Phenomenal Lakes Around Benzie County
Benzie County is home to some of Michigan’s most beautiful lakes, each offering unique recreational opportunities, rich history, and abundant wildlife. Let’s explore three standout lakes in the area.
Ann Lake – Lake Ann, MI
Ann Lake is a 530-acre basin along the Platte River, which eventually flows into Lake Michigan. With 80% of its shoreline privately owned, public access is somewhat limited. Despite its smaller size, high-speed boats and jet skis are permitted between 11 AM and 7:30 PM. For those seeking a quieter experience, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are also popular activities.
The lake reaches a maximum depth of 70 feet and was named after Ann Wheelock, the wife of Addison Wheelock, the first to build a home on its shores. Ann Lake is home to Loons, which are endangered in Michigan, with fewer than 200 pairs left. Boaters must maintain a distance of at least 300 feet when encountering these birds.
Fishing enthusiasts will find an abundance of bass and pike, along with black crappie, bluegill, rock bass, and yellow perch. Public access is available at the Lake Ann State Forest Campground, a DNR boat launch, and Lake Ann Beach (also known as Almira Township Lakefront Park), which offers a swimming area, picnic tables, grills, and pavilions in the heart of Lake Ann.
Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake, Michigan’s 9th largest inland lake, spans an impressive 9,854 acres with a maximum depth of 165 feet. Originally known as Cap Lake for its frequent whitecaps, it underwent an attempted connection to Lake Michigan in 1873. However, since Crystal Lake sits at a higher elevation, the effort failed, causing the water level to drop by 20 feet. This unintended consequence uncovered the now sandy shores of Beulah Beach.
Cold Creek is the lake’s largest tributary, and anglers can expect to catch rainbow trout, lake trout, bass, yellow perch, rock bass, burbot, lake whitefish, and rainbow smelt.
For public access, Beulah Beach, located in downtown Beulah, offers a beach house, tennis courts, a playground, parking, a dock, and a boat launch. Other access points include the Crystal Lake DNR Boat Launch, Crystal Lake Beach in Frankfort, and Railroad Point/Mollineaux Beach. The latter is a more secluded local favorite, though it requires insider knowledge for access and caution due to the abundance of poison ivy.
Platte Lake
Platte Lake is divided into Big Platte and Little Platte, which are connected by the Platte River before emptying into Lake Michigan. Big Platte spans 2,516 acres and reaches a maximum depth of 95 feet. Approximately 3 million gallons of water flow through this lake per hour, making the Platte River a prime spot for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing.
Big Platte permits motorized water sports, while Little Platte is a haven for non-motorized water activities. With 98% of its shoreline privately owned, public access is limited to two boat launches. The best way to enjoy the beaches is by renting a cabin at one of the many resorts lining the lake.
The marshy shoreline provides a habitat for a diverse array of wildlife. Sightings include white-tailed deer, bears, red-tailed foxes, otters, painted turtles, snapping turtles, loons, swans, herons, and even bald eagles. The lake is also teeming with fish such as bass, rock bass, northern pike, walleye, brown bullhead, chinook salmon, sticklebacks, bluegill, and perch. Some pike in the lake grow to impressive sizes—I’ve personally seen one as long as my kayak!
Explore Benzie County’s Lakes
Whether you’re looking for high-speed water sports, peaceful paddling, excellent fishing, or stunning wildlife viewing, Benzie County’s lakes offer something for everyone. From the historic waters of Crystal Lake to the secluded beauty of Platte Lake, these phenomenal destinations showcase the natural charm of Benzie County.
Pack your gear and explore these incredible lakes—you never know what you might discover!