Frankfort, human settlement in Benzie County, Michigan, United States of America
Frankfort is a small city on the northern shore of Lake Michigan in Benzie County with wood and brick buildings from the early 1900s mixed with modern shops along its main street. An active harbor with fishing boats and sailboats shapes the waterfront, while soft sandy beaches and forests surround the town.
Frankfort was founded in the 1850s when European settlers developed the harbor into a thriving lumber port. The Ottawa and Chippewa peoples lived in the area before European settlement arrived.
The name Frankfort comes from early European settlers who arrived in the 1800s and built a harbor community. The town keeps its connection to the water visible through active fishing boats and sailboats that still fill the harbor today.
The town is small enough to explore on foot, with parking available near the main street and harbor that fills quickly during summer months. Visitors find local restaurants serving home-cooked meals, while cafes and shops remain open throughout the day.
The town was once known for shipbuilding and the lumber industry, which shaped its character even though these industries have long since faded. This heritage remains visible in historic buildings and museum displays that tell stories of a working waterfront.
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