What to do and see in Benzie County, Benzie County: The Best Museums

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!

See what's new, connect with art, and be inspired! Live for Art Gallery features artwork by Great Lakes area artists in a newly renovated, award winning space in downtown Beulah near the shores of beautiful Crystal Lake. It showcases a variety of mediums including painting, pottery, mixed media, glass and jewelry as well as artist statement videos. Call or visit our website for more information.

Focus Gallery, located in a historic building in the heart of Frankfort, features the work of photographer Drew Smith and wildlife artist Carl Freeman. Voted “Best Gallery in Benzie County” in 2016, Focus Gallery was born and first opened for business in the summer of 2015. On display are Drew's images of Northern Michigan and beyond, printed in-house, as well as Carl's watercolors and more.