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Photo by Todd and Brad Reed Photography

M-22 Benzie County

Discover M-22 in Northwest Michigan's Benzie County

M-22 Map

Benzie County borders Lake Michigan and has over one hundred lakes, plus the major Platte and Bestie Rivers running through it. This beautiful county is part of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour, and a favorite destination for those who love to fish, kayak, canoe, walk along beaches, or just enjoy the magnificent views of the lakeshore.

Benzie County is situated between Manistee and Leelanau Counties, and is a part of the M-22 highway tour. To travel the entire M-22 tour, we suggest you start at the southern most section in Manistee, and work your way north.

Arcadia Scenic Turnout

Just about at the Manistee/Benzie county line, and about one mile north of Arcadia is a popular gem along M-22, called Inspiration Point or the Arcadia Scenic Turnout. Park in the roadside lot high on a bluff for fantastic views of the Lake Michigan shoreline and surrounding land. The lakeshore vista is even more magnificent if you climb the many stairs to a viewing platform. Read our story about Inspiration Point for all the details.

Visit Benzie County Communities Along M-22

Included as part of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour, the scenic M-22 highway meanders through three counties and many towns which will surely capture your heart. With light traffic and breathtaking views, you’ll treasure every minute of your M-22 journey.

Elberta

Just a 15 minutes drive north of Arcadia, you’ll come across the village of Elberta. Visit the clean beaches along Lake Michigan, try your hand at fishing and stop at Elberta’s Waterfront Park and Elberta Dunes. Read more about Elberta here.

Frankfort

Less than five minutes north of Elberta and around Betsie Lake, you’ll reach the small, bustling city of Frankfort with a dynamic downtown to explore and enjoy. As you head out north of Frankfort, visit the Point Betsie Lighthouse, one of the most famous lights along the lakeshore. Read more about Frankfort here.

Throughout Benzie County

US-31 runs right through the heart of Benzie county with personable Michigan towns along the way. Visit the Cherry Bowl Theater in Honor, Michigan, one of the last drive-in movie theaters in the nation, with the latest featured films, a miniature golf course and a classic 1950s atmosphere. Beulah and Benzonia have great dining options as well as unique boutiques. Near the Manistee-Benzie border, Crystal Mountain Resort offers exceptional golf during the summer and some of the best skiing and snowboarding around during the winter. Like Manistee County, you will find vast opportunities for hiking, kayaking, fishing and other outdoor recreation in Benzie. Benzie County may be the smallest county in the state of Michigan, but it certainly offers big fun!

M-22 Sign
Whatever adventure you are looking for, you will find it on M-22. Eat at restaurants where service is characterized by smiles and locally grown food. Drink and be merry at one of several breweries and wineries. Fish in mighty Lake Michigan, or one of the many lakes and rivers along the way. Shop in unique boutiques crafted with flair and small-town friendliness. Enjoy world-class golf, hiking, artists, water recreation and much, much more.

It's well worth the trip when you travel on M-22 in Northwest Michigan. The scenery will amaze you … and the towns will welcome you!

Lake Michigan Circle Tour

If you like traveling on M-22, then you will love the Lake Michigan Circle Tour! Dozens of articles for travel destinations around the Lake Michigan Circle Tour can be found in the Lake Michigan Circle Tour website. Enjoy reading and then plan your getaway!

Scroll below for more articles about the Benzie County area.
 

Experience the Benzie County Area

M-22 Scenic Drive

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!

Top Events in Benzie County

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.

Scenic Overlook M-22

The highest point along West Michigan’s shoreline is Inspiration Point, a Lake Michigan overlook on M-22 just north of Arcadia.