks, canoes, and medium-size boats. Features include a dock, trailer parking, and restrooms. This launch connects to Wilson Lake and the southern Chain of Lakes.
St. Clair Lake – Ideal for exploring the Chain of Lakes. Perfect for launching kayaks, canoes, and smaller boats. Provides access to Six Mile Lake and the upper Chain of Lakes via a scenic river route.
These sites make it easy for residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty, recreation, and exploration opportunities of the Chain of Lakes.
Banks Township Park
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Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan in the northern part of the Township, this nearly 1-acre park offers:
Sandy Beach and Grassy Picnic Area – Shaded by birch, maple, and evergreen trees
300 Feet of Lake Frontage – Perfect for enjoying breathtaking sunset views
Parking, Pathways, and Handicap Accessibility – Making the park easy to enjoy for all visitors
Whether you’re relaxing by the water or enjoying a picnic with family and friends, this park is an ideal spot to experience the natural beauty of Northern Michigan.
Antrim Creek Natural Area
Covering 151 acres and the last mile of privately held shoreline on Grand Traverse Bay, this natural area offers:
Sandy Beaches, Dunes, Wetlands, and Ravines – Explore diverse landscapes
Spawning Creek for Great Lakes Steelhead – A vital habitat for fish
Endangered Plant Habitat – Home to species like Pitcher’s Thistle and Lake Huron Tansy
Hiking Trails – Experience the beauty of the area on foot
This natural treasure is permanently protected, providing opportunities for recreation while conserving critical habitat for plants and wildlife.
Antrim Creek Natural Area Commission Appointees
Jarris Rubingh, District 2 Commissioner
Timothy Schacht, County Appointee
Carl Veenstra, Twp Representative
Doug Seaney, County AppointeeÂ
Donna Holt, Twp Representative
The Antrim Creek Natural Area Commission meets bi-monthly.
Click here to go to the ACNA website.
Wooden Shoe Park and Campground
Enjoy camping and beach access on scenic Lake Ellsworth at this village-owned park. Owned and maintained by the Village of Ellsworth, it’s the perfect spot for family fun, relaxation, and outdoor recreation.
Contact the Village for more information, 231-588-7411.
Ellsworth Pavilion and Community Park
Located on the west shore of Ellsworth Lake, Ellsworth Lake Park offers a variety of amenities for visitors of all ages:
Pavilion (50' x 80') – Perfect for festivals, family gatherings, and community events
Restrooms/Multipurpose Building – Convenient facilities for park visitors
Playground, Archery Range, and Sledding Hill – Fun for kids and adults alike
Fishing Pier and Boat Dock – Enjoy boating or a peaceful day fishing
1.3-Mile Walking Path – Includes an observation deck overlooking Ellsworth Lake
Labyrinth – One of the largest in the Northern Midwest
Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation, family fun, or a peaceful retreat, Ellsworth Lake Park has something for everyone.
Contact the Village of Ellsworth for more information, 231-588-7411.
