Lake Michigan House at Inspiration Point Guidebook
Sightseeing
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a short drive in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. It hugs the northeast shore of Lake Michigan and includes South and North Manitou islands. The park is known for the huge scalable dunes of the Dune Climb. Beaches include Platte River Point, where the river flows into the lake. The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail winds through forests and the Port Oneida area with its 19th-century farmsteads. Also stop by the town of Glen, Arbor, MI - a quaint village in heart of Sleeping bear national shoreline. A nice stop if going to Sleeping Bear Dunes. About 30 minutes away.
232 locals recommend
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a short drive in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. It hugs the northeast shore of Lake Michigan and includes South and North Manitou islands. The park is known for the huge scalable dunes of the Dune Climb. Beaches include Platte River Point, where the river flows into the lake. The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail winds through forests and the Port Oneida area with its 19th-century farmsteads. Also stop by the town of Glen, Arbor, MI - a quaint village in heart of Sleeping bear national shoreline. A nice stop if going to Sleeping Bear Dunes. About 30 minutes away.
The Bluffs is a daily-fee golf and dining — club is 5 minutes away—open to the public seven days a week, from mid-April to mid-November each year, weather permitting. There are no private memberships, and every design aspect of the facility fosters enjoyment for guests of all golfing abilities. In addition to the premier layout, guests can enjoy a full-practice range and separate short-game facility. GPS-equipped golf carts are available, or you may take advantage of the caddie program. For Reservations & Tee Times - (800) 494-8666
44 locals recommend
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club
14710 Northwood HwyThe Bluffs is a daily-fee golf and dining — club is 5 minutes away—open to the public seven days a week, from mid-April to mid-November each year, weather permitting. There are no private memberships, and every design aspect of the facility fosters enjoyment for guests of all golfing abilities. In addition to the premier layout, guests can enjoy a full-practice range and separate short-game facility. GPS-equipped golf carts are available, or you may take advantage of the caddie program. For Reservations & Tee Times - (800) 494-8666
We're located in the heart of Arcadia Dunes Nature Preserve, one of the most beautiful places in the world and an area where so many cherished memories are made. Arcadia Sunset beach: https://www.gtrlc.org/recreation-events/preserve/arcadia-south-beach/ Arcadia Dunes: https://www.gtrlc.org/recreation-events/preserve/arcadia-dunes/ Elberta Dunes South: https://www.gtrlc.org/recreation-events/preserve/elberta-dunes-south-natural-area/
Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy
2846 North Three Mile RoadWe're located in the heart of Arcadia Dunes Nature Preserve, one of the most beautiful places in the world and an area where so many cherished memories are made. Arcadia Sunset beach: https://www.gtrlc.org/recreation-events/preserve/arcadia-south-beach/ Arcadia Dunes: https://www.gtrlc.org/recreation-events/preserve/arcadia-dunes/ Elberta Dunes South: https://www.gtrlc.org/recreation-events/preserve/elberta-dunes-south-natural-area/
A must see - a few minutes away. Nature trail. Part of Arcadia Dunes Nature Preserve, you will find yourself "on top of the county" when you reach the Arcadia Overlook (known as "Inspiration Point"). When you travel through the quaint town of Arcadia, you will find yourself at zero elevation right next to the Lake Michigan shores.
The view doesn't stop here-put on your walking shoes and travel up the 120 steps (80 vertical feet) to the top lookout and gaze out on one of the most picturesque views that truly define Manistee County as "Pure Michigan"
Link to blog post on Arcadia Dunes Trails: https://www.traversecity.com/blog/post/arcadia-dunes-trails-two-hidden-gems-for-universal-access-to-nature/?fbclid=IwAR2AZOMOItDXWOrfgDrIbQR4fEFsUAEuLa2VjVQCo7Dl-gJAC4vnGlzOLck
8 locals recommend
Inspiration Point
Michigan 22A must see - a few minutes away. Nature trail. Part of Arcadia Dunes Nature Preserve, you will find yourself "on top of the county" when you reach the Arcadia Overlook (known as "Inspiration Point"). When you travel through the quaint town of Arcadia, you will find yourself at zero elevation right next to the Lake Michigan shores.
