Explore Northern Michigan
Adventure Is Just Outside Your Door
One of the best things about staying at Crystal Adventures Vacation Properties is the location. Our cottages are in Thompsonville, Michigan, right in the heart of Benzie County and surrounded by the things that make a Northern Michigan getaway special.
Spend the morning hiking through the woods, the afternoon swimming in Lake Michigan, and the evening watching the sun disappear over the water. Explore charming small towns, discover local restaurants and shops, paddle a river, climb the dunes at Sleeping Bear, or simply find a quiet beach and enjoy the day.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, family fun, or a little bit of everything, you’ll find plenty to explore within an easy drive of your cottage.
Crystal Mountain
Right Here in Thompsonville
Crystal Mountain is one of the area’s biggest attractions—and it’s practically in our backyard.
This four-season resort offers something for every season, including skiing and snowboarding in winter, golf, hiking, biking and family activities in warmer months, plus dining, spa services and special events throughout the year.
It’s also home to the Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide, chairlift rides and other outdoor adventures.
For guests staying at Crystal Adventures, Crystal Mountain is an easy place to spend a few hours—or an entire day.
Lake Michigan
Beaches, Sunsets & Endless Water
Lake Michigan is one of the main reasons people fall in love with this part of Michigan.
From Thompsonville, you’re within easy reach of some beautiful Lake Michigan beaches, including Frankfort, Elberta, Point Betsie and the shoreline around Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Spend the day swimming, walking the beach, looking for beach glass, fishing, kayaking or simply relaxing in the sand.
And don’t miss the sunsets. There is something special about watching the sun disappear over Lake Michigan.
Frankfort Beach
Frankfort Public Beach And Playground
Frankfort’s Lake Michigan beach is a wonderful place for families and anyone looking for an easy beach day. The beach is right next to downtown, making it easy to combine swimming and sunbathing with lunch, ice cream, shopping or a stroll through town.
Walk the pier, enjoy the lake views and watch the boats come into the harbor.
Point Betsie Lighthouse
A Northern Michigan Icon
Just north of Frankfort sits one of the most photographed landmarks on the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Point Betsie Lighthouse dates back to the 1850s and offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Explore the historic lighthouse grounds, learn about the area’s maritime history and then walk the shoreline.
It’s also an exceptional place to watch a Lake Michigan sunset.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
One of Michigan’s Must-See Destinations
A trip to Northern Michigan isn’t complete without visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes.
The national lakeshore stretches along miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and features enormous sand dunes, beaches, forests, inland lakes, scenic overlooks and miles of hiking trails.
Take on the famous Dune Climb, explore the trails, visit the historic villages and farms, or simply find a quiet stretch of beach.
It’s the kind of place you’ll want to come back to again.
Frankfort & Elberta
Small-Town Charm on Lake Michigan
The nearby communities of Frankfort and Elberta are perfect for a relaxed Northern Michigan afternoon.
Browse local shops and galleries, grab lunch or ice cream, walk along the waterfront, visit the beach or watch the boats move through Betsie Lake.
Frankfort is particularly beautiful in the evening when the harbor and Lake Michigan become the backdrop for one of the area’s spectacular sunsets.
Betsie Valley Trail
Walk, Bike & Explore
The Betsie Valley Trail is a 22-mile multi-use trail running from Thompsonville all the way to Frankfort on Lake Michigan.
That makes it particularly special for guests staying at Crystal Adventures—the trail begins right here in Thompsonville.
The trail passes through forests, fields, wetlands, small communities and beautiful northern Michigan scenery before reaching the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Bring your bikes, lace up your hiking shoes or simply explore a section of the trail at your own pace.
Crystal Lake & Benzie County
Clear Water & Quiet Places
Lake Michigan gets the attention, but don’t overlook the beautiful inland lakes of Benzie County.
Crystal Lake is one of the area’s favorites, offering clear water, sandy beaches, boating, kayaking, fishing and beautiful shoreline scenery.
The surrounding communities of Beulah and Benzonia offer small-town shops, restaurants and places to slow down and enjoy the day.
Benzie County is also home to numerous rivers, forests, parks and natural areas that are perfect for hiking, fishing, paddling and wildlife watching.
Hiking & Nature
Get Outside
You don’t have to travel far to find a great trail.
The forests and natural areas surrounding Thompsonville offer miles of opportunities for hiking, biking, wildlife watching and simply getting away from the crowds.
Explore the Betsie River, the Pere Marquette State Forest, Arcadia Dunes and the trails surrounding Crystal Mountain.
In autumn, the area becomes especially beautiful as the hardwood forests turn brilliant shades of red, orange and gold.
Interlochen Center for the Arts
Music, Theater & the Arts
Looking for something a little different?
Interlochen Center for the Arts is a nationally recognized destination for music, theater, dance and the visual arts. Throughout the year, Interlochen hosts performances and events featuring students, professional artists and nationally known performers.
It’s a wonderful option for an evening out during your stay.
Traverse City
Shopping, Dining & More
When you’re ready for a little city life, Traverse City is an easy day trip from Thompsonville.
Explore downtown shops and restaurants, walk along the waterfront, visit local wineries and breweries, or simply spend the day exploring the many communities surrounding Grand Traverse Bay.
Traverse City also makes a great starting point for exploring the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas.
Four Seasons of Adventure
There’s Never Really an Off-Season
Northern Michigan changes dramatically with the seasons—and that’s part of what makes it so special.
Spring brings wildflowers, fresh green forests, fishing and quiet trails.
Summer means beaches, swimming, boating, kayaking, biking, golf and long Lake Michigan sunsets.
Fall brings spectacular color, cool hiking weather, scenic drives and crisp evenings around the fire.
Winter transforms the area into a snowy playground with skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Whatever time of year you visit, there is always another trail to explore, another beach to discover and another small town to wander through.
Come Explore
You don’t have to plan every minute of your vacation.
That’s one of the best things about staying at Crystal Adventures.
Start your day with a cup of coffee on the porch. Pick a direction. Find a beach, a trail, a small town or a local restaurant you’ve never tried.
Then come back to your cottage, slow down and enjoy the quiet.
Crystal Adventures Vacation Properties is your home base for exploring Northern Michigan.
Stay with us. Explore everything around you. Make your own adventure.