Area Attractions

Everyone has their traditions of things they “must do” when visiting Up North. Here are a list of some of our favorites for you and your family to enjoy!

  • Watch the sun set at Lake Michigan beach in Frankfort.
  • Canoe or tube the Platte River.
  • Tour the Point Betsie Lighthouse.
  • Climb and run down the big dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
  • Marvel at the “Mystery Spot” in Blaine Township.
  • Fly a kite on the beaches of Lake Michigan.
  • Visit Michigan Legacy Art Park.
  • Search for Petoskey stones along the Lake Michigan beach.
  • Tour the Honor Fish Hatchery.
  • Play a round of mini-golf at Crystal Falls in Benzonia.
  • Visit the bookstore, toy shop  and clothing stores in Frankfort.
  • Visit several antique and repurposed furniture shops in downtown Beulah.
  • Enjoy fabulous homemade ice cream at the Hilltop Soda Shop in Benzonia.
  • Watch fudge and candy being made at Kilwins in Frankfort.
  • Try a hand crafted brew at Stormcloud Brewing Company in Frankfort. Both Pub downtown and tasting room at the 366 Parkview (across from A&W) Production Facility are open!
  • Go to see a movie at the Cherry Bowl Drive-In.
  • Indulge in handcrafted spirits at Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville.
  • Rent a SUP from Crystal Lake Adventure Sports and explore Crystal Lake.
  • Pick wild blueberries.
  • Enjoy a family bike ride down the Betsie Valley Trail. Details at BikeBenzie.org.
  • Explore and taste local produce at the Frankfort and Elberta Farmer’s Markets.
  • Watch hand-crafter candles being made at Bee-dazzled on River Road.
  • Watch original printing presses work at Gwen Frostics.
  • Take a picnic lunch to our own spectacular View and explore the woods for animals and wildflowers.
  • Get an ice cream cone from the loads of ice creams shops in Benzie County.
  • Go for a bike ride on the scenic Betsie Valley Trail.
  • Go to see a movie at the beautifully renovated Frankfort Garden Theater.
  • Search for Morel Mushrooms in the spring.
  • Watch giant pumpkin carving, pumpkin tossing, and the great pumpkin drop at the Fall Fest in the October.
  • Go fishing off the Frankfort pier.
  • Grab coffee and a baked treat at Petals & Perks in Frankfort.
  • Visit the shops and candy stores in Leland.
  • Take a surf lesson in Empire at Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak.
  • Play on the new Carter Oosterhouse-built structure in Mineral Springs Park in Frankfort.
  • Visit the Art Center in Frankfort.
  • Enjoy a concert in the park. Wednesdays in Elberta, Thursdays in Beulah and Fridays in Frankfort.
  • Check out the awesome playground in Elberta’s Waterfront Park.

For current area events happening during your stay,go to Traverse City Tourism here.