Welcome To Benzie County, Michigan

Point Betsie Lighthouse

Benzie County, located in the northwest corner of lower Michigan, west of Traverse City, is blessed with a landscape that has all of the best features of the upnorth experience – a scenic shoreline along Lake Michigan – some of the most beautiful inland lakes in the north – including Crystal Lake and Platte Lake – and pristine rivers flowing westward into Lake Michigan. In Benzie County, you can hike to the top of high bluffs and enjoy expansive views of the northwoods and at the end of the day find a vista to watch the sun set over Lake Michigan. Explore the rivers, trails, arts, fairways, lakes shops and beaches of Benzie County.

Summer

In summer there is water, water everywhere – with 60 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and 57 inland lakes. Seven up-north golf courses will challenge you in the hills above the sparkling water. Bike or hike through the state forest trails and quiet back roads of Benzie County in the Spring and watch the forest come alive.

Winter

Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and other snowsports are exciting wintertime activities and Benzie County is the perfect destination enjoy the snowy, winter landscape of Northern Michigan.

Downhill Skiing

Crystal Mountain Resort, located in the heart of Benzie County, is recognized as one of the best family ski resorts in the Midwest. Downhill skiers and snowboarders can take to Crystal’s 45 downhill slopes. 40km of cross-country trails, the award-winning Crystal Spa, the Michigan Legacy Art Park, and IACC-approved conference facilities.

Cross Country Skiing

Crystal Mountain Resort has more than 40 km of meticulously-groomed cross-country terrain for you to explore; ranging from gently rolling hills through stands of aspens and oaks, to more challenging black diamond trails that cut across deep valleys and open fields. Be sure to try night skiing on their 4 km of lighted trails for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has many trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The woods and beautiful dunes with scenic overlooks are even more stunning in the winter time. Look for more cross-country ski and snowshoeing resources online soon.

Snowmobiling

Benzie County in the winter is a snowmobiler’s paradise with 135 miles of groomed trails through scenic and challenging terrain. Benzie County has two groomed trail areas for sled riders. The Platte River Trail can be picked up just east of Honor. The Betsie River Trail begins in Beulah. Parts of the trail are the old railroad bed that is now Betsie Valley Trail for Hiking and Biking during other seasons. The Betsie River Snowmobile Trail goes to Thompsonville.

Explore Benzie County Michigan