Thompsonville and Crystal Mountain

Tucked in the southeast corner of the county, the village of Thompsonville grew up as a railroad and lumber town. Today it is best known as the home of Crystal Mountain. This family-owned resort runs all four seasons. Skiers come in winter for its 50-plus downhill runs. Golfers come in summer for two championship courses. There is also a spa, an alpine slide, and lodging. The outdoor Michigan Legacy Art Park spreads across the hills. The Iron Fish Distillery, a farm distillery set on a working farm, is nearby.

This part of Benzie is the headwaters country of the Betsie River. It is a state-designated Natural River, prized for trout and salmon. From here it winds west toward Lake Michigan. The Betsie Valley Trail, the rail-trail that runs all the way to Frankfort, starts up at this end. It’s rolling, wooded country, quieter and more affordable than the lakeshore.

For buyers, the draw here is resort living and recreation. Think condos and homes around Crystal Mountain, plus river and woodland acreage. You also get easy access to both Traverse City and Cadillac. Outside the village, homes are on wells and septic (see the well-and-septic note).