Population17,970 (2020 Census)
Lake Breezes, Dune Trails and Village Stops
Benzie County, MichiganBenzie County connects Lake Michigan beaches, Crystal Lake communities and wooded trails with small town places to eat and browse. Explore Point Betsie’s lighthouse history, meet alpacas near Frankfort, or walk among outdoor sculptures at Michigan Legacy Art Park. Beulah and Benzonia offer shops and dining, while the Betsie Valley Trail links several communities. This guide also brings together schools, libraries, public transportation and county services for everyday needs alongside your next outing.
Benzie County at a Glance
Population17,970 (2020 Census)
County SeatBeulah
Largest MunicipalityAlmira Township (3,873; 2020 population within county)
Established1863; organized in 1869
ZIP Codes11 ZIP codes wholly or partly within the county
Total Area859.6 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Major RoutesUS-31, M-22 and M-115
Area Codes231
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Discover Benzie County
Benzie County
Created in 1863 and organized in 1869, Benzie County’s story is closely tied to its lakeshore and inland communities. Point Betsie Lighthouse preserves a chapter of navigation history on Lake Michigan, while the Betsie Valley Trail follows a former railroad corridor through the county. Today, protected dunes, village centers and the shores of Crystal Lake help define the landscape. Libraries and local heritage organizations provide starting points for further research, and the county seat at Beulah remains an important center for public business.
Daily life moves between Frankfort, Elberta, Beulah, Benzonia, Lake Ann and Thompsonville, with school and library service areas that do not always match postal boundaries. Benzie Bus connects residents with destinations around the county, and senior services can help eligible residents explore transportation options. Shops and restaurants often adjust their schedules seasonally. Before a special trip, check opening details with the business, confirm your route and allow time to enjoy a nearby shoreline or trail.
What Shapes Us
Coastal Heritage
Point Betsie Lighthouse offers a window into Lake Michigan navigation history, with seasonal tours and visitor information that help families plan a visit to the shore.
Connected Trails
The Betsie Valley Trail links communities along a former railroad corridor, while nearby preserves offer different woodland and dune walks with their own terrain and rules.
Village Browsing
Beulah, Benzonia and Frankfort bring together independent shops, restaurants and community spaces, giving visitors reasons to pause between outdoor stops and explore on foot.
Let the lakeshore lead you toward a new discovery.
Around Benzie County
Around Benzie County
Places, landscapes and community stories
Benzie County Central Schools
HOMECOMING DINNER OCTOBER 10 - The Cold Creek Inn and Restaurant
Calling all High School students......The Cold Creek Inn and Restaurant is offering some tasty fuel up before the…
Read the Story Oct 8, 2026 • 2 min read
Around Benzie County
Stories from every corner of Benzie County.
HOMECOMING DINNER OCTOBER 10 - The Cold Creek Inn and Restaurant
Calling all High School students......The Cold Creek Inn and Restaurant is offering some tasty fuel up before the…
Oct 8, 2026 • 2 min read
HOMECOMING DINNER OCTOBER 10 - The Cold Creek Inn and Restaurant
Calling all High School students......The Cold Creek Inn and Restaurant is offering some tasty fuel up before the…
Oct 8, 2026 • 2 min read
Bond & Sinking Fund Project Updates
The financial commitment from our tax payers has allowed Benzie County Central Schools toenhance our infrastructure-including new roofs,…
Oct 8, 2026 • 2 min read
Benzie Central Hiking Club - Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve, near Elberta
The Benzie Central Hiking Club is hosting an evening hike at Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve, near Elberta,…
Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read
BENZIE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL - IN HONOR OF YOUR SERVICE MEMBER THIS VETERANS DAY
BENZIE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL IN HONOR OF YOUR SERVICE MEMBER THIS VETERANS DAYI observance of Veterans Day, we invite you…
Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
County Resources
Find the right local resource
Use these resources to connect with public offices, essential services and community organizations in Benzie County. Visit the linked provider for current details before making a trip.
County Government
Board Of Commissioners — County board meetings and public business.
County Clerk — County records and elections.
Treasurer — County tax and payment information.
Register of Deeds — Recorded property documents.
Equalization — Assessment resources and county property information.
Schools and Education
Confirm school assignment and program eligibility using your own address.
