Benzie County, Michigan, is a four-season recreational playground for those who enjoy the clean air and natural settings of Pure Michigan. Known as “the best place in Michigan for outdoor sports and recreation”, Benzie County has something special in every season, including a variety of engaging events, to allow visitors to take part in Benzie County’s four seasons of fun.
Benzie County is located along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - called the “Most Beautiful Place in America” by viewers of ABC’s “Good Morning America”. Benzie County’s quaint towns and villages - Frankfort, Elberta, Honor, Beulah, Benzonia, and Thompsonville - as well as, the majestic Crystal Lake are beautiful in all seasons.
Benzie County has 135 miles of snowmobiling trails, spectacular beaches for winter snowshoeing and summer hiking, miles of biking and walking paths, and great restaurants and shops. In addition to 30 miles of Lake Michigan coastline along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Benzie County has over 50 inland lakes, 22 miles for biking along the Betsie Valley Trail, and approximately 200 miles of rivers for kayaking and fishing. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park is within 30 minutes of Benzie County lodging. Outdoor activities for vacationers and sports enthusiasts include Lake Michigan beach swimming and sunbathing, paddle boarding, fishing, golfing, biking, hiking, running, kayaking and canoeing in warmer months; and skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and spa-going in the winter months.
Hotels, motels, inns, B&Bs, campgrounds and a top-rated luxury resort are within minutes of beautiful natural areas to enjoy all that this Northern Pure Michigan Wonderland has to offer.
To check out and book 2013 lodging in Benzie County see www.visitbenzie.com. Learn more about the activities, events, and nearby award-winning wineries, breweries, and unique restaurants in the area by contacting Benzie County Visitors Bureau at 1-800-882-5801.
Featured Upcoming 2013 Events in Benzie County:
Winterfest in Benzie County
In the Villages of Beulah and Benzonia, Saturday, February 9, 2013
Make your way to Benzie County for Winterfest, a day packed with fun, food, and other unique winter activities such as a chili cook-off, an ice fishing contest, an annual fish toss competition, horse drawn wagon rides, frozen turkey bowling, dog sled weight pulling competition (I.W.P.A), a Winterfest Parade, Outhouse races, and a majestic winter fireworks display over Crystal Lake, which is one of the largest lakes in Michigan.
5th Annual Shiver By The River
In the City and Village of Frankfort and Elberta, Saturday, February 16 – Sunday, February 17, 2013
Snow Cross snowmobile races in downtown Frankfort highlight the winter weekend event Shiver by The River. More than 100 riders will compete in a series of Snow Cross snowmobile races on an obstacle track built in the city’s Open Space Park. The event includes Kid’s Snow World featuring Sledding, Kid’s Activities and Games, "Bowling on Main St", a Winter Parade and numerous warming stations along the downtown street where you can go inside to get warm and enjoy numerous restaurants. Activities will also take place in the quaint village of Elberta. For more information see www.Frankfort-elberta.com.
Taste the Local Difference Winter Celebration
Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville, Saturday, March 16, 2013
This event will include offerings of the best in fresh foods grown all winter through greenhouses, hoop houses, fresh cheeses such as goat and mozzarella, and organically-raised meats like chicken, lamb, pork, smoked fish, goat and even emu. Just because it’s not summer doesn’t mean the produce and fresh foods still aren’t being produced in Benzie County. Come and see for yourself these year round producers and taste local chefs’ tastiest takes on local winter delicacies.
Spring Fling
Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville, Saturday, March 16 – Sunday, March 17, 2013
Bluebird skies, perfectly-groomed slopes, great deals on lift tickets, celebration and fun traditions—come late March that's what skiing and snowboarding at Crystal Mountain is all about! On Saturday, March 16 it's also a time for crazy downhill competitions at the Annual Spring Fling! Light-hearted competitions with prize awards include:
- Building a cardboard sled using ONLY cardboard and duct tape...and then racing it against others on one of the slopes;
- Racing head-to-head down one of the ski slope, while in a kayak!
- Skiing or snowboarding through a giant pit of icy slush at the base of Loki slope.
