Beulah is nice enough to visit, and it does have a prim little beach, one of the few areas where the public can enjoy Crystal Lake. Otherwise, it is pay-to-play and much of it is off limits to all but seasonal cottagers or renters. There would be a nice bicycle trail along part of this lake, a portion of the Benzie Valley Trail, but landowners are opposing paving the public easement.It is merely part of the scenery monopolized by absentee owners who would rather it be their private pond - - - and they act the part, exhibiting the "I've got mine, now go away" attitude.
Crystal Lake is a wonderful lake to swim, fish, boat, waterski, or whatever you enjoy. It is a sandy bottom lake with a long shelf so it is ideal for families with young children. It does not get deep in most areas unless you walk out a city block or so!
Riding your bicycle around the lake presents the rider starting at the west end, traveling clockwise, a fairly flat first half, by a more challenging, hilly second half 22-mile route. Scenic, picturesque views of the lake abound as you travel, making stops for viewing a great reason to take a little break as you circumnavigate this clear lake.
We know someone with a cabin near the lake who was kind enough to let us park our camper on his property for a few days. This was a few years back, but the lake was so blue and pretty. We tend to visit different areas of Michigan on vacation, but after reading all these reviews, I think I will try to get back to this area next year. The guy we know took us out on his pontoon boat and on his jetboat---I got to waterski too. We also did a float down the Platt River while there--had a wonderful time.
Family oriented, mostly private cabins and homes with little public beach, but if you are looking for a getaway thats quiet and beautiful , Crystal may be for you!
There is a nice little playground at beach on lake in town. The town is small but worth the hour to walk around. Excellent bagel shop with large sandwiches and reasonable prices. Very large antique store and Winery on hill. Everyone is friendly. We've stayed here a week in beulah on Crystal lake. It's been enjoyable. Also liked the town of Frankford. The playground there is larger and new (2014), lighthouse and bigger downtown area. At Crystal lake, with some rentals, you get your own "Private beach", meaning a 20ft portion of lakefront just for you. Kids loved it!
My family has been coming to Crystal Lake for several weeks in the summer for the past 38 years! That shows how much we love this place. It has the most beautiful colors in the lake ranging from crystal clear to deep turquoise. We have stayed in several rental houses over the years - all right on the lake. Our children have enjoyed their summer vacations here and are now bringing their spouses back to enjoy it too! We love to rent a pontoon boat at the marina and take a day trip around this beautiful lake, sometimes stopping to let the kids swim. There are quite a few restaurants nearby and in Frankfort which is only 15 minutes away. It truly is a heavenly place to rest & relax or play!
First time in the area and this lake is crystal, crystal clear!Enjoyed the afternoon on the lake on friends pontoon boat. Very nice August afternoon. Lake was calm and no matter where we went you could see bottom. Water looked clear enough to drink. Since I live near the Saginaw Bay I really loved being on this crystal clear lake. If your in the area its a must see.,
This Lake is gorgeous. We rented a pontoon for he day and were amazed at how clean this lake is! We are in love!! Need a house on this lake!!
Went sailing and jet skiing in the Lake. Water was clean. We had a great time. We also stayed at a family cabin on the Lake which was nice.