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Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
The city of Frankfort lies north of Betsie Lake and along Lake Michigan in Benzie County. Frankfort is a popular stop along M-22 with a bustling downtown and lake access.
Past Frankfort, M-22 continues north around Crystal Lake and up to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Visitors love the downtown area of Frankfort, filled with galleries, apparel, specialty shops and unique restaurants. Betsie Lake can be seen from downtown; enjoy a meal on the deck of Villa Marine while you take in the boats that glide into the harbor. It’s a quiet type of town, with large, Victorian houses along tree-lined streets. The historic Garden Theater shows a variety of feature and independent films. You won’t want to just drive through Frankfort — make time to stop and appreciate this special town.
The Point Betsie Lighthouse is a famous landmark in Benzie County and a real attraction for visitors and residents alike. Located five miles north of Frankfort, the lighthouse sits at the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage and was first lit in October 1858. It sits 52 feet above the lake with a range of about 15 miles. The white tower is attached to the lighthouse keepers quarters, with an apartment that can be rented by the week.
Downtown Frankfort is home of the Frankfort North Breakwater Lighthouse at the end of Main Stree. The lighthouse, which was built in 1932, features a 67-foot-tall tower that can be seen up close by walking the pier that starts at the Frankfort beach.
Joseph Oliver is the first known settler in Frankfort back in 1852. An outside investor by the name of George W. Tifft discovered Aux Becs Scies Lake (now Betsie Lake) and the development of Frankfort began. Most of the early buildings were erected on Main street, Forest Avenue, and First-Fourth streets. In 1867, improvements to the Aux Becs Scies harbor began, with up to ten vessels arriving daily. A hotel was built, along with stores and a post office. In 1885, the area officially became a village, and with continued growth, changed that status to City of Frankfort in 1935.
Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes has miles of sand trails and hills, where hikers are rewarded at the end with spectacular views of Lake Michigan.
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in West Michigan. A long winding road of adventure awaits!
Any season, any time, Benzie County is a great place to be. There’s always fun festivals and events going on, no matter what time of year.
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in West Michigan. A long winding road of adventure awaits!
Standing tall and proud along the shores of Lake Michigan, Point Betsie marks the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage.
Along M-22, across Betsie Lake from Frankfort, the small Village of Elberta is a pleasant destination to visit with so much to do.