Crystal Mountain
Chairlift Color Tour
Enjoy panoramic views of three counties on Crystal's Scenic Chairlift Rides! For more information or to make a reservation, please call the Mountain Adventure Zone at 231-378-2071 .
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May - September: Advanced reservations are not required. It is recommended to arrive at least 30-minutes before the posted closing time.
​October: Day guests MUST make a reservation for a 30-minute load time window to access the chairlift. Resort houseguests and Four Seasons Club Members do not require a reservation.
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Harvest Days
Leelanau Peninsula
September 1-30
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Explore the Leelanau Peninsula this September during Harvest Days. You’ll get exclusive benefits during this month-long event that features 20+ wineries along the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail.
Take your BFF on the River
Riverside Canoe trips offers amazing canoe, kayak, and tubing trips down the Platte River. The best part of the trip is when the river meets Lake Michigan at Platte Point…it’s a spectacular scene of pure Michigan natural beauty, and the
power of Mother Nature.
Black Star Farms
Estate and Wine Tours.
Join us for a one-hour guided walking tour through our picturesque property. Tour highlights include our vineyard, Inn, centennial barn, and wine cave.
Tours are offered select Mondays and Fridays at
11 AM. Rain or shine - begin at the Pegasus Barn.
10844 E. Revold Rd, Suttons Bay
Roll down the windows, turn up the music...
Take a long drive down M-22
If you’re familiar with Michigan at all, you’ve heard about M22 Scenic Drive in Michigan – better known as M22. It’s the most famous road in Michigan because of its popularity as the best scenic drive in the entire Midwest. On M22, you’ll see Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Lake Michigan,and other natural wonders that are the essence of “Pure Michigan.”
Although M22 is technically a highway there is minimal traffic and plenty of scenery, so it feels more like a hidden treasure than a true highway.
Think of it as a sightseeing tour instead of a roadway because that’s really what it is. If you’re doing the Lake Michigan circle tour, this part of the lower peninsula will give you a perfect Michigan “up north experience.”
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
The famous Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is here, in Empire. The 7.5-mile trail loop winds through a hardwood forest, with 12 amazingly picturesque stops along the way. You’ll find breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, Glen Lake, North Bar Lake, as well as the famous Lake Michigan Overlook. You can pick up the Pierce Stocking Drive as you head north along M-22, watch for the old Maple Lane Resort for the turn-off towards Pierce Stocking
Local Wine Tasting
Thanks to the wonders of the 45th Parallel (the shared latitude for Italy’s Piedmont region and Bourdeaux in France), the Traverse Wine Coast boasts over 40 different wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms. Ranging from crisp whites to complex reds, our winemakers have put us on a lot of lists, including Travel Channel’s Top 10 Cities for Wine Snobs.
From traditional European ambiance to minimalist modern, the tasting rooms themselves are a sight to behold. They also happen to have some of the best views of the shore-lined landscapes. Make it a self-guided tour, a snowshoe excursion or a shuttled event, the wineries always pour up hospitality.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Ever feel like you’ve stood on top of the world? This is the place to get a taste. Hovering over 400 feet above the vibrant Lake Michigan baby blues, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a treasure that never fails to awe its visitors (and locals).
If you’re here for a short summer weekend, head to Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and hop out at the Lake Michigan Overlook. It’s stunning, it’s shocking and it’s an unmatched iconic view. But if you do have the luxury of time, take a tour, scout out a few trails for a hike, bike ride or snowshoe, or get a killer workout in at the infamous Dune Climb. Whatever you chose, be sure to stop in at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire for park updates and information.
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Visitors Bureau
Philip A. Hart Visitor's Center
22 miles west of Traverse City
Frequently mentioned favorites
...the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Glen Haven Maritime Museum and Life Saving Station, the Dune Climb, canoe trips on the Crystal and Platte Rivers, and the biking and hiking trails - especially the new Heritage Trail for hiking and biking and the new Palmer Woods trail for mountain biking. Those trails with scenic overlooks at Inspiration Point and Pyramid Point are also popular as are the ranger-led tours and campfire programs. Many visitors enjoy stopping off for an ice cream cone and driving the backcountry roads to see the scenery and wildlife. For more information, visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Charter Specialty Sails
Suttons Bay, Michigan
Two-Hour to Multiple Day Sails
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Throughout the summer, the schooners Inland Seas and Utopia are available for charter sails for private and corporate groups. Day programming is available for groups up to 38 people while overnight programs can accommodate 10 people.