5th Annual Maple Syrup Festival
Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville, March 23, 2013
Celebrate sunshine and spring skiing with a weekend filled with music, art, food and fun! In honor of the favorite sticky, sweet delicacy... maple syrup, Crystal Mountain presents the Annual Maple Syrup Festival. Tree tapping demonstrations, maple syrup vendors, cooking demos, chainsaw wood carving demonstration, live bluegrass, and pancakes drenched in delicious northern Michigan maple syrup are just a few of the highlights.
Benzie County Mushroom Hunting
Late April – Late May (Depending on weather conditions)
Benzie County is a great place to hunt for morel mushrooms in Michigan due to its natural habitats that include forests, riverbeds, fields, and natural paths along old railroad tracks that are now used for hiking and biking. For this reason, in late spring, morel mushroom hunting is a passionate activity in Benzie County. There’s also a handy morel mushroom hunting guide on www.visitbenzie.com within the spring page under “things to do”.
Michigan Beer & Brat Festival
Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville, May 25, 2013
Kick off the summer with this Memorial Day Weekend tradition at Crystal Mountain. Enjoy live entertainment by the Outer Vibe while sampling over 50 of Michigan’s finest microbrews, local hard cider & mead, and gourmet brats from northwest Michigan markets. Admission is $6. Food and Beverages are $10 for 10 tokens. Benzie County is the perfect spring escape to experience innovative events and relaxation. Benzie County features almost 30 miles of Lake Michigan coastline, over 50 inland lakes, and includes the southern portion of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The forests, dunes and bluffs of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Pere Marquette State Forest offer over 100 miles of hiking and biking trails and wildlife habitats for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Wild flowers dot the landscape and bird watching is a popular activity.
Frankfort Craft Fair
Frankfort, June 15, 2013
The annual Frankfort Craft Fair starts the summer season in Frankfort with unique craft art of over 80 artists.
Michigan PGA Women’s Open Pro-Am
Thompsonville – Crystal Mountain, June 21 – 23, 2013
One of the premier Michigan golfing events, The Michigan PGA Women’s Open, returns to Crystal Mountain, featuring some of the best professional and amateur women golfers from around Michigan and across the country.
Michigan PGA Women’s Open Championship
Thompsonville – Crystal Mountain, June 24 – 26, 2013
Crystal Mountain is pleased to once again welcome some of the top players in women's golf from throughout Michigan and around the country to the Mountain Ridge course for the Michigan PGA Women's Open.
Old-Fashioned Fourth of July
Thompsonville – Crystal Mountain, Frankfort & Beulah, July 1 - July 4, 2013
Fourth of July celebrations are taking place all over Benzie County – in Frankfort, Beulah and beautiful Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville. Activities in many locations include fireworks, parades, a Firecracker 5K Footrace and other fun-filled activities. Fire Cracker Race Beulah July 4, 2013 Fourth of July celebrations include fireworks, a parade, a Firecracker 5K Footrace and other fun-filled activities.
Beulah Art Fair
Beulah, July 6, 2013
Artisans from the region gather in the quaint Northern Michigan village of Beulah. Elberta Arts & Craft Fair Elberta July 20, 2013 This annual arts and craft fair takes place in beautiful Elberta Waterfront Park and features over 75 artists.
Port City Run
Frankfort, July 20, 2013
The Port City Running Events include a 5K Run and 5K Walk as well as a 1 Mile Fun Run. The races start at 8AM. The entire course is flat and fast along the Betsie Bay on the Betsie Valley Trail.
Benzonia Art & Craft Fair
Benzonia - at Benzonia Memorial Park, August 14, 2013
Artisans gather in the village of Benzonia close to Gwen Frostic Prints and other year round galleries.
Frankfort Art Fair
Frankfort, August 16 - 17, 2013
This fine arts juried fair includes the works of over 175 artists.
Collector Car Show
Frankfort, August 17, 2013
This Collector Car Show in Frankfort brings out the best in vintage automobiles.
