Snowmobile, Ski, Snowshoe and Fish in Benzie County

Benzie is....Winter Wonderland

Ski the slopes, snowshoe the trails, and fish from the comfort of an ice shanty on one of our lakes.

Snowmobile Trails in Northwest Michigan

Relax and enjoy Benzie's 135 miles of groomed trails and challenging terrain. Trails are marked well with signage and maps can be obtained along the way. Benzie has two groomed trail areas for sled riders. The Platte River Trail can be picked up just east of Honor. Places that can be reached on the Platte River Trail are Empire and Maple City, both in Leelanau County. To the south, the trail crosses U.S. 31 just east  of Thompsonville Rd. The Betsie River Trail begins in Beulah. Parts of the trail are the old railroad bed that is now Betsie Valley Trail for Hiking and Biking during other seasons. The Betsie River Snowmobile Trail goes to Thompsonville. It also contains a sizeable loop that connects with Platte River Trail and will take you into Manistee County south of Thompsonville where you can reach Kaleva, Bear Lake or eventually Manistee. Below you will find links for trail maps. Trail Permits are required to ride and they can be purchased through the designated vendors below. You can always pick up a trail map at one of the stopping points along the trails. Enjoy your ride in Benzie and be safe!

Snowmobile Staging Areas

Platte River Association Hall -  North of US-31, east of Honor.

Thompsonville - Parking area in the village of Thompsonville, off County Rd 669,  North of M-115.

Beulah Trailhead & Visitors Center - Downtown Beulah. Public restrooms

Snowmobile Trail Report

Benzie Area Snowmobile Trail Maps

DNR Designated Snowmobile Trail Map

Michigan Interactive Trail Map

Stay In Benzie this winter with lodging choices from world class resorts to rustic cabins on a lake or a river. You'll be sure to find something near the trails.

Skiing, Snowshoeing, and Ice Fishing

Whether your passion is cross country or downhill skiing, Benzie County has choices to meet your desires.

Snowshoeing is a great adventure for the whole family. Bring your own shoes or make arrangements to rent them. Either way, you'll find Benzie County has many types of trails.

Join in on the excitement of ice fishing on one of our many lakes.

Winter Events

Winterfest in Beulah and Benzonia - Always the 2nd weekend in February.  This fun all day event has something for everyone!

• Pancake Breakfast
• Ice Fishing Contest
• Snowmobile Poker Run
• Free Horse Drawn Hay Ride
• Frozen Fish Toss
• Frozen Turkey Bowling on Crystal Lake
• Fireworks over Crystal Lake
• Bonfire on the Beach

Sponsored by the Crystal Lake Community Business Association. 

Click HERE for more info on this fun day! 

Shiver by the River in Frankfort - Coming in February. Sponsored by the Frankfort-Elberta Area Chamber of Commerce.

• A three-day snocross snowmobile event
• Winter ParadeSnow play area with games and sledding
• Snow sculptures
• Kid's games and activities (indoor and out)
• Kid's sled decorating contest
• Warming zones:   Frankfort Rec Center, City Hall, Frankfort/Elberta Chamber of Commerce, American Legion (food and beer) 231-352-7251

 Stay In Benzie - Play in the Snow!