The view doesn't stop here-put on your walking shoes and travel up the 120 steps (80 vertical feet) to the top lookout and gaze out on one of the most picturesque views that truly define Manistee County as "Pure Michigan"
Link to blog post on Arcadia Dunes Trails: https://www.traversecity.com/blog/post/arcadia-dunes-trails-two-hidden-gems-for-universal-access-to-nature/?fbclid=IwAR2AZOMOItDXWOrfgDrIbQR4fEFsUAEuLa2VjVQCo7Dl-gJAC4vnGlzOLck
Skiing, golf, spa & fitness are available here. 15 minutes away.
135 locals recommend
Crystal Mountain
Skiing, golf, spa & fitness are available here. 15 minutes away.
We're located in the heart of Arcadia Dunes Nature Preserve with its stunning trails. https://www.gtrlc.org/recreation-events/preserve/arcadia-dunes/
23 locals recommend
Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve
7292 Swamp RdWe're located in the heart of Arcadia Dunes Nature Preserve with its stunning trails. https://www.gtrlc.org/recreation-events/preserve/arcadia-dunes/
We're located in the heart of Arcadia Dunes Nature Preserve with stunning trails for walking and hiking. https://www.gtrlc.org/recreation-events/preserve/arcadia-dunes/
23 locals recommend
Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve
7292 Swamp RdWe're located in the heart of Arcadia Dunes Nature Preserve with stunning trails for walking and hiking. https://www.gtrlc.org/recreation-events/preserve/arcadia-dunes/
The Dunes in Elberta and trails are located 5 minutes north. https://www.gtrlc.org/recreation-events/preserve/elberta-dunes-south-natural-area/
Elberta Dunes South End
The Dunes in Elberta and trails are located 5 minutes north. https://www.gtrlc.org/recreation-events/preserve/elberta-dunes-south-natural-area/
4 minutes away. A new raised walking trail built through the marshes. Beautiful year-round. Fall bird migration is also a great time for viewing amazing sights here. "These marshes are some of the most productive ecosystems in the world, and Arcadia Marsh is one of only 15 or so remaining coastal marshes along Lake Michigan’s Lower Peninsula shoreline."
12 locals recommend
Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve
16791 Northwood Hwy4 minutes away. A new raised walking trail built through the marshes. Beautiful year-round. Fall bird migration is also a great time for viewing amazing sights here. "These marshes are some of the most productive ecosystems in the world, and Arcadia Marsh is one of only 15 or so remaining coastal marshes along Lake Michigan’s Lower Peninsula shoreline."
A great way to spend a day wine tasting through the beautiful Leelanau Peninsula wine trail and stop at wineries along the way. https://www.lpwines.com/
43 locals recommend
Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail
10781 E Cherry Bend RdA great way to spend a day wine tasting through the beautiful Leelanau Peninsula wine trail and stop at wineries along the way. https://www.lpwines.com/
Baldy Trail is a do not miss, one of the first things to do for beautiful sights. More in our guidebook at the about this trail. house.
22 locals recommend
Arcadia Dunes Baldy Trailhead
Trail to BaldyBaldy Trail is a do not miss, one of the first things to do for beautiful sights. More in our guidebook at the about this trail. house.
Food scene
A local favorite (family friendly) with great food and events about 15 minutes away. St. Ambrose Cellars makes mead, wine, beer, and cider from locally sourced ingredients. Try the best in Michigan mead, wine, and beer today! Love the truffle fries and mushroom pizza. Hours and information at: https://www.stambrose-mead-wine.com/
86 locals recommend
St. Ambrose Cellars
841 S Pioneer RdA local favorite (family friendly) with great food and events about 15 minutes away. St. Ambrose Cellars makes mead, wine, beer, and cider from locally sourced ingredients. Try the best in Michigan mead, wine, and beer today! Love the truffle fries and mushroom pizza. Hours and information at: https://www.stambrose-mead-wine.com/
A fun newer local brewery about 15 minutes away. It's located in the heart of the cute small town of Beulah, MI, with a public beach on Crystal Lake, sports options, and shopping.
24 locals recommend
Five Shores Brewing
163 S Benzie BlvdA fun newer local brewery about 15 minutes away. It's located in the heart of the cute small town of Beulah, MI, with a public beach on Crystal Lake, sports options, and shopping.
A fun local brewery with good food about 10 minutes away in the heart of Frankfort, MI with main street shopping and a public beach on Lake Michigan. 9There are 2 Storm Cloud locations: One is a tasting room and the other on Main St has food.)
