Posted on September 17, 2025
Frankfort, MI is known as a charming, tight-knit community offering numerous comforts and seasonal celebrations for all who visit. However, when exploring its downtown area or nearby surroundings, there are many considerations such as where to stay, dine, and explore. Join us as we delve into the lovely town of Frankfort and highlight some excellent spots for your upcoming weekend trip to Michigan!
Across the broad shores of Lake Michigan, countless lighthouses stand as guides to and artifacts of the lake's history. Many of the region's lighthouses are considerable sites in their own regards, but few have come to match the simple splendor of the lighthouses at Pointe Bestie and North Breakwater. Pointe Bestie Lighthouse is an operational and historical lighthouse north of Frankfort. With outreach events and dedicated preservation, this station has come to represent Pointe Bestie in all of its calm, lasting wonders. Within sight of Frankfort Beach and downtown, Frankfort North Breakwater sits as a beautiful symbol of the city's history on Arrowhead Breakwaters. This nostalgic site is perfect for sunsets and a lakeside breeze with a nearby park and amenities available for your visit!
Pointe Bestie Lighthouse
3701 Pointe Bestie Rd., Frankfort, MI 49635 | (231) 352-7644 | Website
Frankfort North Breakwater Lighthouse
Mapped Location | Website
Downtown Frankfort has a fantastic selection of locally-owned restaurants and eateries for any occasion. For sweet treats, cold brews, and hot meals, take a look at our suggestions for some worthwhile eats! For an easy going atmosphere and locally sourced dishes, Dinghy's Restaurant & Bar and Slurping Bear Asian Bistro fit for a casual bite at a community staple when roaming the quaint shopping district, with family and friends is when it is enjoyed best. If you have a taste for something reminiscent of the lakefront, Goody's Lobster Shack offers authentic New England cuisine with casual outdoor seating with a feeling of the northeast. Enjoy some of the best seafood this side of the Great Lakes where their spirit is as dedicated as their food! Looking for a brew? The respected and pioneering Stormcloud Brewing Company's downtown pub serves a pleasant beer garden experience with over a dozen taps and a full menu fit for a proper good time. To top it all off, The Cool Spot provides highly reviewed sweet treats throughout the year and with options ranging from sundaes and parfaits to frappes and shakes, assuring any patron will get what they'd like!
Dinghy's Restaurant & Bar
415 Main St., Frankfort, MI 49635 | (231) 399-0256 | Website
Slurping Bear Asian Bistro
320 Main St., Frankfort, MI 49635 | (231) 399-0058 | Website
Stormcloud Brewing Company
303 Main St., Frankfort, MI 49635 | (231) 352-0118 | Website
Goody's Lobster Shack
515 Main St., Frankfort, MI 49635 | No Number Available | Website
The Cool Spot
306 Main St., Frankfort, MI 49635 | (231) 352-7312 | Website
Port City Smokehouse
1000 Main St., Frankfort, MI 49635 | (231) 352-9192 | Website
Lake Michigan boasts numerous beaches and coastal attractions, with the Frankfort area featuring some of the most well-maintained and cherished shores. With proximity to downtown, Frankfort Beach sits on the edge of the Betsie River and Frankfort with views of the North Breakwater Lighthouse. While busy, it has decent amenities and is one of the more accessible waterfronts in the region. If you want something a bit more inland, Crystal Lake Public Beach is one of a few publicly accessible beaches on the beautiful Crystal Lake. With an adjacent park, this spot is perfect for a day on the water. For a quieter spot, Elberta Beach is perfect with its smaller community on the southern side of Betsie Lake while still having great views but unfortunately lacking amenities. Alternatively, if you happen to be visiting its adored lighthouse the Pointe Bestie Lighthouse Beach with its remarkable sunsets, rocky shore, and fresh air has attracted countless visitors for good reason. When looking for some sunshine, look no further!
Frankfort Beach
Fr Marquette Cir., Frankfort, MI 49635 | (231) 352-7117 | Website / Website
Crystal Lake Public Beach
267 South Shore Dr. W, Frankfort, MI 49635 | No Number Available | Website
Elbertas Beach (Ebeach)
Bye Rd., Elberta, MI 49628 | (231) 651-9626 | Website
Pointe Bestie Lighthouse Beach
3485 Pointe Bestie Rd., Frankfort, MI 49635 | No Number Available | Website
The state's many miles of wilderness is one of many interests that tourists flock to Michigan! And the area near Frankfort is no exception with plenty of great trails and nature reserves. If you are looking for a pleasant, long ride, take a look at Bestie Valley Trail with 22 miles of paved and aggregate pathing for biking excursions and short treks. For more forested paths, the Old Indian Trail and Green Point Dunes Trailhead both offer novice, well-marked hikes to secluded waterfronts and throughout impressive forest lands.
Betsie Valley Trail
Betsie Valley Trail, Frankfort, MI 49635 | Website
Old Indian Trail
4349 North Scenic Hwy., Honor, MI 49640 | Website
Green Point Dunes Trailhead
Green Point Road, Frankfort, MI 49635 | (231) 929-7911 | Website
Manistee, MI to Traverse City, MI | (888) 784-7328 | Website
What could fit a good stay in the Lower Peninsula than visiting the amazing views of both urban and natural sprawl? And why settle for anything but the best scenic drive in the region? The iconic M-22 Scenic Byway runs from Traverse City to Manistee along the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline with stops across the Leelanau Peninsula and down the west boast, one of which is our town Frankfort, MI! Along the way, there are many opportunities for historical, cultural and recreational exploration throughout the ride, so be sure to take it easy and enjoy the ride!