Arts, lakes and small-town charm in Interlochen
Interlochen is a small northern-Michigan village where life revolves around the Interlochen Center for the Arts; its galleries, summer concert series and Shakespeare festival draw crowds of all ages and turn every performance into a community event. "The Arts Festival in the summer brings thousands of people here," says local Realtor Bob Brick with United Country Realty. "It's one of the biggest events in the state. The community is extremely proud of it, whether they have kids that attend the academy or not." Just across M-137, Interlochen State Park adds sandy beaches and sunset swims on Green and Duck lakes, balancing the artsy vibe with easy outdoor play. Recent subdivisions rising south of town are giving newcomers a chance to move in without sacrificing the back-road charm that keeps longtime residents rooted.
Cabins, craftsman builds and lakefront cottages
Interlochen’s housing mix leans toward single-story cabins and mid-century ranch-style homes tucked beneath red pines. New Craftsman-style builds on two- to five-acre wooded lots are adding inventory. Renovated lakefront homes often exceed $600,000, while older ranch-style homes set back from the water sell for about $353,000.
IB opportunities at West Senior High
Local kids can start school at Lake Ann Elementary, which earns a B-minus from Niche, then continue to the B-plus rated West Middle and West Senior High. West Senior stands out for its International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, giving juniors and seniors the chance to tackle college-level coursework and graduate with a globally recognized credential while still enjoying the school’s strong music and athletic offerings. Kids might also attend Interlochen Academy boarding school, a major draw for the area. "A lot of people initially come for the boarding school and end up living out here forever," says Brick.
State Park beaches and a world-class arts campus
Interlochen State Park sits on a wooded strip of land between Green and Duck lakes and offers 490 modern and rustic campsites, a mile-long sandy beach and boat launches on both lakes. Next door, the Interlochen Center for the Arts opens its nationally known campus each June through August for student concerts and public shows in venues like the 2,500-seat Kresge Auditorium, giving visitors easy access to classical, jazz and folk performances under the pines.
Where to eat and shop along M-137
Most of Interlochen’s eating and shopping spots line J. Maddy Parkway (M-137), the road that passes the arts campus. Hofbrau Steak House & American Grille anchors the strip with steaks, ribs and a rotating list of Michigan craft beers in a lodge-style setting. Farther south, Mimi’s Taqueria serves street-style tacos while Tom’s Food Markets provides the area’s closest full-service grocery. About 11 miles from Interlochen, the biggest mall in the region is the Grand Traverse Mall in Traverse City, featuring JCPenney, Macy's, Target and T.J. Maxx.
Airport, buses and highways
Drivers can travel north–south US-31, forest-lined M-37 that meets US-31 near Traverse City, and east–west M-72 connecting Lake Michigan to the state’s interior. Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City is only about 15 miles from Interlochen, putting the village a 25-minute drive away. Travelers can also ride BATA’s Route 14 bus from the terminal and transfer to Route 12, leading to Interlochen in roughly two hours. Residents head to Munson Medical Center for healthcare needs.
