CRYSTAL LAKE, MICHIGAN
Summertime in Lake-Locked Northwest Michigan
THE BEST OF SUMMER ACTIVITIES AND SUMMER VACATION RENTALS
A Crystal Lake summer is singular in every way. This hidden gem in the heart of Benzie County, Michigan is a summer experience everyone should have the opportunity to encounter. From exploring local trails to endless water activities, Northwestern Michigan is the perfect place for you and your family to visit, especially during the summer months. Here’s just a handful of what you can look forward to when visiting Crystal Lake during the warm, sunny months.
Water Activities Galore
Crystal Lake, true to its name, has some of the clearest waters you’ll find and is amongst the deepest and cleanest lakes in the country. It is also the 9th largest inland lake in the state covering just under 10,000 acres. Here are some must-try experiences:
Swimming
There are a number of beaches near Crystal Lake for you to experience.
Beulah Beach, Bellows Beach, and Frankfort Public Beach are prime spots for swimming, playing and sunbathing. They all offer sandy shores and shallow waters that are perfect for families. While Frankfort Beach sits on the Lake Michigan side, Beulah and Bellows Beach hug Crystal Lake.
Boating
Crystal Lake Marina in Beulah and Crystal Lake Adventure Sports in Frankfort offer boat rentals. They offer everything from pontoon and tritoon boats to ski boats, perfect for people of all ages. A sunset sail on Crystal Lake is one of our favorite activities, period.
Fishing
Crystal Lake is teeming with fish, making it a prime spot for anglers. For fishing gear rentals, visit East Shore Market in Beulah. If you’re looking for a guided experience, Riverside Canoe Trips in Honor offers fishing charters on nearby rivers, or you can book a charter with Frankfort Sport Fishing Charters for a deeper water adventure on Lake Michigan.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Rent kayaks and paddleboards from Crystal Lake Adventure Sports in Beulah. They provide quality equipment and friendly service, making it an easy experience to explore the water. Many Terra homes have their own SUPs and kayaks included as well.
Exploring Northern Michigan by Land
The beauty of the lake itself isn’t all that brings vacationers to Crystal Lake. There are tons to explore around the lake too. Here are a few activities to try:
Hiking & Biking
Numerous trails wind through the scenic landscape around Crystal Lake. The Betsie Valley Trail is a favorite, passing directly by our Sunkissed Hills Cottages, offering picturesque views and relatively easy terrain for both hikers and bikers. For those seeking a more challenging trek, the Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve provides stunning vistas of Lake Michigan from its sandy dunes and wooded trails. Additionally, the Crystal Lake Trail offers a serene lakeside hike with opportunities for birdwatching and peaceful picnics along the way. Bikes can be rented from Crystal Lake Adventure Sports in Beulah.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
A short drive away, this national park offers stunning views, challenging hikes, and opportunities to learn about the region’s natural history. The Dune Climb is a must for those looking for a bit of adventure.
Crystal Lake Golf Club
This Crystal Lake Golf Club is perfect for those looking to squeeze in a round of golf. Enjoy this beautiful public course, which offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding countryside.
Enjoying Local Culture
Benzie County’s charm extends beyond its natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the local culture with these activities:
FRANKFORT
Just a few miles from Crystal Lake, the charming town of Frankfort offers unique shops, great dining, and the picturesque Frankfort Beach.
Vita Bella: Is known for its cozy, hometown ambiance and authentic Italian cuisine. Indulge in classic pasta dishes, gourmet pizza, and a selection of fine wines.
Crescent Bakery: Is a beloved local bakery famous for its freshly baked bread, pastries, and savory treats. Start your day with a breakfast sandwich or grab a sandwich for a picnic.
Birch & Maple: This charming café in Frankfort prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create delicious breakfast and lunch options. Enjoy a wholesome meal, from fluffy pancakes to creative salads, all served in a welcoming atmosphere.
Stormcloud Brewery: Craft beer enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Stormcloud Brewery, also located in Frankfort. This brewery is renowned for its diverse selection of handcrafted beers, ranging from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts. Pair your brew with a tasty pub-style meal, such as gourmet burgers or artisanal pizzas.
Other places to check out outside of Frankfort:
Manitou Restaurant: Honor, MI Is located within Sleeping Bear Dunes and is a local favorite known for its cozy atmosphere and menu featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Popular dishes include lake-caught fish and regional specialties.