Benzie County Central Schools — District schools, enrollment and family resources.
Frankfort-Elberta Area Schools — District information and enrollment.
Northwest Education Services — Regional educational support serving Benzie County.
Traverse City Area Public Schools — Serves part of the northeastern county; confirm your address with the district.
Northwestern Michigan College — Regional college in Traverse City, outside Benzie County.
Hospitals
Call 911 for an emergency. The two regional hospitals listed are outside the county.
Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital — Frankfort; local hospital and service information.
Munson Medical Center — Traverse City, outside Benzie County.
Manistee Hospital — Manistee, outside Benzie County.
Public Safety
Benzie County Sheriff — County law enforcement contacts.
Animal Control — Animal-control contacts and reporting information.
Benzie Central Dispatch — Dispatch information; call 911 for emergencies.
Michigan State Police — State police contacts and public safety services.
DNR Law Enforcement — Conservation enforcement and outdoor rules.
Emergency Services
Benzie Emergency Management — Preparedness and county emergency coordination.
Benzie EMS — County ambulance-service information; call 911 for an emergency.
Benzie Central Dispatch — Emergency dispatch and local contact information.
Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department — Public health notices and preparedness information.
Centra Wellness Network — Regional behavioral health and crisis-service contacts.
Regional State Parks
These state parks are outside Benzie County. Sleeping Bear Dunes is a national lakeshore, with separate National Park Service rules.
Orchard Beach State Park — Manistee County; check park access and current notices.
Leelanau State Park — Leelanau County; regional camping and recreation information.
Traverse City State Park — Grand Traverse County; campground closure is listed through the 2026 season, with day use open.
Trails and Nature Walks
Betsie Valley Trail — A route connecting Frankfort, Elberta, Beulah and Thompsonville; check section conditions and dog restrictions.
Railroad Point Natural Area — Woodland walking near Crystal Lake; follow posted property rules.
Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve — Dune and forest walking with Lake Michigan scenery.
Elberta Dunes South Natural Area — Dune terrain and a Lake Michigan shoreline setting.
Michigan Legacy Art Park — Woodland sculpture trails at Crystal Mountain; review admission and access information.
Utilities
Service availability varies by address. Municipal water and private well arrangements differ.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative — Electric service in parts of Benzie County; confirm your address.
Consumers Energy — Account and service information in its coverage area.
MPSC electric service area map — Identify the electric provider for an address.
Village of Benzonia — Municipal contacts for village water services.
Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department — Private well and septic information through Environmental Health.
Libraries
Benzonia Public Library — Benzonia; collections and community programs.
Benzie Shores District Library — Frankfort; borrowing, technology and library events.
Darcy Library of Beulah — Beulah; library services and activities.
Betsie Valley District Library — Thompsonville; collections and programs.
Almira Township Library — Lake Ann; call 231-275-0271 for current library information.
Courts
19th Judicial Circuit Court — County court information and contacts.
85th District Court — County court information and contacts.
Probate Court — County court information and contacts.
MiCOURT case search — Choose the appropriate Benzie court to search available records.
Michigan Legal Help — Self-help information and court forms; not a substitute for an attorney.
Driver and Vehicle Services
Official statewide services available to county residents.
Michigan Secretary of State — license and ID renewal — Review renewal options and documents.
Michigan Secretary of State — vehicle tabs — Renew vehicle registration.
Michigan Secretary of State — titles and registration — Prepare for a vehicle transfer.
Michigan Secretary of State — address changes — Update your address with the department.
Michigan Secretary of State — disability parking — Find placard application and renewal information.
Michigan self-service stations — Find a nearby kiosk and check supported transactions.
Transportation
Benzie Bus — Public transit booking, routes and service information.
Benzie Senior Resources — Ask about transportation assistance and eligibility for senior programs.
Benzie County Road Commission — County road maintenance and project information.
MDOT Mi Drive — State road construction and travel conditions.
Michigan public transit providers — Official contacts for neighboring transit systems when planning regional travel.
Postal Services
Official USPS tools for local mailing and delivery needs.
USPS Post Office locator — Search your town or ZIP for nearby offices and services.
USPS ZIP Code lookup — Confirm the mailing ZIP for a specific street address.
USPS Hold Mail — Arrange a temporary mail hold.