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Team Building - Corporate Retreats
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Family Events - Weddings - Vow Renewals
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Motor Coach Trips - Multi-day Adventures
These custom-made charter sails range from two-hour sails to multiple-day sails and may include optional Great Lakes learning stations like those found on our Day Science and Sailing Programs. Pricing varies depending on the season and day of the week. For more information, contact Izzy Cooper at (231) 271-3077 or icooper@schoolship.org.
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
830 Cottageview Dr., Traverse City
Visit the country's largest historic preservation and adaptive reuse development. In 1885, the State of Michigan chose Traverse City as the site for the Northern Michigan Asylum, a hospital dedicated to the idea that fresh air and beautiful surroundings could ease the suffering of the mentally ill. The hospital closed in 1989, but its extensive forested grounds and stately castle-like buildings have been preserved. The Commons (as it is now called) is a favorite place for walking, running, skiing, and bird watching. Stroll these historic grounds and discover restaurants, retail shops, wineries, a brick oven bakery, and much more.
Spring Short Term Rentals
Lake Bluff Preserve | lakebluffpreserve.com
Benzie Area Historical Society
and Museum
View "A History of Frankfort Harbor With Andy Bolander" by clicking the link below. This lecture was presented on January 19, 2023 at the Benzie Shores District Library in Frankfort, Michigan. The lecture was co-sponsored by the Benzie Area Historical Society, where Andy Bolander is a volunteer research historian. He is the author of “Aux Becs Scies: Frankfort Harbor 1860-1910.”
Cotton Creek Farms
11885 Jewell Road, Thompsonville
Cotton Creek Farms is an alpaca farm with over 50 loving alpacas. The farm offers interactive alpaca tours and onsite shopping for alpaca loves of all ages. You can book a one-hour tour or just stop by and feed the alpacas at the store. The alpacas will be eager to meet you, eat treats from your hand, and take selfies with you. The store is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Tours are at 11:00am and 1:00pm. Visit the website's event calendar for a full list of activities and tour times. Tour tickets can be purchased in advance to guarantee your spot. Feed is also available in the store for $1/bag.
Point Betsie Lighthouse
Frankfort, Michigan
The Point Betsie Lighthouse was fully automated in 1983 and the light is still fully operating. The lighthouse served as housing for Coast Guard personnel and their families in more recent history. The Point Betsie Lighthouse is easily found off of M-22 at the end of Point Betsie Road. The lighthouse opens for the season on Memorial Day weekend. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children 6-12, and free for children under 6. For more specific information on open hours, please visit our website.
Schedule an Art Party at Oliver Art Center
Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts
132 Coast Guard Rd., Frankfort, MI 49635
T: (231) 352-4151 info@oliverart.org
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Host your next birthday party, wedding or baby shower, or night out at Oliver Art Center!
We will work with you to create an artful event for kids or adults, including private art instruction, a yoga class, or cooking class. Our art, pottery, or wellness studios, or kitchen will be yours for the duration of your event.
Please contact us at info@oliverart.org to plan your event.
Crooked Tree Arts Center
5th Annual Paint Grand Traverse 2023
Paint Grand Traverse is presented by Crooked Tree Arts Center. CTAC is a community-based arts center serving northern Michigan from its campuses in Traverse City and Petoskey. Paint Grand Traverse is an annual plein air (outdoor) painting festival and competition, . Talented artists from across the country come to Traverse City to be inspired by the region's beautiful landscapes, Lake Michigan shorelines, and charming town and villages. The festival includes classes, live demos, kids activities, art sales, exhibitions, and more!
The Bay Cinema Society
Monthly Films and Discussion
Every fourth Wednesday of the month, at 2 p.m., The Bay Theatre will host The Bay Cinema Society, an opportunity for local film-lovers to meet, view a film screening, and participate in a post-screening discussion. The Bay Cinema Society is free to join, and the film screening is $2/person. Members of The Bay Theatre may attend free of charge.
Tech Tuesdays
Every Tuesday, 10:30-Noon
Benzie Shores District Library | Frankfort