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Enjoy the Communities in Benzie County, Michigan

Benzie County is filled with "Up North" scenery and that wonderful Northern Michigan feeling. Whether Benzie County is your destination, or if you are passing through on your way to Traverse City or the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, there is so much to see and do!

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Benzie County is home to the southern most section of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which runs along the coast line of Benzie and Leelanau counties. Within this region is beautiful Crystal Lake with its numerous summer homes, and Platte Lake. Whether you travel up scenic M-22 or US-31, stop into one of the small towns in Benzie County, like Frankfort, Elberta, Benzonia, and Beulah.

Overlooking Lake Michigan from the stairs on Inspiration Point. | Todd & Brad Reed Photography

Inspiration Point

Inspiration Point provides one of the best views of Lake Michigan in Benzie County. Right along M-22 Scenic Highway, the breathtaking view of Lake Michigan is worth the climb to the top of the stairs of the scenic lookout. Not only is the view of the lake amazing, but you’ll see miles and miles of countryside from the surrounding land. Telescopes have recently been added to two different levels of deck at the scenic lookout, and you might even get a glimpse of Wisconsin’s shore. 

Frankfort

Right along the shore of Lake Michigan, Frankfort is a charming town with pristine beaches, beautiful Victorian homes and a fantastic downtown shopping district. From Farmer’s Markets to art galleries to specialty shops, you’ll enjoy walking from store to store. A variety of restaurants are in abundance to provide you with the finest dining experience. Be sure to visit both Point Betsie Lighthouse and Frankfort North Breakwater Lighthouse for great views of Lake Michigan and try your hand at fishing.

Beulah

The village of Beulah is just two minutes north of Benzonia, and right along the shores of Crystal Lake on US-31. Known for its small, friendly stores, antique shops and the Cherry Hut restaurant, Beulah is a friendly, small town of less than 400 people.

Honor

Less than 10 minutes north-east of Beulah along US-31, Honor is another friendly small town in the heart of Benzie County. Honor is located in a beautiful river valley along a top-notch Trout Stream called the Platte River.

Each year during the month of August, this sleepy little town comes alive to host the “National Coho Festival,” honoring the ‘salmon run’ along the first river that began salmon fishing in Michigan. Honor is known as the Coho Capital because each year, Coho Salmon make their way back up River to their birthplace, the Platte River State Fish Hatchery just outside of town.

Honor is also known for the Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theater, the only Drive-In Theater left in Northern Michigan, and and because of its close proximity, Honor is also considered a gateway to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Benzie County Business Directory

Benzie County Events

Benzie County in Northwest Michigan has many events throughout the year that bring something for everyone. In February, the Betsie Bay Frozen 5k takes place beginning at the top of Elberta’s beautiful lookout of Lake Michigan, along Betsie Bay, and ending in Frankfort. There are numerous Arts & Craft Fairs in Frankfort between June and November that offer handmade items. Over two weeks during the summer, Frankfort also hosts the Lakeside Shakespeare Theatre Festival on Tank Hill. A troupe of professional actors travels north to Frankfort to perform two Shakespearean plays. The Michigan Beer & Brat Festival is held at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville each August and is just as delicious as it sounds.

For travel information or to request a visitors guide contact:

The Benzie County Chamber of Commerce

826 Michigan Ave., Benzonia, MI, P.O. Box 204  49616

(231) 882-5801

benzie.org

Scroll below for more articles about the Benzie County area.
 

Experience the Benzie County Area

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.

Elberta in Benzie County

Along M-22, across Betsie Lake from Frankfort, the small Village of Elberta is a pleasant destination to visit with so much to do.

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.

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!