USPS Change of Address — Use the official postal address-change service.
USPS PO Boxes — Find and manage a post office box.
USPS package pickup — Check and schedule an eligible pickup.
Veterans Resources
Official statewide services available to county residents.
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency — Connect with state benefits assistance and local support.
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund — Review emergency-assistance options and eligibility.
VA health care enrollment — Find enrollment guidance.
Veterans education benefits — Explore federal and state education programs.
Veteran Readiness and Employment — Learn about employment and rehabilitation support.
Veterans burial benefits — Find benefit and memorial planning resources.
Employment and Training
Official statewide services available to county residents.
Michigan Works! — Find the workforce agency serving your area.
Michigan Rehabilitation Services — Employment support for eligible people with disabilities.
Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency — Claims, account help and program information.
Michigan Reconnect — Check eligibility for community college tuition support.
Veterans Employment Services — Career assistance for eligible veterans.
Workforce education and training — Explore state training programs and pathways.
Make yourself at home
Practical answers for residents and visitors
County Questions
Know Before You Go
Find answers to common questions about exploring and living in Benzie County.
Point Betsie Lighthouse offers seasonal visits and tours. Check the current schedule, ticket information and visitor restrictions before arriving.
Betsie Valley Trail links Frankfort, Elberta, Beulah and Thompsonville. Check its maps and current notices before selecting a section.
No. The trail’s published rules prohibit dogs between Mollineaux Road and Beulah. On permitted sections, dogs must be leashed and under control.
Michigan Legacy Art Park combines sculpture with a wooded trail setting. Review admission, terrain and visit information before choosing your outing.
Railroad Point Natural Area, Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve and Elberta Dunes South Natural Area offer public nature access without an admission charge. Follow each property’s posted rules and choose terrain suitable for your group.
Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm & Boutique offers farm experiences. Check its current options and reservation requirements; the boutique is a separate shopping stop.
The Cherry Hut serves seasonal meals in Beulah, while Cherry Hut Products has a Benzonia retail location. Check each location’s current opening schedule.
Benzie Bus provides local public transit. Contact the provider or use its booking information to confirm the trip and service requirements.
Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital is the local hospital. Regional hospital links are also listed separately in this guide. Call 911 for an emergency.
No. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is managed by the National Park Service. Check its own entrance-pass rules and current notices rather than relying on Michigan state park requirements.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Find Something Fun
Make a day of itExplore places to eat, shop and spend time together.
Kids’ Fun
- Point Betsie Lighthouse — Seasonal lighthouse visits and tours; check opening dates and ticket requirements.
- Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm & Boutique — Farm experiences near Frankfort; check availability and booking details.
- Crystal Mountain — Seasonal family recreation near Thompsonville; activities and tickets vary.
Restaurants
- The Cherry Hut — Seasonal Beulah dining and cherry specialties.
- Stormcloud Brewing Company — Frankfort pub dining; check the pub menu and hours.
- The Roadhouse Mexican Bar & Grill — Mexican dining in Benzonia; check the posted calendar for temporary closures.
Shopping & Retail
- 254 South — Beulah lifestyle shop with clothing, art and repurposed goods; seasonal hours.
- Cherry Hut Products — Cherry products and gifts at the Benzonia retail store.
- Crystal Lake Alpaca Boutique — Alpaca clothing and accessories near Frankfort.
Clothing & Boutiques
- 254 South — Beulah lifestyle shop with clothing, art and repurposed goods; seasonal hours.
- Gallys — Women’s apparel in Beulah.
- Crystal Lake Alpaca Boutique — Alpaca clothing and accessories near Frankfort.
Outdoor Fun
- Betsie Valley Trail — A route connecting Frankfort, Elberta, Beulah and Thompsonville; check section conditions and dog restrictions.
- Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve — Dune and forest walking with Lake Michigan scenery.
- Michigan Legacy Art Park — Woodland sculpture trails at Crystal Mountain; review admission and access information.
Free Things To Do
- Railroad Point Natural Area — Free public nature access; follow posted trail, terrain and property rules.
- Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve — Free public nature access; follow posted trail, terrain and property rules.
- Elberta Dunes South Natural Area — Free public nature access; follow posted trail, terrain and property rules.
Your next local discovery starts here.Explore the listings