Benzie County: Coastal Landscapes, Trails and Cultural Heritage

The Lake Michigan shoreline, inland lakes Crystal Lake and Platte Lake, and rivers that flow west into Lake Michigan shape Benzie County. The county also offers scenic overlooks, trails through dune landscapes, and places that bring the region’s maritime heritage to life. When planning your hotel stay, you might first consider which of these aspects interests you most: waterside landscapes, outdoor activities, or culture and history.

Landscapes and Trails

The Betsie Valley Trail follows the former Ann Arbor Railroad line for 22 miles from Frankfort to Mesick. Its route along the former railroad line gives the trail a distinctive historical connection. If you’re planning a trip, check the Michigan DNR’s current trail information beforehand.

The dune landscape also offers a range of experiences. Protected in 2010, Elberta Dunes South encompasses glacial moraines, tall dunes and pristine forests. The area includes an approximately quarter-mile-long sandy beach on Lake Michigan. A hiking trail leads to sweeping views of the lake and surrounding Betsie Valley. In Arcadia Dunes, the universally accessible Overlook Trail leads to a Lake Michigan overlook. Inspiration Point, also called Arcadia Overlook, offers views of the lake and surrounding topography.

Water Access and Beaches

At Homestead Dam, the Betsie River Access Site is a popular access point for kayakers and for salmon and steelhead fishing. Water levels, access and applicable rules can change; if you’re planning an activity there, check conditions in advance.

Elberta Beach stretches approximately half a mile south from Elberta Pier. Public access is at the Beach Parking Area at the end of Bye Road. Amenities listed there include an expanded parking lot, a pavilion, improved ADA accessibility and flush toilets. Frankfort Beach offers water access and parking facilities near downtown Frankfort. These two beaches are practical options for travelers who want to include water access in their plans.

Maritime Heritage and Art

The area’s maritime history is reflected in several named lighthouses. Point Betsie Lighthouse first began guiding and warning ships in 1858. Frankfort Lighthouse is a symbol of the maritime heritage of the city of Frankfort. The two places represent different connections to seafaring: one, the historical role of a lighthouse; the other, a city landmark.

In Frankfort, the Oliver Art Center has been located in the renovated U.S. Coast Guard Station at the mouth of Betsie Bay since 2011. The station building dates to 1934. The art center hosts approximately ten exhibitions each year, including special exhibitions. Here, the building’s history connects with an ongoing exhibition program.

Local History in Benzonia and Along the Coast

The Benzie Area Historical Museum in Benzonia is housed in a Congregational Church building constructed in 1886. The building’s former use provides a historical context for a visit to the museum. Another historical connection can be found at “Thelma’s Cradle”: when this place was established, 2,800 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline was dedicated to the public. This historic dedication adds a story of its own to today’s beach and water access.

You can choose a hotel based on your travel interests: coastal landscapes and overlooks, water access, or the history of Frankfort and Benzonia offer different points of focus. The places described provide specific themes, without requiring you to limit your trip to just one kind of experience.

Discover more destinations: Honor, Thompsonville, Allegan County, Calhoun, Leelanau County, Livingston, Kalkaska County, Delta County

For the broader travel overview: Michigan.