Benzonia MichiganATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Benzonia, Michigan.
1. Point Betsie Lighthouse
HISTORIC BEACON BY SEA
Point Betsie Lighthouse stands as a magnificent maritime sentinel on the shores of Lake Michigan. Visitors can explore this historic structure, climb the tower for panoramic views, and learn about its crucial role in Great Lakes navigation history. The surrounding beaches and rocky shoreline offer excellent opportunities for photography, particularly during the stunning Michigan sunsets.
2. Crystal Lake
PRISTINE WATERS AWAIT
Crystal Lake lives up to its name with remarkably clear waters that stretch across 9,854 acres near Benzonia. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing in one of Michigan's largest inland lakes known for its sandy beaches and refreshing temperatures. The lake's shoreline offers spectacular views of the surrounding hills, especially during sunrise when the water's surface mirrors the colorful sky.
3. St. Ambrose Cellars
HONEY-SWEET WINE EXPERIENCE
St. Ambrose Cellars welcomes visitors to sample their unique honey-based wines and meads in a rustic tasting room. The meadery combines traditional techniques with modern innovation to create distinctive beverages that showcase local ingredients and beekeeping heritage. Guests can enjoy live music on weekends while relaxing on the outdoor patio surrounded by the beautiful countryside of Benzie County.
4. Betsie Valley Trail
SCENIC RURAL PATHWAY
Betsie Valley Trail offers 22 miles of converted railroad corridor perfect for cycling, walking, and winter sports through Benzie County's most picturesque landscapes. The trail connects Frankfort, Elberta, Beulah and Thompsonville while passing alongside rivers, through forests, and near charming small towns. Travelers on this accessible pathway will encounter diverse ecosystems, historic sites, and plenty of opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitats.
5. Frankfort North Breakwater Lighthouse
LAKESIDE LANDMARK DESTINATION
Frankfort North Breakwater Lighthouse stands proudly at the entrance to Frankfort Harbor, offering visitors a glimpse into Michigan's maritime history. The distinctive red structure creates an iconic silhouette against Lake Michigan's horizon and serves as a popular spot for photographers. Walking the pier to reach the lighthouse rewards visitors with stunning panoramic views of the harbor, beach, and surrounding coastline.
6. Fantail Farm
EQUESTRIAN COUNTRYSIDE ADVENTURES
Fantail Farm delights visitors with enchanting horse-drawn carriage rides through the scenic countryside of Benzie County. Guests can experience seasonal tours including vibrant fall color excursions and magical winter sleigh rides across snowy landscapes. The farm serves as both a working equestrian center and a gateway to exploring nearby attractions like Iron Fish Distillery.
7. Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide
THRILLING MOUNTAIN DESCENT
Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide at Crystal Mountain offers an exhilarating 1,700-foot descent down the mountainside in specialized sleds. Riders control their own speed as they navigate curves and straightaways with spectacular views of the resort and surrounding forests. This family-friendly attraction combines the thrill of sledding with the beauty of northern Michigan's landscape, making it a perfect summer adventure for visitors of all ages.
8. Edge Adventure Course & Zipline
AERIAL FOREST CHALLENGE
Edge Adventure Course & Zipline challenges visitors with an exciting aerial obstacle course suspended among the trees at Crystal Mountain. Adventurers navigate swinging bridges, cargo nets, and balance beams while safely harnessed at heights ranging from 10 to 45 feet above the ground. The experience culminates with an exhilarating zipline ride that sends participants soaring through the forest canopy with panoramic views of the resort below.
9. COGNiTiON Science & Discovery Center
HANDS-ON LEARNING WONDERLAND
COGNiTiON Science & Discovery Center invites curious minds of all ages to explore interactive exhibits that make learning engaging and fun. The center features hands-on activities covering subjects from physics and biology to engineering and environmental science with a focus on Michigan's unique ecosystems. Visitors can participate in scheduled workshops, meet live animals, and engage with educational displays that encourage experimentation and discovery.
10. Benzie Area Historical Society & Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVED
Benzie Area Historical Society & Museum showcases the rich history of Benzonia and surrounding communities through carefully curated exhibits and artifacts. Housed in a historic building, the museum chronicles the area's development from Native American settlements through lumber boom days to modern tourism. Visitors can explore photographs, tools, clothing, and documents that tell the compelling stories of the people who shaped this corner of northern Michigan.
11. Shopping
UNIQUE LOCAL TREASURES
Shopping in Benzonia offers visitors a delightful selection of locally-owned boutiques, gift shops, and artisan galleries. Visitors can browse handcrafted items, Michigan-made products, antiques, and specialty foods that reflect the region's character and creativity. The charming storefronts along Michigan Avenue and surrounding streets provide a relaxed shopping experience far removed from crowded malls and chain stores.
12. Dining
TASTY NORTHERN FLAVORS
Dining in Benzonia treats food enthusiasts to a variety of culinary experiences highlighting fresh local ingredients and Michigan traditions. Restaurants range from casual family eateries serving comfort food to establishments featuring innovative farm-to-table cuisine and freshly caught Great Lakes fish. Visitors should save room for dessert as the area is known for excellent bakeries and ice cream shops that make the perfect sweet ending to a day of exploration.
13. Hiking
WILDERNESS TRAILS BECKON
Hiking around Benzonia reveals the natural splendor of Michigan's forests, dunes, and river valleys through an extensive network of trails for all ability levels. Trail systems wind through diverse ecosystems where hikers might spot white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, or countless bird species in their natural habitats. The changing seasons transform these pathways, offering vibrant wildflowers in spring, shady retreats in summer, spectacular color in autumn, and serene snow-covered landscapes in winter.
14. Fishing
ANGLER'S PARADISE FOUND
Fishing in Benzonia provides anglers with abundant opportunities on Crystal Lake, Platte River, and numerous smaller lakes and streams throughout Benzie County. The area is renowned for its cold-water fisheries with species including salmon, steelhead, brown trout, and smallmouth bass depending on the season and location. Local guides and outfitters can help visitors access prime fishing spots and provide equipment for a memorable day on the water in this sportsman's paradise.
15. Camping
STARLIT NORTHERN ESCAPES
Camping near Benzonia offers outdoor enthusiasts everything from rustic tent sites to full-service RV parks set amid the beautiful landscapes of northwest Michigan. Popular campgrounds like Platte River Campground provide access to beaches, hiking trails, and paddling routes while creating the perfect base for exploring Benzie County attractions. Campers can enjoy evening bonfires under starry skies, morning wildlife viewing, and the simple pleasure of connecting with nature in all its peaceful glory.