
Inspiration Point
photo by Lake Michigan Destinations
photo by Lake Michigan Destinations
Benzie County borders Lake Michigan and has over one hundred lakes, plus the major Platte and Bestie Rivers running through it. This beautiful county is part of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour, and a favorite destination for those who love to fish, kayak, canoe, walk along beaches, or just enjoy the magnificent views of the lakeshore.
Benzie County is situated between Manistee and Leelanau Counties, and is a part of the M-22 highway tour. To travel the entire M-22 tour, we suggest you start at the southern most section in Manistee, and work your way north.
Arcadia Scenic Turnout
Just about at the Manistee/Benzie county line, and about one mile north of Arcadia is a popular gem along M-22, called Inspiration Point or the Arcadia Scenic Turnout. Park in the roadside lot high on a bluff for fantastic views of the Lake Michigan shoreline and surrounding land. The lakeshore vista is even more magnificent if you climb the many stairs to a viewing platform. Read our story about Inspiration Point for all the details.Visit Benzie County Communities Along M-22
Elberta
Just a 15 minutes drive north of Arcadia, you'll come across the village of Elberta. Visit the clean beaches along Lake Michigan, try your hand at fishing and stop at Elberta's Waterfront Park and Elberta Dunes. Read more about Elberta here.Frankfort
Less than five minutes north of Elberta and around Betsie Lake, you'll reach the small, bustling city of Frankfort with a dynamic downtown to explore and enjoy. As you head out north of Frankfort, visit the Point Betsie Lighthouse, one of the most famous lights along the lakeshore. Read more about Frankfort here.Throughout Benzie County

Point Betsie Lighthouse by KenScottPhotography.com
Benzie County Info
- Discover M-22 in Northwest Michigan's Benzie County
- Take a Fall Color Tour Through Manistee County
- Lakeside Shakespeare Theatre Brings The Bard to Benzie County
- Explore Benzie County's Festivals and Events
- Visit Peaceful Elberta in Benzie County
- Explore Frankfort's Arts and Crafts Fairs
- Viewing the Northern Lights in Northwest Michigan
- Visit the Friendly Town of Frankfort in Benzie County
- Benzie County Travel Information
- Visit Point Betsie Lighthouse
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Friendly, Small Town Businesses
When you visit a community away from home, it's typical to find yourself eating out, shopping, or looking for things to do. Benzie County merchants are happy to serve you with a smile! So, browse at our downtown specialty stores in Benzie County and nearby. Relax, and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. Discover the many businesses ready to entertain you, or to provide you with a variety of services.Quick Links for Benzie County Businesses

This map shows the entire 116-mile length of M-22, which takes travelers along Lake Michigan and through the beautiful countryside of these Northwest Michigan counties:
Manistee County
Benzie County
Leelanau County
Grand Traverse County
The scenic highway M-22 is designated as a Pure Michigan Byway, and is also part of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour.
Manistee County
Benzie County
Leelanau County
Grand Traverse County
Discover More Things to Do Near Benzie County...
Things to Do in Leelanau County -- In addition to Fishtown in downtown Leland, be sure to visit some of the other attractions found in Leelanau County.
Things to Do in Benzie County -- In addition to sandy beaches along the Lake Michigan shoreline, the county is home of part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, lighthouses at Point Betsie and Frankfort, and the Betsie Valley Trail for hiking and biking along 22 miles from Elberta to Thompsonville.
Northwest Michigan Activities & Things to Do -- While in Northwest Michigan, visit beaches and lighthouses, antiques, art galleries, casinos and wineries and breweries, and more.
Northern Michigan Activities & Things to Do -- Northern Michigan offers many fun things to do for the entire family whatever the season, whatever the reason!
West Michigan Things to Do -- Check this site out for West Michigan activities in the towns of Manistee, Ludington, Pentwater, the Silver Lake Sand Dunes and more.