99 locals recommend
Stormcloud Brewing Company
303 Main StA fun local brewery with good food about 10 minutes away in the heart of Frankfort, MI with main street shopping and a public beach on Lake Michigan. 9There are 2 Storm Cloud locations: One is a tasting room and the other on Main St has food.)
Iron Fish Distillery
14234 Dzuibanek RdFarm to table food and spirits about 15 minutes away.
Organic locally-grown ciders, food and wine at Northern Natural Cider House and Winery, 7220 Chief Rd, Kaleva, MI, about 15 minutes away.
8 locals recommend
Northern Natural Llc
7220 Chief RdOrganic locally-grown ciders, food and wine at Northern Natural Cider House and Winery, 7220 Chief Rd, Kaleva, MI, about 15 minutes away.
Great food on the shores of Portage Lake in Onekama, MI about 10 minutes away.
20 locals recommend
The Glenwood (Closed for the season, reopening May 7, 2021)
4604 Main StreetGreat food on the shores of Portage Lake in Onekama, MI about 10 minutes away.
Road House
1058 Michigan AveRoad House Mexican Bar and Grill, about 15 minutes away.
Crescent Bakery and Cafe
404 Main StFresh bread and donuts baked daily. 10 minutes away.
Craft cocktails, breakfast, lunch and dinner on Bestie Bay in Frankfort, Mi. 10 minutes away.
23 locals recommend
Birch & Maple
727 Main StCraft cocktails, breakfast, lunch and dinner on Bestie Bay in Frankfort, Mi. 10 minutes away.
Vita Bella Italian Kitchen and Market
320 Main StreetItalian kitchen and market. 10 minutes away.
Waterfront (on Betsie Bay) pub and grill with live entertainment in Elberta about 10 minutes away.
30 locals recommend
Cabbage Shed
198 Frankfort AveWaterfront (on Betsie Bay) pub and grill with live entertainment in Elberta about 10 minutes away.
Great very close old-fashioned ice cream shop, located right next to the wonderful Arcadia Marsh walk.
Arcadia Ice House
17073 Northwood HwyGreat very close old-fashioned ice cream shop, located right next to the wonderful Arcadia Marsh walk.
A. Papano's Pizza BEULAH
7803 Crystal DrTake out pizza.
Furnace Street Distillery produces small-batch spirits from high quality ingredients. Drop by our tasting room overlooking Betsie Bay to enjoy our craft spirits — and the best view in the county! (Opening soon - check website: https://www.furnacestreetdistillery.com/)
Furnace Street Distillery, LLC
1121 Furnace StreetFurnace Street Distillery produces small-batch spirits from high quality ingredients. Drop by our tasting room overlooking Betsie Bay to enjoy our craft spirits — and the best view in the county! (Opening soon - check website: https://www.furnacestreetdistillery.com/)
City/town information
A beautiful, fun small town 10 minutes away with a public beach on Lake Michigan and main street dining and shopping.
107 locals recommend
Frankfort
A beautiful, fun small town 10 minutes away with a public beach on Lake Michigan and main street dining and shopping.
Beulah MI is a great small town about 15 minutes away with a public beach on beautiful Cyrstal Lake, with SUP, kayaks and other rentals, main street shopping, and 5 Shores Brewery.
23 locals recommend
Beulah
Beulah MI is a great small town about 15 minutes away with a public beach on beautiful Cyrstal Lake, with SUP, kayaks and other rentals, main street shopping, and 5 Shores Brewery.
55 min drive to Traverse City for shopping, dining options, and events.
260 locals recommend
Traverse City
55 min drive to Traverse City for shopping, dining options, and events.
Glen, Arbor, MI is a quaint village in the heart of Sleeping Bear national shoreline. Visit if going to Sleeping Bear Dunes.
83 locals recommend
Glen Arbor
Glen, Arbor, MI is a quaint village in the heart of Sleeping Bear national shoreline. Visit if going to Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Popular village on the shores of Lake Michigan close to Leelanau Pennisula wineries. About 1 hour away.
145 locals recommend
Leland
Popular village on the shores of Lake Michigan close to Leelanau Pennisula wineries. About 1 hour away.
