The choices for fine dining, welcoming staff, the Scottish flare and hospitality and attention to detail has earned it a fan base known as “The Inn Crowd.” Open daily in June, for Sunday brunch, 10 –2, pm Monday – Thursday, 11-8, Friday & Sat. – 11- 9. Longer hours in July and Aug., call for reservations and information: 231-352-8090, or check out their website at: www.betsiebayinn.com

Platte River Campground Information
Hours: Open All Year (Reservations accepted for the summer months only)
Memorial Day to Labor Day (Summer) 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Spring & Fall – Hours vary
December thru March (Winter) Self-Registration
Phone: 231-325-5881
Location: At the entrance to the Platte River Campground, Lake Michigan Road, 1/4 mi. off M-22, southern end of the park.
Special Programs: Amphitheater located adjacent to the Ranger Station provides Evening Campfire Programs every day during the summer.
Campground: Platte River Campground is open all year.

Campsites with electrical hook-up for 1-6 persons: 96 Total Sites, 27 Reservable.
Fee/night = $21.00 with no reservation or $24.00 when reserved.
Campsites are reservable 5/22/2009 to 9/7/2009.

Campsites with no electrical hook-up for 1-6 persons: 53 Total Sites, 10 Reservable.
Fee/night = $16.00 with no reservation or $19.00 when reserved.
Campsites are reservable 5/22/2009 to 9/7/2009.

Walk-in Sites for 1-6 persons: 25 Total Sites, 6 Reservable
Fee/night = $12.00 with no reservation or $15.00 when reserved.
Campsites are reservable 5/22/2009 to 9/7/2009.

Platte River Group Campsites (hike-in, tents only) for 7-25 persons: 5 Total Sites, 5 Reservable.
Fee/night = $40.00 with no reservation or $43.00 when reserved.
Reservations Required 5/01/2009 to 10/1/2009.

Shower Tokens : Two 3-minute Tokens for $1.00.

Backcountry Sites (Open All Year)

White Pine Campground: 6 Sites Total, 0 Reservable. $5.00/night
Valley View Campground: 5 Sites Total, 0 Reservable. $5.00/night

For more information on camping fees, or to make online camping reservations click here.

For Sleeping Bear Dunes entrance fee information click here.

Department of Natural Resources state park and recreation officials today announced there are still several state park campgrounds with campsites available throughout the summer, including the three holiday weekends. So, “GO-Get Outdoors” and enjoy your Michigan State Parks this summer.

“Campsites become available for arrival dates six months in advance of the date a reservation is made, so, right now, the window is open for reservations into early October,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “People may assume the time has passed to make reservations, but there are still plenty of campsites available at a majority of our state parks for the summer and during the weekdays, including some of our more popular parks.”

Many state parks and recreation areas also offer cabins, mini-cabins, lodges, yurts and even teepees that are available to rent for campers that don’t own a tent or RV. Boaters are reminded to check out the state harbors to determine where slips remain available to reserve this summer.

Reservations for harbor slips, campsites, cabins, mini-cabins, teepees and yurts can be made online at www.midnrreservations.com, or by contacting the DNR’s reservation call center at 800-447-2757.

Individuals and families new to camping are encouraged to take advantage of the DNR’s new “First Time Campers” program, sponsored by Gander Mountain. Persons looking to store their camper or boat between visits to save on fuel costs can sign up for the “Gas Savings Camper Storage Program” being offered again this year at more than 30 state park locations. To learn more about both programs, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr and click on “Recreation, Camping & Boating.”

While planning your trip, or if you are just looking for something fun to do, the “GO-Get Outdoors” calendar at www.michigan.gov/dnrgogetoutdoors lists events taking place at state parks or recreation areas near you. Also join the DNR in celebrating the 90th anniversary of Michigan’s State Parks this year. Events are posted on the calendar.

Motor Vehicle Permits for the 2009 season are available to purchase at any state park or recreation area, or online through the Michigan e-Store. Cost is $24 for a resident annual permit or $6 for a resident daily permit. A nonresident annual permit is $29 and a nonresident daily is $8. Resident annual senior discount permits, which are $6, may be purchased only in person at a state park or recreation area and will require a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration. Boating access site permits also are available at $24 for an annual permit and $6 for a daily permit.

For more information about a specific state park or recreation area, camping opportunities, events or accessibility, visit the DNR’s Web site or contact the Lansing office at (517) 373-9900 (TTY/TDD 711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired).

The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural resources
for current and future generations.

Great Lakes, Great Times, Great Outdoors

State Campgrounds Located in Manistee, Benzie and Leelanau Counties:

Garey Lake Trail Camp

Grass Lake State Forest Campground

Lake Ann State Forest Campground

Leelanau State Park

Leelanau-Rustic

Orchard Beach State Park

Orchard Beach-Modern

Platte River State Forest Campground

Tippy Dam Campground-Rustic

Tippy Dam Recreation Area Rustic Campground

Veterans Memorial State Forest Campground

“I would have to say between the racers and their support people and all the people in the street I would have to say well over a thousand or more people,” says Frankfort-Elberta area chamber of commerce executive director, Joanne Bartley.

With everything from snowmobiling races at the Open Space Park to winter carriage rides along Main Street, locals and out of towners alike are taking advantage of the snowy weather.

“We have tons of people in the parade, we have snow world with activities, frozen bowling, frozen golf, sledding hills, we have warming stations throughout town with games and crafts and free hot chocolate,” says Bartley.

February 20-22, 2009 Frankfort & Elberta host a new winter celebration “Shiver by the River”. On Friday (Feb 20) beginning at 2 PM there will be burgers & adult beverages (root beer – no straw?) at the American Legion Hall and from 7-9 PM there will be a snowmobile Cruise-in at the  Frankfort A&W (M -22 & 115).

The Snocross gets rolling early on Saturday at Open Space Park with practice at 8 AM followed immediately by qualifying. At 11 AM the Winter Parade takes place and other activities to enjoy on Saturday include the Frankfort Farmer’s Market at Lion’s Club, winter water rescue demos, a decorated shanty town, horse drawn carriage rides, an antique snowmobile display and all kinds of kids games & activities including a Kid’s Snow World featuring sledding, castles, tunnels, putt-putt golf, snowman building and Polar Express Train Rides!

The Snocross race happens Sunday beginning just after 9 AM and all weekend long there will be food, hot chocolate, music and more at warming zones throughout both towns.

Click to download the schedule of events and for more details, contact the Frankfort-Elberta Area Chamber of Commerce at 231-352-7251.