Benzie County

Benzie County is an administrative division in northwest Michigan with an extensive shoreline along Lake Michigan. The area includes several small villages and many inland lakes scattered throughout.

The name comes from a French reference to a local river that drew early settlers to the area. The region was formally organized in the middle of the 19th century.

The area is shaped by traditions centered on water and nature that define daily life here. People value proximity to lakes and forests, using these places for gathering and recreation.

Two small villages serve as the main population centers and administrative hubs. Visitors will find modest accommodations and local businesses that are most active during summer months.

The area is remarkably small yet contains surprising landscape and water variety. A section of a major national dune landscape stretches across its sandy hills and beaches.

Location: Michigan

Inception: 1863

Capital city: Beulah

Shares border with: Leelanau County, Grand Traverse County, Wexford County, Manistee County, Door County, Kewaunee County

Website: http://benzieco.net

GPS coordinates: 44.63000,-86.25000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:27