Northern Michigan, Done Right
Our honest picks for the best of Benzie County and beyond — from world-famous sand dunes to legendary cherry pie. Updated by us, not an algorithm.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Voted "Most Beautiful Place in America" by Good Morning America — and it earns it. Massive sand dunes climbing 400 feet above Lake Michigan, miles of pristine shoreline, and views that stop you mid-sentence.
Do the Dune Climb for the full experience, or hike the Empire Bluff Trail for a more rewarding payoff with less of a crowd. Either way, budget at least half a day.
More Worth Your Time
8 spots
Crystal Lake
The lake you're staying on. One of the clearest inland lakes in Michigan, with a glacial-blue color that surprises first-time visitors. Swim off the resort's private beach, paddle out from the dock, or just watch the sunset — no car required.
Platte River Float
A gentle float down the Platte River ending at Lake Michigan — one of the most beloved summer activities in northern Michigan. Riverside Canoe Trips in Honor provides rentals and a shuttle. Reserve ahead on weekends.
Cold Creek Inn
Right down the street - dining with outdoor seating, a fireplace, and some of the best cocktails in Benzie County. Open from noon Thursday through the weekend. 185 S Benzie Blvd, Beulah.
Keep On Grinding Coffee House
A cozy coffee house in Benzonia with a fireplace, antique furniture, and locally roasted coffee, baked goods, and oat milk ice cream. A great stop on the way to or from the dunes.
Frankfort Lighthouse & Beach
Frankfort's red lighthouse is one of the most photographed in Michigan. The harbor beach alongside it is great for swimming and the town itself has solid restaurants, an ice cream shop, and a brewpub worth stopping for.
Golf Country
Northern Michigan has no shortage of great golf. Pinecroft's relaxed 9 holes are five minutes from the resort, and championship courses like Arcadia Bluffs and Crystal Downs are a short drive further out for a proper round.
Cherry Bowl Drive-In
A classic drive-in theater and diner in Honor, first opened in 1953 and one of the last of its kind left in Michigan. Grab dinner from the diner, pull in before dark, and catch a double feature under the stars.
Traverse City
Northern Michigan's food and wine hub. Front Street has excellent restaurants, local shops, and coffee. The Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas surrounding it are lined with wineries. Worth a full day — or three.
Getting Around
Northern Michigan is best explored by car — here's what you need to know.
By Car
A car is essential up here. Most attractions are 20–45 minutes away. Parking is easy everywhere — even at Sleeping Bear Dunes, if you arrive before 10 AM in summer.
Bike Rentals
Benzie Bike & Blade in Benzonia and several shops in Traverse City offer rentals. The Betsie Valley Trail runs 22 miles from Frankfort through Beulah — great for a morning ride.
Kayak & Canoe
Riverside Canoe Trips in Honor (20 min) is the go-to for Platte River floats. Crystal Lake itself is ideal for kayaking — ask us about launching from the resort dock.
Cherry Festival
If you're visiting in early July, Traverse City's National Cherry Festival draws big crowds. Book rooms early, arrive before 9 AM, and use the downtown parking garages instead of street parking.
Beulah Year-Round
Every season brings something worth the trip up north.
Spring
March · April · May
- Skiing & snowmobiling through mid-April
- Steelhead on the Betsie & Manistee Rivers
- Perch & smelt on Crystal Lake
- Morel mushroom hunting in the forests
- Mesick Mushroom Festival
- Beulah May Day celebration
Memorial Weekend kicks off the summer season.
Summer
June · July · August
- Swimming, boating & kayaking on Crystal Lake
- Fourth of July fireworks & Firecracker 5K
- Beulah Art Fair — Saturday after July 4th
- Crystal Lake Art Fair — mid-July downtown
- Crystal Lake Team Marathon in August
- Arts, crafts, festivals & live music
Peak season — book rooms early.
Fall
September · October · November
- Color touring through Benzie County forests
- Hunting season opens
- Kayaking with cooler, quieter water
- Village of Beulah Fall Fest in October
- Pumpkin carving, soup contest, cider press
- Farm market & harvest festivals
Fewer crowds, stunning foliage — an underrated time to visit.
Winter
December · January · February
- Ice fishing on Crystal Lake
- Snowmobiling & snowshoeing
- Ice skating
- Christmas Magic in December
- Winterfest in February — fireworks, chili cook-off, ice fishing
- Free Fishing Weekend — no license required
Winterfest is the second Saturday of February every year.
Ready to Explore Northern Michigan?
Book your stay and we'll have more local tips ready when you arrive.
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