Expand your horizons beyond Crystal Mountain. Take the scenic route and immerse yourself in stunning viewpoints, beloved local gems, and celebrated national attractions. Your next adventure starts here.
18 miles from Crystal Mountain
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
This 70,000-acre national park includes 35 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and the North and South Manitou Islands. From the popular Dune Climb to secluded beaches, you are sure to have a memorable time at this year-round national park. Learn more by visiting the National Park Service website or call 231-326-4700.
Coastal Towns
Experience the charm of northern Michigan in our local towns and villages. Vibrant and bustling in the summer, they also make fantastic year-round stops for your off-site seasonal adventures.
11 miles from Crystal Mountain
Beulah
Nestled along the turquoise shores of Crystal Lake, Beulah is the quintessential "Up North" Michigan escape. This charming village invites you to stroll into its quaint shops, local galleries, and cozy eateries, or hit the water to boat, kayak, paddleboard, and fish. No visit is complete without a stop at The Cherry Hut—a beloved community landmark serving up its famous cherry pies and timeless Americana charm since 1922.
17 miles from Crystal Mountain
Frankfort
Located on the Lake Michigan shoreline near the southern entrance of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Frankfort's immaculate beaches, sand dunes, lighthouses, and sunsets separate this coastal town from others. Browse local shops and galleries in the charming downtown for your perfect vacation souvenir. Learn more by visiting FrankfortMich.com and FrankfortDowntown.com.
31 miles from Crystal Mountain
Manistee
Discover the historic Victorian Port City where coastal beauty meets timeless charm. Explore the downtown shops and Riverwalk, all set within a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Or, catch a show at the Ramsdell Theater, the very place where James Earl Jones began his legendary acting career.
Ready for the great outdoors? You can hike thousands of acres of trails in the Manistee National Forest or unwind at First Street Beach, voted the "#1 Best Lake Beach" in the U.S. by USA TODAY. Learn more at visitmanisteecounty.com.
Scenic Spots
Ready to capture the perfect view? Whether you need an Instagrammable backdrop, a family Christmas card photo, or just a beautiful horizon to look at, we know exactly where you should go. Here is our quick guide to the best scenic spots near Crystal Mountain and how to reach them.
22 miles from Crystal Mountain
Point Betsie Lighthouse
Built in 1857-58, the Point Betsie Lighthouse has served Lake Michigan mariners for over 150 years at the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage. Now, the lighthouse is enjoyed by rock hounds, photographers, and sunset-watchers alike. Guided tours available. For more information visit PointBetsie.org.
Traverse City Tourism
14 miles from Crystal Mountain
Arcadia Overlook
Pulling off M-22 into the Overlook’s scenic turnout, located just north of the village of Arcadia, Lake Michigan dominates the view. Let your eyes wander across the seemingly endless body of water. Hike up the 120 steps (80 vertical ft.) for a breathtaking picture perfect moment! It's easy to see why the overlook is also known as Inspiration Point.
14 miles from Crystal Mountain
Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve
Arcadia Dunes features more than 15 miles of trails winding through nearly 4,000 acres of diverse dune and forest landscapes. A preserve highlight is the popular Overlook Trail, a fully accessible path that starts from the Baldy parking lot. It’s an easy, welcoming walk that rewards everyone with a stunning view of Lake Michigan. Protected, owned, and managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy.
25 miles from Crystal Mountain
Empire Bluff Trail
The Empire Bluff Trail is a great 1.5-mile round-trip hike that takes you up through a beautiful forest to a coastal bluff. The view from the top is stunning, with an observation deck looking out over Lake Michigan. It’s a bit of a workout with a few hills and stairs on the way up, but it's definitely worth it.
17 miles from Crystal Mountain
Manistee River Trail
Stretching over 11 miles between Tippy and Hodenpyle dams, the Manistee River Trail hugs the scenic bluffs of the Big Manistee River. It truly offers something for everyone, featuring mostly flat paths and short, manageable inclines you can tackle at your own pace.
Fun Fact: The trail features "Little Mac," a 245-foot footbridge that is the longest wooden suspension bridge in Michigan's Lower Peninsula!
Let's Go to the Movies
Cherry Bowl Drive In Theatre
15 miles from Crystal Mountain
Step back in time at the Cherry Bowl Drive-In, a unique Michigan gem that's been delighting families since 1954. More than just a place to catch a movie, the Cherry Bowl offers an entire evening of classic entertainment and delicious treats.
Please Note: The Cherry Bowl is only open seasonally.
The Garden Theater
18 miles from Crystal Mountain
The historic Garden Theater has been keeping the movies rolling since 1924. In 2008, a group of local community members bought the building to give it a well-deserved makeover. They completely restored its classic art-deco style while upgrading it into a state-of-the-art theater for Frankfort.
The Vogue Theatre
30 miles from Crystal Mountain
Built in 1938, the historic Vogue Theatre originally opened as an ultra-modern Art Deco landmark. After closing its doors in 2005, the community-led effort gave the theater a second life through a massive renovation project. Reopening in 2013, the revived venue now blends its classic northern Michigan heritage with a modernized movie-going experience.
