BENZIE COUNTY
County Offices
488 Court Place
Beulah 231-882-9671
www.benzieco.net
Chamber of Commerce
826 Michigan Avenue
Benzonia 231-882-5801
www.benzie.org
Originally the hub of northwestern Michigan’s lumbering industry, the scenic expanse of Benzie County lies in the northwest corner of the state’s lower peninsula, with its western border on Lake Michigan. Today, this region is most well known for its spectacular beauty and premier recreational opportunities. Sparkling lakes and rolling rivers abound in Benzie County, creating a water-rich environment that draws millions of visitors for outdoor adventure around the four seasons. The county’s western border features 60 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, and Benzie County proudly serves as the gateway to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Fueled in part by regional growth and the area’s breathtaking beauty, the population and amenities in Benzie County continue to expand and develop. Many of the businesses are locally owned and cater to visitors and seasonal residents who take advantage of wonderful restaurants, unique shops, fine-art galleries, and attractive accommodations. Rentals for recreational equipment, guides, and outfitters are also among the local entrepreneurs.
Services
State-of-the-art healthcare services are available close to home in Benzie County at the Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital in Frankfort, part of the highly respected Munson Healthcare System. The hospital allows residents to access patient-centered, compassionate care delivered by some of the nation’s finest professionals. Cardiology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, general and orthopaedic surgery, otolaryngology, physical medicine, podiatry, pulmonology, and urology are a few of the major service areas. Specialties are widely varied and include a number of health and wellness or community education programs including childbirth classes, diabetic education, nutritional counseling, and health screenings.
The quality school districts that serve Benzie County include Frankfort-Elberta Area Schools and Benzie County Central Schools. Northwest Michigan College in nearby Traverse City ensures access to lifelong learning opportunities to residents of Benzie County communities. This two-year institution offers an affordable beginning to a four-year degree, but it also provides opportunities for baccalaureate and graduate programs through the University Center. This innovative venture has been made possible by a consortium of leading Michigan colleges and universities, enabling students to further their higher education close to home. Northwest Michigan College is also convenient for continuing education courses, personal growth and new hobbies, vocational and career programs, and training programs that benefit local companies as well as their employees.
Lifestyle
Newcomers will discover a welcoming home in Benzie County, where 57 lakes and miles of scenic rivers in addition to Lake Michigan shoreline create a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Canoeing, kayaking, boating, swimming, water sports, charter fishing, and even ice fishing are popular sports for residents and visitors. Hospitality and recreation-related businesses make up a significant portion of the county’s economic base. Recreational harbor facilities on Lake Michigan are available in Frankfort, and Crystal Mountain Resort was recently rated the “Number One Ski Resort in the Midwest” in the 2005 Resort Guide from Ski Magazine. The resort also offers outstanding golfing, another attraction to this pristine region. Several championship golf courses cover lush hillsides that overlook the area’s sparkling bodies of water. State forest trails are ideal for biking, hiking, and horseback riding or cross-country skiing in the winter months. Brilliant spring blooms and autumn’s crimson and gold displays ensure breathtakingly beautiful scenery from the county’s byways and back roads.
During the winter months, residents and visitors enjoy every imaginable activity. Ice skating, sledding, tubing, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are among their favorite pastimes. Snowmobile owners enjoy 135 miles of groomed trails across the county, while golfers can look forward to perfecting their backswing on stunning fairways. Annual events and celebrations entertain visitors and bring residents together for great food, arts and crafts, competitive sports, and seasonal festivities. The National Coho Salmon Festival in Honor, Ciderfest in Beulah, the Crystal Cruise Bike tour in Frankfort, and the Crystal Lake Team Marathon are a few of the most well-known events.
