Spend time this summer or fall along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan in the historic town of Frankfort, Michigan. Located in the Greater Traverse City area, Frankfort is a great spot for family travelers to enjoy a long weekend.
© Traverse City Tourism
Explore Historic Lighthouses
There are several great lighthouses in the area. The Frankfort North Breakwater Lighthouse was incorporated into the town’s gateway arch in 1925 to welcome visitors and has served as a symbol of the town’s maritime heritage. Located further up the lakefront is Point Betsie, which has continuously run since 1858 to guide mariners on the lake. Families can visit for a quick tour of the museum or even spend the night to experience the life of a coast guard lighthouse keeper.
In downtown Frankfort, this public beach is an ideal spot to watch the sunset, walk along the sand or take in sights of the city. See the focal point of the whole town here, as well as the twin piers and lighthouse creating Frankfort Harbor.
© Traverse City Tourism
The city’s downtown is a tribute to the past. Stroll down the streets lined with colorful, Victorian-style homes. Downtown also features charming shops, cafés, restaurants and more, all housed within historic buildings. Families will love Vita Bella, a family-run Italian restaurant serving Neapolitan specialties and a wide select of wood-fired pizzas.
Stay in a Historic Hotel
Enjoy a cozy getaway at Hotel Frankfort, a historic boutique property with just 17 rooms, each decorated to a unique theme. This hotel once served sailors on Lake Michigan in the 19th century.
Fall Events
One of the most popular events in Frankfort is Frankfort Film Festival, Oct. 17–20, at the historic Garden Theatre. The festival celebrates 100 years this year and features award-winning films from around the world.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedCruises
Oct 6, 2026Holland America Line Unveils New Beach Club, Food Pavilion at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay
Holland America Line recently revealed a refreshed RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas. Now, guests sailing on the line’s Caribbean cruises will discover a new RelaxAway, where recently completed enhancements bring more ways for families to relax, dine and play.
Sponsored Content
Celebrating 25 Years of The Peninsula Chicago
June marked The Peninsula Chicago’s 25th anniversary, commemorating a quarter century for the hotel as a pillar of luxury on North Michigan Avenue.
Europe
Oct 5, 2026Celebrate the Holidays on Italy’s Lake Garda
Typically thought of as a summer escape, Lake Garda offers holiday festivities for all ages, making a trip well worth it during the off-season. Grand Hotel Fasano, a historical lakeside retreat, remains open beyond its traditional early-November closure this year to welcome guests for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. The hotel will remain open through Jan. 6, 2027.
Travel Tips
Oct 1, 2026Look to the Stars for Your Ideal Travel Destination
You've searched social media travel sites, sought the advice of travel providers, surveyed your friends for destination recommendations. But have you considered one important element ... your zodiac sign?
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Parents
Sep 29, 20263 Destinations for a 5-Star Honeymoon on a Budget
After spending a small fortune on the wedding, you might find your budget stretched a bit thin for an incredible honeymoon. The good news is there are plenty of 5-star honeymoons to be had, even with a tight budget, and they’ll take you to some pretty incredible destinations around the world. A recent report from digital entertainment platform BC Game listed the top honeymoon destinations where happy couples can have an amazing stay without breaking the bank.
ShareThis