Bike Benzie Tour
Thompsonville - Crystal Mountain, August 18, 2013
The Bike Benzie Tour features a scenic ride through beautiful Benzie County with a choice of four distances: 15, 25, 45 or 62 miles. All routes have great food stops and offer picturesque rides that challenge riders of all ages and abilities. The Bike Benzie Tour is sponsored by the Benzie Sunrise Rotary and hosted by the Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville.
Benzie Fishing Frenzy
Frankfort, August 23 – 25, 2013
With over $25,000 in cash and prizes, this fishing contest at Mineral Springs Park is open to anyone. There are three Divisions with a Ladies Classic on Friday and Big Fish Only, Amateur Division, and Pro Division on Saturday.
Honor Coho Salmon Festival
Honor, August 24 – 25, 2013
The 46th annual Coho Festival, one of the most unique Michigan fishing events is a three-day event centralized in Honor, Michigan. The festival, which began in 1967, celebrates the 'salmon run' up the Benzie County Rivers. Benzie County's Platte River was the first river for salmon planting in Michigan. Festivities include a carnival/midway, live entertainment, fireworks, car show, parade, softball tournaments, games, and more.
Benzie County Fall Festivals
Take in the fall color tours in Northern Michigan and be sure to visit these activities in Benzie County. Hometown festivals are held the first two weekends in October. In addition, there are fun-filled activities for the entire family throughout Benzie County in the fall to enjoy this beautiful time of year.
- October 5 & 6 – Beulah & Benzonia
- October 12 & 13 –Frankfort & Elberta
- October 19 & 20 – Countywide
- October 26 – 27 – Countrywide
7th annual Betsie Valley Run - Half-Marathon • 10K Run/Walk • 5K Run/Walk
Crystal Mountain, October 6, 2013
Crystal Mountain and the Friends of the Betsie Valley District Library invite runners and walkers to participate in the 7th Annual Betsie Valley Run. Whether a serious distance runner or looking for a scenic walk through the rolling hills of northern Michigan, you'll feel right at home. Professionally timed with ChronoTrack, the race begins at Crystal Mountain and includes some of the most beautiful trails in Benzie County.
Peak 2 Peak Mountain Bike Classic
Thompsonville – Crystal Mountain, October 19, 2013
Endoman Promotions and Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, Michigan will hold the Seventh Annual Peak2Peak Mountain Bike Classic, presented by Right Brain Brewery. This epic event is held in and around the beautiful and gently rolling terrain that surrounds Crystal Mountain and will start and finish at Crystal Mountain. There are many great things about this bike race: first is the venue. The trail system, which includes both Crystal Mountain property and state land, provides some of the most fun riding in Michigan. The hardwood and pine forests along with rambling two-tracks and flowing single-track give racers the challenge they are looking for. The course is fast but not so difficult that racers new to the sport won’t have a great time. Pre- and post-race festivities at the Mountain get better every year as adults manage to find their way to “adult” activities (read: quaffing cold ones post-race) and the general atmosphere is totally family-friendly. The event will feature a 10.5-mile loop with beginner (1 lap), intermediate (2 laps) and expert (3 laps) divisions with a staggered start allowing racers of all abilities to enjoy the course simultaneously. This is a great time of year for a cross-country bike race: great temperatures and beautiful colors – ideal for hearty competition and great family fun. The Clipper chair lift at Crystal Mountain will also be in operation to view great racing action as the riders’ race down the mountainside. A “Tour de Tykes” kid’s race will be held immediately following the big event.
Frankfort Film Festival
October 24 - 27, 2013
The historical and recently restored Garden Theater in Frankfort is the place to be on the fourth weekend of October. This film-lovers festival features leading edge independent films from prestigious film festivals throughout the world. Visits by film directors and screenwriters and other surprises will be part of the four-day event.
Holly Berry Art & Craft Fair
Frankfort, November 30, 2013
This is a very popular art and craft show with over 90 artists participating.
Christmas Magic
Beulah, December 14, 2013
Christmas Magic in Beulah is an event for families. With face painting, cookie decorating, and birdhouse building, kids stay engaged. Santa makes his annual visit during different times during the day. Gifts and prizes are handed out. A parade and sleigh rides are also a part of the festivities.
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