Watervale

Watervale is a historic district spanning approximately 25 acres along Watervale Road with buildings constructed between 1892 and 1927 near Lower Herring Lake. The area includes a former general store, a boarding house now operating as an inn, and multiple clapboard-covered houses representing different construction periods.

The area began in 1893 as a lumber camp with about 20 houses, a meat market, general store, and post office before the industry declined. A doctor named Oscar H. Kraft transformed the abandoned settlement into a family resort in 1917, shaping its future direction.

The name reflects the water that defines this place, and today the buildings display Victorian and Craftsman details that visitors can observe throughout the district. The restored structures give a sense of how people once lived and worked in this lakeside setting.

The district is best explored during daylight hours when you can clearly see details of the various buildings. Wear comfortable shoes since you will walk through the area on foot to discover the individual structures and their features.

The resort has been managed by successive generations of the same family since 1917, allowing it to maintain its historical character. Its continued operation as a lakeside destination sets it apart from many other abandoned settlements from that era.

Location: Benzie County

GPS coordinates: 44.55390,-86.21780

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:01