Crystal-Clear Water and Endless Fun: Why People Love Crystal Lake
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Crystal Lake is Insta-worthy, Family-Friendly, and Fun-Filled
There’s no beating around the bush here – Crystal Lake is the lake to visit this summer if you’re looking for the most picturesque and most fun inland lake in Michigan.
Showcasing dazzling turquoise clear water, warm and sandy beaches, and a slew of recreational activities to choose from, Crystal Lake definitely deserves its place in Michigan’s list of prettiest lakes, and will have you coming back year after year.
Here are our top nine favorite things about Crystal Lake:
Crystal Clear Waters. For Real.
Crystal Lake is one of the cleanest lakes in the state, giving it the crystal clear water it’s named after.
Low nutrient levels are to thank for its lack of algae and water plants, which leads to the water clarity Crystal Lake is known and loved for.
Translation: bring your camera, you’ll definitely want to post these on Instagram!
The “Wow” Factor
Crystal Lake isn’t just pretty, it’s also huge.
At nearly 10,000 acres, it’s one of the largest inland lakes in Michigan. And at 165 feet deep, it’s also one of the deepest.
All that water creates the lake’s famous clarity and vibrant blue color, making it easy to see why people return year after year.
The Perfect Beach
Despite it being one of the deepest inland lakes, Crystal Lake has an average depth of 70 feet, making it perfect for swimming.
The beaches are all known to be quite shallow, so kids and families can play safely.
Beach at Beulah or Bellows
Beulah Beach (139 Lake St, Beulah, MI 49617) and Bellows Park (1855 Bellows Ave, Frankfort, MI 49635) are the two public access beaches on Crystal Lake, and both are loved by visitors each year.
Beulah Beach offers hundreds of feet of sandy shoreline, a beach house, playground, plenty of parking, and shady pavilions.
Tennis courts and picnic tables are nearby at Beulah Village Park.
The best feature of Beulah Beach is the fact that it’s only one block away from downtown Beulah – the quaint beach town where of course you’ll find an ice cream shop to cool you down.
Bellows Park (which locals also call Bellows Beach or Seventh Street Beach) offers public access to Crystal Lake through the town of Frankfurt.
With a family-friendly shallow beach, swing sets, and warm waters, this beach is a little more intimate than Beulah Beach, but just as fun for families looking to enjoy the beauty of Crystal Lake.
Recreational Activities Galore!
If you’re more the type to play on the water rather than in it, Crystal Lake’s a great place to go.
They’re well known for sailing, water skiing, tubing and kayaking.
Visitors can bring their own gear or rent kayaks, SUPs, and more from Crystal Lake Adventure Sports in Frankfurt or Beulah.
Explore the Trails
Looking for a scenic bike ride? The Betsie Valley Trail is one of the area’s most popular outdoor attractions.
The trail stretches 22 miles, but families often gravitate toward the three-mile lakeside section along Crystal Lake, where the flat terrain and beautiful views make for an easy and memorable outing.
Refreshing Water
Although situated close to Lake Michigan, you’ll typically find warmer water at Crystal Lake. It’s a refreshing swim, but not as cold as Lake Michigan.
Point Betsie
Frankfort, MI 49635
If you can tear yourself away from Crystal Lake, take a trip up M-22 to Point Betsie Lighthouse.
This is one of Lake Michigan’s most iconic lighthouses – and the last to become fully automated (in 1983).
Take the time to explore the museum and do the tour.
People also love the quiet, sandy beach here and gorgeous sunsets.
Head North for Dunes
If you have extra time in your day to explore a little outside of Crystal Lake, travel just north to experience the Sleeping Bear Dunes.
You won’t regret taking in this sight! It’s one of the most famous landmarks in Michigan.
FAQs
Where is Crystal Lake MI?
Crystal Lake is located near Lake Michigan in Benzie County about 25 miles southwest of Traverse City.
Can you swim in Crystal Lake?
Yes, you can absolutely swim in Crystal Lake, Michigan. It is highly praised for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and sandy bottoms.
Why is Crystal Lake, Michigan so clear?
Crystal Lake in Benzie County, Michigan, owes its spectacular clarity to its oligotrophic status—meaning the water is cold, deep, and naturally low in plant nutrients (like phosphorus) that feed algae.
How cold is Crystal Lake?
Crystal Lake (Benzie County) water temperatures typically range from the low 50s°F in the spring to the mid-70s°F in the peak of summer. B
Pack Up, Let’s Go!
When you’re looking for the most beautiful lakeside retreat this summer, you know where to go!
Crystal Lake’s shimmery waters are just waiting for you to take a dip, drop a line, build a sandcastle, paddle away, and make memories to last a lifetime.
