Local attractions
near crystal mountain
Just beyond Crystal Mountain lies a world of adventure. Discover the beauty of Benzie County and beyond!
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 18 MILES FROM CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN
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.
Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, Empire - 25 miles away
Find a wealth of information about the park and the natural and human history of the area.
Directions from Crystal Mountain to Visitor Center »
Southern Park Entrance, Benzie County - 18 miles away
The southern park entrance on scenic highway M-22 in Benzie County is the closest park entrance to Crystal Mountain. Make a quick stop to get a photo with the national park sign!
Directions from Crystal Mountain to Southern Entrance »
Frankfort, Michigan - 17 miles from crystal mountain
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.
Directions from Crystal Mountain »
Point Betsie Lighthouse - 22 Miles from Crystal Mountain
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.
Directions from Crystal Mountain »
M-22 SCENIC DRIVE - 12 MILES FROM CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN
This 116-mile stretch of road holds winding turns through beautiful forests combined with awe-inspiring views of Lake Michigan. Taking a drive on M-22 will always be a favorite of tourists and locals, but when the ocean of green leaves fade to brilliant waves of red, yellow and orange in the fall, this drive is a must. It's best described as “Pure Michigan”.
Learn more about M-22 »
Directions from Crystal Mountain »
ARCADIA OVERLOOK - 14 MILES FROM CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN
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.
Directions from Crystal Mountain »
museums & DISCOVERY CENTERS
The Benzie Area Historical Society & Museum
The museum features permanent exhibits showcasing virtually all aspects of life in Benzie County since its inception in 1869 plus more than 37,000 artifacts in their collection.
COGNiTiON Science and Discovery Center
COGNiTiON is an interactive science playground captivating the community and lifelong learners. Enjoy a hands-on center full of intimate exhibits that capture big ideas in creative ways!
Oliver Art Center
The purpose of the Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts is to maintain an educational program and facility for the advancement of the arts. The Art Center also works to promote and develop the visual, performing, culinary, and literary arts in Benzie County and the surrounding area. Features a gallery, gift shop, events, classes and more.
Nearby Bike Trails
In addition to on-site mountain biking, Crystal Mountain's trails also connect to the 10-mile Betsie River Pathway. We also recommend a handful of local trails, all within a short drive from Crystal Mountain:
• Betsie Valley Trail - This mellow trail is built on the bed of the former Ann Arbor Railroad and showcases the scenic beauty of Benzie County, traveling 22 miles from the village of Thompsonville to the city of Frankfort on Lake Michigan.
• North Country Trail - An advanced to expert level trail with climbs and descents in the hills above the Manistee River.
• Dry Hill Trails in Arcadia Dunes - Two fast flowing and fun loops, home to the annual Arcadia Grit & Gravel Mountain Bike Race.
• Big-M Recreation Area - Approximately 30 miles south of Crystal Mountain, Big-M features 40+ miles of mountain biking trails carved out of the Manistee National Forest.
Local Hiking Trails
Our corner of northwest lower Michigan is a hiker's paradise. From secluded wooded pathways to dazzling lakeshore vistas, hikers of all ages will find trails worth exploring again and again.
Our on-property trail system connects to the 10-mile Betsie River Pathway in the Pere Marquette State Forest. Also, the beautiful 22-mile Betsie Valley Trail is easily accessible, stretching from the nearby village of Thompsonville to the city of Frankfort on Lake Michigan. Also, many of the hiking trails in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are within a scenic 30 minute drive from Crystal Mountain.
