Crystal Nearby
Crystal Mountain is certainly a place you can park the car and stay for a few days without ever leaving the property for food, drinks or activities. However, one of the things about Crystal Mountain that makes it great for a short getaway? The nearby attractions, downtowns and history everyone is talking about. Nationally recognized destinations like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, historic spots like The Cherry Hut (celebrating more than 100 years of operations), and unforgettable beaches and downtowns such as nearby Frankfort.
Consider this day-trip itinerary that starts and ends at Crystal Mountain but takes you on an adventure through Benzie County and beyond. And when we say day trip, we mean day trip. Spend an hour at each of these locations – which is plenty of time – plus driving time, and it’s only a couple hours longer than a day of work!
It’s the perfect starter itinerary whether you’re exploring with your family (kid-friendly stops included and plenty of time for car naps), friends or loved ones (scenic views and brews), or solo (there’s no time for chit chat anyways when you’re taking in the non-stop beauty of northern Michigan!)
GOOD MORNING
After you’ve taken an early morning lap swim, fitness class or peaceful walk through the village core of Crystal Mountain, get ready for your adventure day to begin by fueling up with a delicious grab n go option from the Mountain Market. Choose from hot breakfast burritos, sandwiches, baked goods, yogurts and more. Might as well grab a few snacks for your day trip ahead as well.
FIRST LEG: BENZONIA & BEULAH
Whether you’re a history buff or not, the Benzie Area Historical Society & Museum is an unbelievable trove of artifacts (37,000+), photos, and stories about the past. The largest, most prized artifact being the home of the Museum itself - an 1887 Congregational Church building and is on the Michigan State Register of Historic Sites. Step back in time before embarking on the present and dreaming of the future.
Next, you’re just minutes away from the Village of Beulah on beautiful Crystal Lake. This laid back, tucked-away downtown has coffee, eats, antiques, boutiques, brews and more. If it’s too early for a beer from Five Shores Brewery, maybe grab a coffee from Ursa Major Bistro. But don’t fill up too much because the next stop is The Cherry Hut. You can’t miss the big red smiley face (a.k.a. Cherry Jerry) that’s been welcoming other smiling faces for more than 100 years (yes, they’re celebrating the 102nd season in 2024.) It’s a family tradition for many, so don’t be afraid to start your own with a slice of cherry pie (what started the place) and an iconic T-shirt.
Are the kids getting antsy? Maybe need to burn off some of the sugar from the cherry pie? Stop by Cognition - a non-profit science and discovery center started by a Benzie mother-daughter duo in 2017. Today, the year-round, hands-on destination is full of intimate exhibits (including live animals such as a hedgehog, lizard and guinea pig), a planetarium, virtual reality and more.
SECOND LEG: SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE
Head north about 15 miles to Empire, the headquarters to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Along the way, you won’t be too far from Platte Lake and Little Platte Lake, you’ll cross over the Platte River (great for kayaking and tubing) and look for the Cherry Bowl Drive-In (one of only a handful left in Michigan). Before you head for the sand dunes, stop by the Philip A. Hart Visitor’s Center for information and interpretative displays providing you with everything you need to know before visiting the Most Beautiful Place in America according to Good Morning America.
THIRD LEG: POINT BETSIE LIGHTHOUSE & LAKE MICHIGAN
Your next stop is less than 20 miles away, but it doesn’t mean you have to wait 20 miles to see the next beautiful thing. The fastest way to get to Point Betsie Lighthouse and Lake Michigan from Empire is by taking the scenic route – literally – M-22 is also known as North Scenic Highway. Crank your favorite tunes, roll the windows down and you decide how the route got its name.
Then there’s Point Betsie Lighthouse, the oldest standing structure in Benzie County that still has an operational light the U.S. Coast Guard uses to aid in navigation along Lake Michigan. Here you can explore the lighthouse, learn what it’s like to live as a lighthouse keeper, shop for souvenirs and jump in the second largest of the Great Lakes. This is your reminder to bring a towel and camera!
FOURTH LEG: DOWNTOWN FRANKFORT
After all the adventure so far, you’ve likely worked up an appetite! That’s good, because amidst all the shops, downtown Frankfort has some great places to grab a drink and a bite to eat, including Stormcloud Brewing Company. Once you’re finished, grab that towel of yours again and head down to the beach – especially if it’s time for the sunset! You’ll also notice the Frankfort Lighthouse and perhaps some kiteboarders and surfers in the water when a strong southwest wind blows up the coast. Stroll through downtown, pop into Oliver Art Center, and walk along the harbor there, Betsie Lake.
FIFTH LEG: ARCADIA OVERLOOK
If you still have time to kill before the sunset, you’ll want to hop back on M-22 (South Scenic Highway) for about 10 miles to the Arcadia Scenic Turnout, also known as Inspiration Point. You’ll know you’re almost there because you’ll drive from nearly zero elevation up a hill about 800 feet, where you’ll drive over the crest and descend slowly to park on the right hand side to take in the views. It's hard to imagine a better view from there, but if you walk up about 200 stairs to Inspiration Point - prepare to be inspired.
RETURN TO BASECAMP: THOMPSONVILLE
What a day. And to think now you get to return to the village where it all started – Crystal Mountain. Perhaps you still have a little left in the tank and you just want to freshen up before heading to Iron Fish Distillery down the road or St. Ambrose Cellars. But the beauty of it is you can also park the car for the night and stay put – have dinner at The Thistle or grab some grub from Betsie River Pizza & Subs and sit in Barr Park listening to live music. The adults end with a nightcap at LEVEL4 rooftop bar while the kids grab a sweet treat from Crystal Scoops. In the end, you’re all talking about the memorable day you had exploring the Benzie County region.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE
Oh, what’s that? You have another day to explore the area? You want more time outdoors in nature and less on the scenic highway? Check out one of the nearby rivers for canoeing, kayaking or tubing. Riverside Canoes can set you up on the Platte River, Betsie River Canoes and Campground will get you geared up for the Betsie River, or venture down to Manistee County for paddling on the Pine River, Big Manistee River and Little Manistee River.
Our corner of northwest lower Michigan is a hiker's paradise. Our on-property trail system connects to the 10-mile Betsie River Pathway in the Pere Marquette State Forest. Also, the beautiful 22-mile Betsie Valley Trail is easily accessible, stretching from Thompsonville to Frankfort. More off-property hiking trails are protected by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and located just a short drive from Crystal.