Wayfarer Lodgings

Fresh Air. Stargazing. Love & Romance. These words, found on Wayfarer Lodgings’ website, may seem like an overpromise, but one visit to this little slice of Benzie County heaven will convince you otherwise.

Tucked away just two miles from Frankfort and just steps from Lake Michigan, Wayfarer seems worlds away from the everyday hustle and bustle. The property is comprised of 10 quaint cottages originally constructed in the 1920’s. “This place definitely has a history,” explains Iris Jones, who owns the property with husband, Mike. “Some long-time locals told us the place was originally built by a captain who ran a ferry service out of Frankfort. We still have the same phone number the place had back in the 1950s.”

For all its charming history, Wayfarer is replete with modern amenities. The immaculately clean cottages each include their own private bath, 29” TV, free WiFi, fresh linens, and more. Six of the cottages have full kitchens for all your meal-making needs. For you “green commuters”, the property even offers Tesla and EV charging stations (yes, really!).

Now for a little reality check…If you’re looking for a lively, lakefront “party place”, the Wayfarer isn’t for you. “We get a wide variety of visitors here,” states Iris. “But they all have one thing in common—they prefer the peace and quiet of our natural surroundings.” The property sits on 11 scenic acres that are laced with walking trails. Just steps from your cottage, you have a bird’s eye view of Lake Michigan. Launch your boat from Frankfort and fish for king salmon. Pack your clubs to play a round of golf at one of several spectacular courses. Stroll the unique downtown shops or simply kick back in your Adirondack chair with a good book.

“People really enjoy their time up here,” says Iris. “One couple spent every one of their wedding anniversaries—63 in total—in the same cabin here. We had one family come up after finding an old business card for the place in their grandfather’s tackle box. This place really has special meaning to a lot of people. We never take that for granted.”