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About This Area...
Beautiful Benzie County
Benzie County is located in the northwestern Michigan's Lower Peninsula and is
an ideal location for get-a-ways or vacations any time of year. Only 30 minutes west
of Traverse City, Benzie is well known for its natural beauty and opportunities for
outdoor recreation. Benzie’s 60 miles of coastline, which includes 25 miles of Lake
Michigan shoreline, create an ambiance for relaxing leisure time.
On the other hand; the forests, dunes and bluffs of Sleeping Bear Dunes National
Lakeshore and Pere Marquette State Forest offer over 100 miles of hiking or biking
trails and wildlife habitats for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Benzie County is an area of sand dunes, bluffs, rolling hills, orchards, meadows,
lakes, and rivers. Put all of these on the shore of Lake Michigan and you have one
of the best vacation places in the state– truly Pure Michigan. Beautiful lakes and
rivers for water sports, abundant with various species of fish for the sportsman,
and over 60 miles of shoreline with sandy beaches help to make this a "vacation
paradise."
Benzie is a Four Season Playground, home to the #1 ski resort in the midwest, over
10,000 acres of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Point Betsie Lighthouse,
the Betsie Valley Trail, and much more, Benzie has avenues of activity for everyone.
Wilderness seekers, especially, enjoy this very special corner of the world.
Benzie’s abundance of water, including Betsie and Platte Rivesr, attracts thousands
of people who enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and exploring nature along the waterways.
East of Elberta is the Betsie River State Game Area which is 50 miles of state-designated
Natural River from Grass Lake.
What you will find in Benzie County:
- Eight golf courses
- Over 100 miles of hiking, cross-country, and snowshoe trails
- Bicycle trails along shores, through meadows and forests
- 135 Miles of groomed snowmobile trails
- Over 20 miles of the famous Scenic Highway M-22
- 10,000+ acres of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- Small towns and quaint villages full of friendly people
- Unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants to explore
- Gwen Frostic’s Presscraft Papers
- The #1 ski resort in the midwest with 45 downhill slopes and cross-country ski
yrails
- Betsie and Platte Rivers for canoeing, kayaking, or tubing in a natural setting
- 25 Miles of Lake Michigan shoreline
- More than 50 inlnad lakes including Crystal Lake, Platte Lakes, and Lake Ann
- National and state forests full of wildlife and native flora
- Spectacular fall olor
- Morel mushrooms
- Lake Michigan fishing charters
- DNR Fish Hatchery near Honor, the ‘Birthplace of Salmon’ in Michigan
- Fishing tournaments
- Lighthouses – including Point Betsie, the most photographed on Lake Michigan
- Museums and historical sites including a Life Saving Station in Elberta
- Beautiful sandy beaches
- Lodging choices to fit anyone’s needs
- History, culture, and art
What you will find near Benzie County:
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore's scenic Stocking Drive and Dune Climb
- Wineries
- Interlochen Center for the Arts
- Traverse City shopping and the Cherry Festival
- Casinos within 60 miles
Benzie is Northern Michigan Preserved
Benzie’s small towns and villages, Frankfort, Elberta, Beulah, Benzonia,
Honor, Lake Ann and Thompsonville have unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants
all waiting to be explored. Within 20 miles is the internationally renowned Interlochen
Center for the Arts. Numerous artists, musicians, and professionals have made the
Benzie area their home. Gwen Frostic’s Presscraft Papers is located in Benzonia just
off US-31.
Benzie County is a popular place for weddings, reunions, and other gatherings. Many
people are looking for a unique, memorable setting and Benzie is perfect — with its
beaches, Point Betsie Lighthouse, Elberta’s Historic Lifesaving Station, and resorts
all willing to make it a special occasion full of memories.
The Betsie River
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