Named for its location at the center of Michigan's Chain-of-Lakes, Central Lake, in northern Antrim county is a small town, bordered on the west by world famous Torch Lake, with its clear turquoise water, and the beautiful Jordan Valley to the east, this area is also at the center of the things that make northwest Michigan so attractive.

There are approximately 950 year around residents in the village, with another 1500 residing in the township, of course those numbers swell in the summer, like other resort communities in northern Michigan.

 For the outdoor enthusiast, there is something for everyone here year around. Winter brings downhill skiing at one of the nearby resorts, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and so much more available as near as right downtown, with the village being located right on Intermediate Lake.

  Spring brings the morel hunters out, with some of the best mushrooming in the state, and with the warmth of spring comes the start of the many festivals in the area, usually kicked of in early June by the Central Lake Chamber of Commerce's annual classic car and motorcycle show.                                                                                                    

The Antrim County Outdoor Festival & Great American Picnic, now in it's 3rd year is for those who enjoy the great outdoors, with static displays from various outfitters, with everything from archery, fishing,& kayaking, to demonstrations  from Wings of Wonder (birds of prey), hunting dogs, to the DNR &  Michigan Out Of Doors.  This all takes place at Thurston Park, right on Intermediate Lake, with a beach, pavilion, and  playground for the kids.

The boat parade kicks off the 4th of July celebration, followed by one of the best main street parades in the north, with fireworks over the lake at dusk.

Motorcyclist and car clubs find this area as good as it gets, with some of the prettiest roads and scenery you will find anywhere. From lakeshore routes snaking around the Chain, to the hills and valleys that lead to all the great destinations in the area for perfect day cruises.

 Fall brings the colors to the hills surrounding this beautiful area, and the hunting season, with plenty of opportunity to bag that prize deer. Turkey hunting is also popular here for the sportsman.

Restaurants, from casual to fine dining are available, The Blue Pelican Inn being the most popular dining establishment, with fine dining, a casual bar, and outside dining in the summer. They also offer a banquet room for those special occasions. Classic Pizza offers more traditional family dining, while Brother's Cafe offers breakfast and lunch. If you want to just get it on the run, Village Market and The Corner Store have full deli style food to go. Of course if you just need to satisfy your sweet tooth, Fudgee's, with their homemade fudge, taffy and Moomers Ice Cream, is right downtown.

Shopping ranges from Bachmann's, a real "general store", complete with old time candy counter, to eclectic shops like Adam's Madams, and a little bit of everything in between.

 For all the lakes and rivers, to the great festivals, shopping and dining, and beautiful roads, what makes this community really special is the people. Here you will see people come together,not just for the festivals,but for each other and when you come to Central lake you will notice it.