Benzie County, Michigan

Benzie County is located in northern Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, with the scenic shoreline of Lake Michigan forming its western edge. Though small in size, the county offers an impressive mix of lakes, forests, and outdoor attractions, with Crystal Lake standing out as a popular destination for visitors throughout the year.

Frankfort, the county seat, welcomes visitors with its charming waterfront setting and historic lighthouse. The county’s scenery changes beautifully with the seasons, from colorful fall foliage to snowy winter landscapes that attract visitors looking for cold-weather recreation.

Part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore extends into Benzie County, adding dramatic dunes, beaches, and scenic natural areas to the landscape. With its Great Lakes shoreline, inland lakes, forests, and outdoor recreation, the county captures the classic natural beauty of northern Michigan.

CategoryDetails
County NameBenzie County
County SeatBeulah
EtymologyDerived from a French word “Bec-scie” meaning “sawbill,” referring to a type of bird
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesFrankfort, Beulah, Benzonia, Honor, Thompsonville, Elberta, Lake Ann
Interstates and HighwaysM-22, M-115, US 31
FIPS Code26-019
Total Area (Land and Water)860 square miles (Land: 321 sq mi, Water: 539 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Leelanau County (North), Grand Traverse County (East), Manistee County (South), Wexford County (Southeast)
Time ZoneEastern Time Zone (ET)
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.6296° N, 86.0517° W
Major LandmarksSleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Crystal Lake, Point Betsie Lighthouse, Betsie River
PopulationApproximately 18,000
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