Some of our favorite, off-property hiking trails are located just a short drive from Crystal Mountain and are protected by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. Here are some treasured GTRLC hikes:
• Misty Acres: The Borwell Preserve - 4 miles away. Map to Trailhead »
• Arcadia Dunes: Pete's Woods Trail - 9 miles away. Map to Trailhead »
• Arcadia Dunes: Dry Hill Trails - 12.5 miles away. Map to Trailhead »
• Arcadia Dunes: Baldy Trails - 13 miles away. Includes the universally accessible Overlook Trail (pictured above). Map to Trailhead »
• Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve - 14.7 miles away. Map to Trailhead »
• Upper Herring Lake Nature Preserve - 15 miles away. Map to Trailhead »
• Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve - 16 miles away. Map to Trailhead »
• Elberta Dunes South Natural Area - 17 miles away. Map to Trailhead »
Or get adventurous and explore the extensive trail networks of Manistee County, our neighboring county to the south. Local favorites include the Manistee River Trail and Big-M Recreation Area.
Pet rules vary by trail. If you are traveling with a pet, we recommend confirming in advance if furry friends can join your off-property hike.
Nearby Rivers
Northern Michigan can be best explored by canoe, kayak or tube!
• Platte River - The Lower Platte is perfect for your mellow canoe, kayak or tubing trip and a great spot for families. Located 18 miles from Crystal Mountain in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. We recommend reserving in advance through Riverside Canoes.
• Betsie River - Swift but steady, the Betsie River is geared for experienced canoe and kayak paddlers. Located 1 mile from Crystal Mountain. We recommend reserving with Betsie River Canoes and Campground.
• Big Manistee River - This wide and smooth flowing river is great for both beginners and experienced adventurers. Located 20 miles from Crystal Mountain. For rentals and more info, check out Manistee Adventures and Pine River Paddlesports.
Family Friendly Beaches
Summertime in northern Michigan can't be beat, especially along the Lake Michigan shoreline. These beaches are pristine, expansive, near great places to eat and shop, plus feature playground equipment for the kids!
- Frankfort Public Beach & Playground - Frankfort, 17 miles away. Directions »
- Arcadia Beach - Arcadia, 15 miles away. Directions »
- Empire Beach - Empire, 26 miles away. Directions »
- Fifth Avenue Beach - Manistee, 30 miles away. Directions »
- First Street Beach & Douglas Park - Manistee, 31 miles away. Directions »
- Clinch Park - Traverse City, 32 miles away. Directions »
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES BEACHES
Nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a beachgoer's delight. But don't forget your Park Pass and to bring along your amenities. Here are a couple of our closest favorites in the park:
- Esch Beach - Benzie County, 22 miles away. Directions »
- Platte River Point Beach - Benzie County, 21 miles away. Directions »
- Peterson Beach - Benzie County, 20 miles away. Directions »
Unique Attractions
These fun roadside stops are a must-do on your northern Michigan roadtrip!
- Gravity Hill: Prepare for a curious roadside attraction where gravity seems to take a little detour! Find the crossroads of Putney Road and Joyfield Road, nestled between US 31 and M22. Drive south on Putney Road from Joyfield Road, keeping an eye out for a "Stop Ahead" sign on the eastern side of the road. Drive about 150 to 200 feet, bring your vehicle to a stop and slip it into neutral. You'll start to mysteriously roll uphill to the Blaine Christian Church. You can even try it with a bike or skateboard!
- Glass Bottle House: Imagine a structure so unique it earned a spot on the National Historic Register and a feature in Ripley's Believe It or Not! Crafted in 1941, this remarkable building arose from a staggering 60,000 bottles sourced from the local bottling works. Today, it's a historical museum of the Kaleva area.
- 45th Parallel: Prepare for a quirky geographical thrill- standing smack-dab on the 45th parallel, that magical midpoint between the North Pole and the Equator! Strike a pose at not just one, but two awesome photo ops nearby: one in the charming Suttons Bay, the other a little north of vibrant Traverse City.
- World's Largest Cherry Pie Pan: Traverse City once baked a record-breaking cherry pie in an enormous 18-foot wide, 26-inch deep tin. Hundreds of volunteers helped create the massive pie, using 510 buckets of filling, and feeding around 35,000 people. Though Oliver, BC later made a heavier pie, Traverse City still boasts the "World's Largest Cherry Pie Tin" since the Canadians didn't keep theirs.