Boating, Sports, Pickleball, Biking, & More
Arcadia Ice House
17073 Northwood HwyMarina and ice cream shop. Paddleboard rentals. https://www.arcadiamarine.com/
Arcadia Veterans Memorial Marina and boat launch.
https://www.michiganwatertrails.org/location.asp?ait=av&aid=1708
Arcadia Veterans Memorial
17088 1st StreetArcadia Veterans Memorial Marina and boat launch.
https://www.michiganwatertrails.org/location.asp?ait=av&aid=1708
Kayaks, SUPS, bikes, and more. Rentals. Frankfort, MI. https://crystallakeadventuresports.com/
14 locals recommend
Crystal Lake Adventure Sports
312 Main StKayaks, SUPS, bikes, and more. Rentals. Frankfort, MI. https://crystallakeadventuresports.com/
Kayakes, SUPS, biking and more. Rentals. Beulah, MI https://crystallakeadventuresports.com/
14 locals recommend
Crystal Lake Adventure Sports
312 Main StKayakes, SUPS, biking and more. Rentals. Beulah, MI https://crystallakeadventuresports.com/
Pickleball - Indoor and Outdoor Courts. Non-profit. $2 donation recommendation for court use. Unique space for a variety of activities, a game room (ping pong, pool, and foosball tables), fully equipped exercise room, gym, and multipurpose room. (231) 889-7069
Pleaseant Valley Community
3586 Glovers Lake RoadPickleball - Indoor and Outdoor Courts. Non-profit. $2 donation recommendation for court use. Unique space for a variety of activities, a game room (ping pong, pool, and foosball tables), fully equipped exercise room, gym, and multipurpose room. (231) 889-7069
Crystal Lake Marina. 2 locations in Beulah, MI that serves Benzie County and beyond for boating needs. https://crystallakemarina.com
Crystal Lake Marina LLC
7271 Crystal DrCrystal Lake Marina. 2 locations in Beulah, MI that serves Benzie County and beyond for boating needs. https://crystallakemarina.com
Mini Golf course in nearby Benzonia. The Hill Top Soda Shoppe with homemade ice cream and year-round Christmas store attached is just up the road.
11 locals recommend
Crystal Falls Mini Golf & Ice Cream Shop
1405 Michigan AveMini Golf course in nearby Benzonia. The Hill Top Soda Shoppe with homemade ice cream and year-round Christmas store attached is just up the road.
The closest boat launch is just down the road in the village of Arcadia. Its for Arcadia Lake with a channel into Lake Michigan.
There are many other public boat launches nearby, including Bear Lake, Upper and Lower Herring Lake, Crystal Lake, Betsie Bay (also leading into Lake Michigan), Portage Lake, etc.
Boat Ramp
The closest boat launch is just down the road in the village of Arcadia. Its for Arcadia Lake with a channel into Lake Michigan.
There are many other public boat launches nearby, including Bear Lake, Upper and Lower Herring Lake, Crystal Lake, Betsie Bay (also leading into Lake Michigan), Portage Lake, etc.
Local farm with fun wagon rides year round. In the winter when there’s enough snow, sleigh rides are available.
Fantail Farm Wagon & Sleigh Rides
4700 Wallaker RdLocal farm with fun wagon rides year round. In the winter when there’s enough snow, sleigh rides are available.
Casino
Little River Casino
2700 Orchard Hwyhttps://www.lrcr.com/casino - 20 minutes away.
Grocery Stores
Family Fare Supermarket
1002 Forest AveShop-N-Save
1747 Benzie HwyMeijer
15 Caberfae HwyGrow Benzie: is a great nearby farmers market with other events. https://www.growbenzie.org/market
Grow Benzie
5885 Frankfort HwyGrow Benzie: is a great nearby farmers market with other events. https://www.growbenzie.org/market
Local Nearby Farmer's market - https://www.facebook.com/ElbertaCommunityFarmersMarket/ (Seasonal locations.)
Elberta Farmers' Market
Local Nearby Farmer's market - https://www.facebook.com/ElbertaCommunityFarmersMarket/ (Seasonal locations.)
Petals & Perks
429 Main StLocal gourmet food shop, wines, and coffee. Frankfort, Mi
Off The Beaten Trail & Other
Enter A Hidden Wildlife Sanctuary In Northern Michigan. Info here: https://www.gwenfrostic.com
27 locals recommend
Gwen Frostic Prints
5140 River RdEnter A Hidden Wildlife Sanctuary In Northern Michigan. Info here: https://www.gwenfrostic.com
Homemade ice cream, cakes, and year-round Christmas Shoppe! In nearby Benzonia.
8 locals recommend
Hill Top Soda Shoppe
7117 South StHomemade ice cream, cakes, and year-round Christmas Shoppe! In nearby Benzonia.