The 6 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Benzie County, Benzie County

Our mission is to inspire people to explore the past! The Benzie Area Historical Society seeks to educate and entertain the public about Benzie County and many of communities that boarder it, through exhibits at the museum and programs held throughout the area. The Benzie Area Historical Society and Museum celebrate the people, industries, and organizations that made Benzie County’s History and Heritage an important factor in Northwest Michigan. The BAHS Museum is housed in a 1887 built Congregational Church building in Benzonia and is listed on the Michigan State Register of Historic Sites. Our museum holds historical treasures beginning with Americas “First People, Native Americans before the arrival of the first white settlers. Industries beginning with the timber rush, logging and sawmills, charcoal and early chemical works, iron foundry’s, maritime history including commercial shipping from various Lake Michigan ports, commercial and recreational fishing, agriculture and food processing and of course, the Ann Arbor Railroad and Car Ferry days. The Benzie Area Historical Society is a Michigan non-profit and IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

Ellie Harold Studio & Gallery is located in an historic Victorian home on the corner of 4th Street and Forest Avenue, just a short block from Main Street. The 1895 structure showcases the award-winning artist's contemporary oil paintings. When Ellie discovered the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in 2007, she declared "I could paint here for the rest of my life." The following year, she and her husband Roo purchased the Forest Ave. home and embarked on a 3 year renovation project. Since 2012, they have welcomed many hundreds of visitors who enjoy meeting the artist and viewing her artwork displayed in a home setting. In addition to paintings and decor ideas, you'll also find gift items: boxed card sets, desk calendars and the artist's book, 7 Habits of Deeply Fulfilled Artists: Your Aesthetic Needs & How to Meet Them. In warmer weather you'll find Ellie painting in her Summer Studio -- you're welcome stop by and watch!

Lake Ann Brewing Company specializes in craft beers as well as ciders, mead, and wine. A casual, rustic "up north" tavern. Large outdoor patio, open weather permitting. Live music on Tuesdays year-round. Music on the patio during the summer months Tuesday - Saturday (weather permitting). Check website for music dates/times/performers as well as current operations related to COVID-19 State mandates/procedures. Full food menu from The Stone Oven restaurant right next door. "Great beer without the pomp and circumstance". Group events are welcome. We ask you to call a week in advance to ensure we can accommodate the group.

100% local honey, mead and Michigan grown wine. We have a wide selection of red and white wines along with our own estate meads. Come and sample Pure Michigan.

Born on the waters of the Betsie River,raised on its watershed farmland and inspired by upstream Journeys of the Steelhead. We are Michigan's first farm based distillery, come book to a tour of our distillery, or just stop by and visit our tasting room.

Tucked away on a wildlife sanctuary in northern Michigan is a shop built of native stones, glass, and wood. A building that brings the outdoors in and blends all nature in its structure. From the display room with its huge fireplace and natural fountain, one can watch as twelve Heidelberg presses print. We wish you could visit the home and wildlife sanctuary of World Renowned Artist Gwen Frostic, just to see the development of Gwen's single designs. Attuned to the spirit of nature, Gwen sketched flowers ~ birds ~ trees ~ grasses and other little things one finds ~ out where they grow and live ~ cut each linoleum block by hand for the notepapers ~ calendars and books to share with you the grandeur and wondrous simplicity of nature ~~~ its serenity ~~ and beauty. Gwen Frostic Block Printing and Nature Note Cards display her creativity just as well. Unique Shopping Experience!