Watervale, Historic district in Benzie County, Michigan, United States.
The Watervale Historic District spans 25.5 acres along Watervale Road, featuring 16 buildings constructed between 1892 and 1927 near Lower Herring Lake.
Originally established as a lumber camp in 1893, the area included 20 houses, a meat market, general store, and post office before declining with the lumber industry.
Dr. Oscar H. Kraft transformed the abandoned lumber settlement into a family resort in 1917, preserving Victorian and Craftsman architectural elements throughout the buildings.
The district contains several restored structures including the former general store, boarding house turned inn, and multiple clapboard-covered houses from different construction periods.
Following generations of family management since 1917, the resort maintains its historical character through preserved buildings and continued operation as a lakeside destination.
Location: Benzie County
GPS coordinates: 44.55390,-86.21780
Latest update: March 8, 2025 05:32
Frankfort Light
9 km
Frankfort Land Company House
9.1 km
Camp Arcadia
6.7 km
Gwen Frostic Studio
9.6 km
Benzie County Courthouse
12.7 km
Navigation Structures at Frankfort Harbor
8.8 km
Mills Community House
11.7 km
Marquette's Death Historical Marker
8.8 km
Elberta Beach
8.2 km
Car Ferries on Lake Michigan Historical Marker
7.9 km
Garden Theater
9 km
Beulah Beach
12.8 km
Betsie Valley Trail parking
7.2 km
Benzonia Congregational Church Historical Marker
11.4 km
Benzonia College Historical Marker
11.9 km
Mills Community House Historical Marker
11.9 km
Fair Park
12.3 km
Mineral Springs fountain
8.8 km
Benzie Shores District Library
8.9 km
U.S. Coast Guard Station
8.7 km
Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts
8.7 km
John A. Mortenson American Legion post 221
9 km
Benzonia Public Library
11.8 km
Joyfield Cemetery Historical Marker
8.9 km
Darcy Library Of Beulah
12.8 km
Mineral Springs Municipal Park
8.8 km
Penfold Park
7.3 km
Betsie River wetland overlook
7.3 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes