Top 10 Lakes in Benzie County

Crystal Lake is renowned for its exceptional clarity, depth, and cold, hard water, which contribute to its beautiful aqua color. It's a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing, with diverse species like rainbow trout and bass. Public access is available at Beulah Beach, which offers a beach house, playground, and boat launch. The lake is also adjacent to the southern part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Platte Lake is ideal for boating, fishing, and various water sports. The Platte River, which flows through the lake, is excellent for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. Big Platte Lake allows motorized water sports, while Little Platte Lake is better suited for non-motorized activities. Anglers can target bass, pike, and bluegill. The area is also rich in wildlife and close to attractions like Point Betsie Light and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Yes, Benzie County offers excellent fishing opportunities. Crystal Lake is known for rainbow trout, lake trout, and bass. Platte Lake is popular for bass, pike, and bluegill. Upper Herring Lake is particularly recognized as a phenomenal bass lake, especially in late summer when fish hide under cover. Lake Ann also provides ample fishing from shore, boat, or waders, and is popular for ice fishing in winter.

Several lakes in Benzie County are family-friendly. Crystal Lake offers public beaches like the one in Beulah, with amenities like playgrounds. Platte Lake provides opportunities for various water sports and tubing on the Platte River. Lake Ann features numerous public and private beaches, and Burnett Park offers picnic areas and a playground. Additionally, the Old Indian Trail – Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness is a family-friendly trail with access to Lake Michigan shores.

Absolutely. Benzie County boasts extensive trail networks. The Betsie Valley Trail passes by Crystal Lake and joins the Betsie River. The Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve offers trails, including wheelchair-accessible options. Upper Herring Lake Preserve provides hiking and nature trails with a boardwalk. The Lake Ann Pathway offers miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. For more options, explore the Easy hikes in Benzie County guide.

The lakes and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife. Around Platte Lake, you might spot seagulls, ducks, loons, hawks, bald eagles, deer, bears, and red foxes. The Upper Herring Lake Preserve, with its marsh and pond habitats, is also excellent for wildlife viewing. The natural settings of these lakes provide diverse ecosystems for various species.

Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Betsie Valley Trail, which runs past Crystal Lake, features both gravel paths and an asphalt bike lane section. The Lake Ann area also offers miles of biking trails. You can find more cycling routes in the Cycling in Benzie County guide, including loops around Crystal and Platte lakes.

Benzie County lakes offer stunning natural features. Crystal Lake is known for its high-ridged vistas and long sandy beaches. Platte Lake is surrounded by sand dunes formed by glaciers, similar to those at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve and Lake Michigan Overlook provide scenic viewpoints. The Upper Herring Lake Preserve offers a boardwalk through marsh habitats for nature observation.

Yes, Beulah is ideally located on the edge of Crystal Lake and near the Betsie River trail, offering hotels and a public beach. The village of Lake Ann, situated on the northern shore of Lake Ann, has a vibrant downtown with eateries, a brewery (Lake Ann Brewing Company), and historical sites like the Almira Historical Society Museum.

Visitors frequently praise the clear waters and natural beauty of Benzie County's lakes. The opportunity for diverse water activities like swimming, boating, and fishing, combined with extensive hiking and biking trails, makes the region highly appealing. The family-friendly beaches and the serene, natural settings are also often highlighted as key attractions.

Yes, the area provides several options for runners. The Betsie Valley Trail is a popular choice, offering a mix of gravel and asphalt surfaces. You can find various routes, including loops around Betsie Lake and Beulah Beach. For more detailed running routes, consult the Running Trails in Benzie County guide.

Many lakes in Benzie County are known for their exceptional clarity. Crystal Lake, in particular, is named for its very transparent, deep, and clean water, attributed to a small watershed that minimizes pollution. This clarity contributes to the beautiful aqua color of the lake and enhances the swimming and recreational experience.