The Omelette Shop: Traverse City, MI Renowned for its delicious omelets, fluffy pancakes, and cozy ambiance, this local gem is perfect for fueling up. Enjoy a steaming cup of coffee as you prepare for your adventure.
Trattoria Stella: Traverse City, MI This renowned Italian restaurant is beloved for its farm-to-table cuisine and cozy ambiance. Enjoy dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, paired perfectly with an extensive wine selection.
La Bécasse: Maple City, MI Is a charming French-inspired restaurant renowned for its exquisite cuisine and intimate ambiance. With a menu carefully crafted to showcase seasonal ingredients and French culinary techniques. Bécasse promises a delightful journey through French flavors in the heart of Michigan.
Five Shore Brewing: Beulah, MI Its lively bar area features a selection of bar eats and local ciders and beers, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists seeking a taste of the region’s culinary delights.
Crystal Lake Art Center:
Explore local art and even participate in workshops at this vibrant community hub.
Farmers’ Markets and Local Festivals:
Check out Frankfort Farmers market run by local farmers and artisans, this market has everything you can think of from fresh fruits and vegetables to baked goods to jewelry. It’s open Saturdays from 9:00am – 1:00pm on Main Street in Frankfort. Go to TraverseCity.com for activities going on when you’re in town.
Cherry Picking:
Summer in Benzie County means cherry season, peeking from late June to early August! With an abundance of local cherry farms, it’s the perfect time to indulge in this Michigan delight.
TOP SPOTS FOR CHERRY PICKING:
Nugent Orchard’s Cherry Barn: Pick your own cherries and enjoy homemade jams and pies.
North Star Organics: Organic cherry picking with a variety of sweet and tart options.
The Cherry Hut:
The Cherry Hut in Frankfort, MI, is a must-visit in Benzie County! It is a beloved summer spot known for its delicious cherry pies made from local Montmorency cherries. Visitors can enjoy cherry-infused treats like cherryade and cherry burgers, and browse the gift shop for cherry-themed souvenirs.
Getting to Crystal Lake
Visitors typically fly into Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City when traveling to Crystal Lake, Michigan. From Cherry Capital Airport, travelers can rent a car or arrange for transportation to reach Crystal Lake, which is approximately 25 miles southwest of Traverse City. This drive usually takes about 45 minutes and offers scenic views of Northern Michigan’s countryside along the way.
Plan your Visit
When planning your visit to Crystal Lake, explore our cottages and homes available for rent. Our properties are all lakefront and accommodate families of all sizes, ranging from six to twelve guests. Our Crystal Lake vacation rentals include:
Sunkissed Cottages (4 Available)
These brand new-build lakefront retreats on the south side of Crystal Lake. Each of the four cottages features 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, and sleeps 10 guests. Enjoy your own private lakefront and dock, leading directly into Crystal Lake. With contemporary appliances and amenities.
Crystal Views
This luxurious lakefront cottage in Beulah, Michigan has stunning views of Crystal Lake, five bedrooms, and four baths, comfortably sleeping 9 guests. Ideal for families, it includes a fully-equipped kitchen, kids’ amenities, and spacious dining areas both indoors and out.
Decked Out
A spectacular six-bedroom retreat nestled directly on the shores of Crystal Lake. This newly furnished and freshly renovated home features a 5-bedroom main house and a 1-bedroom guest house on a seven-acre private lot. Ideal for large family gatherings, it sleeps up to 12 guests and offers expansive outdoor decks, an open kitchen, and dining area perfect for entertaining. Enjoy the convenience of a hot tub and private beach right on the property.
Summer House
This spacious lakefront retreat featuring 5 beds and 3 baths is nestled on its own private beach with a dock. The main house offers an open kitchen, living, and dining floor plan with a large back deck overlooking the beach. Additionally, there’s a guest house with 2 beds and one bath, providing extra space and privacy for guests.
Crystal Lake in Frankfort Michigan, has an abundance of activities to entertain your family this summer. Book your stay on our website and experience this hidden gem in Northern Michigan for yourself!
Crystal Lake Real Estate Listings
Love your Crystal Lake summers so much and are looking for homes for Sale on Crystal Lake, we got you covered there too. Check out our Crystal Lake waterfront properties below:
We have two Sunkissed Cottages for Sale in Benzonia, Michigan. These new-build cottages have 5 bedrooms and 4 baths with stunning views of Crystal Lake. Each home boasts its own unique design inspired by upscale, modern family living and Northern Michigan cottage culture. With direct lake access and dock accessibility, these are ideal and contemporary lakefront cottages.
