Autumn Activities
As the days get shorter and the nights become cooler, nature begins to change into a spectacular show of color. Benzie County is a great place to enjoy the stunning gold and oranges cast against the gorgeous blue Lake Michigan background. Whether you live here or are just visiting for a time, there are plenty of Autumn Activities for you to enjoy.
Crystal Mountain Cam
Thompsonville
Garden Theater Cam
Downtown Frankfort
Frankfort Lighthouse Cam
Frankfort
Harbor Lights Resort Cam
Frankfort
Hike, Bike or Drive
Benzie County is abundant with landscape, rolling hills and scenic overlooks to take in a stunning view. Our most famous M-22 is a fabulous drive from Arcadia in the south to Empire in the north. Take a hike or bike along miles of trails in the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, or the Betsie Valley Trail. If the active is not really your speed, you can take a chairlift ride to the top of Crystal Mountain to see the colors in all their splendor. There are plenty of hilltops to truly take in a breathtaking vista of our beautiful county.
Abundant Harvest
Fall is a time where apples are ripe and the cider is pouring at your local orchard along with fresh doughnuts. Pumpkins are ready to be harvested and hayrides are plentiful. Don't forget your cozy blanket when you curl up in front of a blazing bonfire to roast marshmallows and tell ghost stories.
Fishing
Early Fall is a particularly favored time for the anglers. With the Betsie River & Platte River being an important spawning ground for the Salmon & Steelhead of Lake Michigan, fisherman from all over the world will line the piers, shores and banks to be sure they land a whopper. Not a fisherman or woman? It is simply a spectacular sight to see these fish "run"!
September also brings the opportunity to haul in the elusive Lake Sturgeon from Lake Michigan. Try your hand at landing one of these ancient behemoths.
Check out the State of Michigan DNR site for all the up-to-date information on licenses, seasons and possession limits.
Hunting
Once the colors on the trees begin to change, blaze brange is commonly seen in our local forests. Hunters from near and far take to the woods to bag a buck or two. Rabbit, Game Birds, Squirrel & Fox are among the other critters in season along with Deer. Whether you are hunting as an archer or with a crossbow or firearm, there is plenty of private and public lands to search for game.
Check out the State of Michigan DNR site for all the up-to-date information on licenses, seasons and equipment protocols.
In Other Media
October is National Arts & Humanities Month
Benzie County is home to many talented artists. Painters, Illustrators, Photographers, Designers, Sculptors, Musicians, Thespians and more proudly display their wares in our many Galleries, Studios, Museums, Gardens and Stages.
October is National Arts & Humanities Month, and the Americans For The Arts Foundation has put together a fun and creative social media campaign. Be sure to tag #MakeItBenzie in your posts! Have Fun!
