Looking for the best things to do in Frankfort, Michigan? Just south of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Frankfort is an adorable small town on Lake Michigan with great hiking, breweries, food, and more. Check out all that Frankfort has to offer!

Why this blog? Hi there! My name is Maddy and I’ve been working as an outdoor guide and Midwest outdoor writer since 2018. I grew up exploring the woods of Northern Michigan, have guided literally countless sea kayaking trips on Lake Superior and my goal is to help people get outside and appreciate everything the Great Lakes has to offer! I’m stoked to show you around!

Oh hey there! This article uses affiliate links. That means if you chose to make a purchase, I make a small kickback at no additional cost to you. Additionally, the experiences and images used in this blog post were created while on a project with Traverse City Tourism.

Best Things to do in Frankfort, Michigan

From the best hiking trails and sunset spots to cozy cabins and the best places to eat, check out this ultimate guide to Frankfort, Michigan:

1) Visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes begin just a few minutes drive north from Frankfort, and are one of the best destinations in the Midwest for folks looking for a tropical-like vacation spot. The Sleeping Bear Dunes have great hiking, biking, kayaking, beaches and more.

I recommend checking out the Point Betsie Lighthouse, the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, and kayaking the Crystal River. One of my favorite things to do in the Sleeping Bear Dunes is to watch the sunset over Lake Michigan — it really makes you realize how BIG the lake is — and there are so many great spots to do this along the scenic drive!

READ: Ultimate Guide to the Sleeping Bear Dunes

2) Check out St. Ambrose Cellars

St. Ambrose Cellars, located near Frankfort, Michigan, is a super cute meadry also serving wood-fired pizza! This place is worth a visit for the bee-themed products, adorable barn, and overall fun atmosphere.

3) Visit Inspiration Point (aka Arcadia Overlook)

If you’re looking for a spot with big views with very little hiking, check out Inspiration Point off M-22, also known as Arcadia Overlook.

In addition to views straight from the parking lot, head up 120 steps to a viewing platform for a scenic view of Lake Michigan. This quick stop is easily one of the best things to do near Frankfort, and an incredible place to watch the sunset.

4) Head over to the Bookstore

One of my favorite things to do while travelling is to check out the local bookstores, and Frankfort’s “The Bookstore” is a really cute spot to do just that.

While in town, I picked up some locally-inspired reads including Ernest Hemingway’s short stories (some of which written while he was living in Northern Michigan, True North by Jim Harrison, another Michigan writer, and a guide to hiking in the area, Trails of M22.

5) Grab coffee at Bella’s Cafe

If you’re looking for a cozy spot to grab a coffee in Frankfort, check out Bella’s Cafe located downtown. I really loved their lattes here, and I’m usually a black coffee only kind of person.

6) Hike Green Point Dunes

While most hikers head up to the popular Sleeping Bear Dunes, some of the hiking south of Frankfort is not to be ignored! The Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve just south of town has nearly three miles of hiking over dunes and through the forest eventually leading out to views of Lake Michigan.

From here you can also access the beach! In the summer, I highly recommend packing a little backpack and hiking out to the beach here for a hike and swim experience!

READ: 27 Best Michigan Hiking Trails

7) Eat at the Thistle Scottish Restuarant

One of the best places to eat near Frankfort, Michigan is The Thistle at Crystal Mountain Resort. This is an upscale dining spot with Scottish-themed food and decor.

The fries here were INCREDIBLE and the entire menu was awesome. For real one of the best meals I’ve had in Michigan.

8) Stay in a cozy cabin

There are a few great places to stay near Frankfort, Michigan, but personally I recommend checking out a cabin or cottage rental in the area. Crystal Mountain Resort makes for a great place to stay near the ski hill with fun things to do nearby.

Other cabin rentals and unique places to stay near Frankfort, Michigan include…

• Chimney Corners Resort, Crystal Lake
• Rise Retreat near Lake Ann and closer to Traverse City
• The Nook up North, Bass Lake, MI

READ: Best Things to do in Traverse City, Michigan

9) Visit the Michigan Legacy Art Park

Tucked away near Frankfort, Michigan and Crystal Mountain Resort, the Michigan Legacy Art Park offers one of the most unique hiking experiences in northern Michigan.

Hike through 31- acres and winding trails passing unique sculpture and art paying homage to Michigan’s unique history.

10) Watch the sunset at the Lighthouse

One of the best things to do in Frankfort, Michigan is to watch the sunset at the Frankfort lighthouse. You can do this from either Frankfort Beach or Elberta Beach, on either side of the Betsie River outflow.

Watching the sunset over Lake Michigan is one of my favorite things to do up in northwestern Michigan, because nothing really gives the impression of how big the lake is quite like watching the sun sink down over the flat horizon while you squint and wonder if you on a clearer day you could see Wisconsin.

READ: Best Michigan Road Trip Ideas

11) Grab snacks and a drink at Stormcloud Brewing

For some great brews, great food and a fun atmosphere, head to Stormcloud Brewing in downtown Frankfort. Here, you can find Belgian- inspired ales and a rotating specials menu.

Here, we got Belgian meatballs and raclette and it was delicious!

12) Check out the Waffle Cabin at Crystal Mountain Resort

If you’re looking for something fun and kind of silly to do in Frankfort, head over to Crystal Mountain Resort and grab a very sugary– and very good– breakfast at the Waffle Cabin. Grab a ski pass while you’re here in the winter and hit the slopes, or tackle the cross country skiing trails including a lit loop.

In the summer, check out the Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide, Scenic Chairlift Ride, or 36 holes of golf.

What to pack for a trip to Frankfort, Michigan:

• Long pants: for women looking for a flattering fit and functionality try Kuhl Freeflex or REI Trailmade
• Long sleeve wool baselayers : wool tops like this make a great hiking layer both for sun protection and for regulating body temperature 
• Shorts: I like a quick dry pair with a built-in belt  and a elastic waist, swim-friendly pair
• If paddling or swimming: a UPF sun hoodie
• A down puffy jacket that packs down small: nights are a lot cooler than you might expect!
• Leggings with pockets!!! 
• A solid day hiking pack
• On rugged trails, trekking poles
• Hiking boots: I like Oboz Bridger Mids for best grip and ankle support, or alternately hiking/paddling sandals like Bedrocks (designed for paddling guides and paddling guide (me) approved)
• A solid raincoat
• Binoculars for watching wildlife
• An America the Beautiful Pass

Other adventures in Michigan:

Looking for other adventures in Michigan? Check out….

• Love a long drive and lots of waterfalls? Check out the Ultimate One-Week Upper Peninsula Road Trip!
• Michigan’s Porcupine Mountains make for one of the best destinations in the state for fall colors, waterfalls, overlooks, and more! Plan your trip here.
• Just north of Traverse City, check out the iconic “Caribbean of the North”, Michigan’s Torch Lake

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