One of the cultural treasures in this area is the Crystal Lake Art Center, advancing the arts in Benzie County by offering classes, workshops, shows, exhibits, programs, performances, and special events. The all-volunteer Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra offers concerts throughout the year, while Michigan Legacy Art Park showcases more than 35 major works of art by Michigan artists along trails that loop through dense woodlands. Beulah is home to the Vigland Gallery, one of the most charming venues in northwestern Michigan. This turn-of-the-century structure serves as a potter’s studio, although Vigland pieces are surrounded by a complete array of works by other Michigan artists. From magnificent resorts to pristine beaches and fascinating historical sites or unique venues like the Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Maritime Museum, Benzie County invites newcomers to share in the natural bounty and friendly community spirit of this breathtakingly beautiful region.
Benzonia, Buelah
Municipal Offices
Benzonia
231-882-4411
Village of Buelah
231-882-4451
www.villageofbeulah.org
Chamber of Commerce
231-882-5801
www.benzie.org
The township of Benzonia is home to the neighboring small villages of Benzonia and Buelah at the southeast end of Crystal Lake along US Highway 31. Although Buelah is not an incorporated village, it serves as the seat of county government and one of the major communities in the region. Beulah Public Beach nestled at the eastern end of Crystal Lake, offering one of the finest beaches in Michigan as well as tennis courts, a lush park with picnic facilities, and a beach house. Benzie Historical Museum is located in Benzonia Village and displays a wide variety of artifacts and memorabilia that cover subjects like car ferries, logging, early county history, Bruce Catton and the Civil War era. Several beautiful golf courses and a wealth of scenic recreational areas are close to home for residents of Benzonia Township.
Crystal Mountain, Weldon
Crystal Mountain
231-378-2477
Weldon Township
231-378-2477
http://weldontwp.org
Chamber of Commerce
231-882-5801
www.benzie.org
Panoramic Weldon Township is crowned by the premier Crystal Mountain Golf and Ski Resort, an elegant master-planned recreational community that blends handsome townhouses and condominiums with magnificent single-family homes. Several residential villages are available, each one offering a distinctive flavor. Mountain Woods nestles in secluded woods of beech, maple, and aspen that overlook the lush fairways of Mountain Ridge golf course. The Crystal Mountain Club neighbors the Kinlochen Lodge and Clubhouse, where spacious home sites nestle in serene cul-de-sacs that offer easy access to the slopes and the resort center. The Village is fringed by the stunning fairways of the Betsie Valley Golf Course, also offering generous home sites that command exceptional views of ski slopes and the golf course.
Frankfort, Elberta
Municipal Offices
231-352-7117
www.frankfortmich.com
Chamber of Commerce
231-352-7251
www.frankfort-elberta.com
As the gateway to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the Frankfort area is located along the shore of Lake Michigan. Along with the small village of Elberta, Frankfort encompasses the picturesque, historic sailing harbor of Betsie Bay. This area features unique shops with friendly owners, fine restaurants, and many accommodations for the visitors and vacationers who are drawn to Benzie County attractions and recreational amenities. Championship golf courses graced by spectacular terrain are available close to home, and seven full-service marinas line the harbor to provide more than 400 boat slips. Natural beauty, golden sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters are all part of the natural legacy of this area. Historic treasures like the Civil War cannon in Father Charlevoix Park, the Betsie Lighthouse, and the 70-year-old gateway marker that resembles two lighthouses are evidence of the reverence for the past.
Thompsonville
Municipal Offices
231-378-2560
Chamber of Commerce
231-882-5801
www.benzie.org
The tiny village of Thompsonville grew up along the banks of the Benzie River near Green Lake. This tranquil community thrives from the brisk tourist trade that passes along Highway 115 on route to the Crystal Mountain Resort. Thompsonville is only minutes away from the resort’s outstanding golf courses, miles of ski runs, and family-oriented recreational programs. At the same time, the village is only 15 miles from the shores of Lake Michigan. The attractions and amenities in the cities of Northport, Frankfort, Suttons Bay, and Traverse City are all easily accessible from Thompsonville. Residents and visitors enjoy activities like golfing, charter fishing on Lake Michigan, or riverfront water sports. Everything from fly fishing to kayaking or canoeing are popular pastimes in local rivers and streams. The dramatic sand dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, historic sites like Point Betsie Lighthouse near Frankfort, or the wineries of the Leelanau Peninsula add to the quality of life in this charming small town.
