The Good Cold — Michigan Winter
Northwest Lower Michigan — Benzie County, Crystal Lake · Town edition

Beulah

A tiny lakeside town where February means chili, fireworks, and people racing outhouses through the snow.

Why winter

Beulah sits beside the eastern end of Crystal Lake, with a compact downtown, neighborhood restaurants, and immediate access to winter trails. The February Winterfest turns the entire village into a celebration of northern Michigan winter, complete with unusual competitions and traditional cold-weather activities. Nearby Crystal Mountain supplies downhill and cross-country skiing.

Overheard in Beulah
Beulah sits on the eastern shore of Crystal Lake.
A random Saturday · 01

The Outhouse Grand Prix

Visit Beulah for Winterfest on February 13, 2027, and watch the outhouse race if confirmed on the final schedule. Eat chili afterward and resist the urge to propose aerodynamic improvements.

A random Saturday

An empty Saturday, filled.

Or try · 02

Ski, Then Return to Civilization

Spend the morning cross-country skiing at Crystal Mountain, then return to Beulah for dinner at Lucky Dog. The best part of winter exercise is the meal afterward.

Field note

Winterfest is an established community tradition organized by local volunteers.

Michigan winter
One good day

Begin with coffee and breakfast at Ursa Major, photograph Crystal Lake, and take a winter walk along an appropriate section of the Betsie Valley Trail. Have lunch at Lucky Dog and finish with dinner at Cold Creek Inn or a visit to Five Shores Brewing.

Make it a weekend

Saturday: Explore the village, photograph the lake, and enjoy dinner at Lucky Dog. Stay at Cold Creek Inn or another property with confirmed winter reservations. Sunday: Drive to Crystal Mountain for cross-country skiing or downhill recreation, returning to Beulah for a relaxed evening.

Eat · good tables

Where the town eats when it’s cold.

  1. 01

    Cold Creek Inn Restaurant

    American bar and grill · $$

    An established village restaurant and lounge with upstairs lodging. A convenient place to eat without needing to put your winter coat back on.

    185 S Benzie Blvd, Beulah, MI 49617 · 231-233-1632 · Website ↗

  2. 02

    Lucky Dog Bar & Grille

    American tavern · $$

    A friendly downtown gathering place with burgers, sandwiches, and craft beer.

    223 S Benzie Blvd, Beulah, MI 49617 · 231-383-4499 · Website ↗

  3. 03

    Ursa Major Bistro & Coffee Shop

    Breakfast and lunch · $$

    Breakfast served all day, specialty coffee, and baked goods.

    245 S Benzie Blvd, Beulah, MI 49617 · 231-383-4250 · Website ↗

The winter table

Eat it here. Make it at home.

Eat it at Black Bear Bar & Grill

Polar Bear Chili Soup

Create a thick winter chili with beef, beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and warming spices. Simmer slowly and finish with a sharp cheese topping.

Eat it at Ursa Major Bistro & Coffee Shop; verify the current menu

Breakfast skillet

Brown diced potatoes with onion and peppers. Add sausage or mushrooms, top with eggs, and finish with cheddar and herbs.

Michigan winter
Field note

The festival's outhouse races are among its memorable attractions.

A winter tall tale · as told in Beulah

The Town Where Outhouses Became Race Cars

Beulah's Winterfest includes an extraordinary hometown tradition: teams racing specially built outhouses. The community has maintained the event alongside chili contests, winter games, and fireworks. The local business association even keeps records of former winners. Northern Michigan has plenty of winter sports, but few offer such a comprehensive opportunity to look ridiculous with pride.

Where it comes from: the source ↗

Photo hunt

Three things most people walk past.

Beulah Village Park and Crystal Lake

  1. Winter ice and open-water patterns along the lake edge
  2. The old village storefronts along Benzie Boulevard
  3. The industrial Quonset-style architecture of Five Shores Brewing
Michigan winter
Michigan winter
After dark · places to land

The lights stay on.

  1. 01

    Five Shores Brewing

    brewery

    Craft beer in a restored Quonset-style structure close to Crystal Lake.

    163 S Benzie Blvd, Beulah, MI 49617 · 231-383-4400 · Website ↗

  2. 02

    Lucky Dog Bar & Grille

    bar

    A neighborhood bar and full-service restaurant in the center of the village.

    223 S Benzie Blvd, Beulah, MI 49617 · 231-383-4499 · Website ↗

  3. 03

    Cold Creek Inn

    bar

    A casual lounge and sports bar beneath the inn's upstairs guest rooms.

    185 S Benzie Blvd, Beulah, MI 49617 · 231-233-1632 · Website ↗

The Night Shift jacket
In the pictureThe Night Shift jacketCanvas, a blanket lining and pockets sized for gloves you will lose anyway. Built for the walk between Beulah bars.From the General Store →
Coffee & breakfast · start here

Coffee, and a seat by the window.

  1. 01

    Ursa Major Bistro & Coffee Shop

    Coffee & breakfast

    A full coffee bar, breakfast, pastries, and a warm indoor place to begin the day.

    245 S Benzie Blvd, Beulah, MI 49617 · 231-383-4250 · Website ↗

Lake Effect mug
In the pictureLake Effect mugThe first cup of the day, and a forecast you can hold. Beulah mornings run on refills.From the General Store →
Outside · ways out the door

Outside, on purpose.

  1. 01

    Winter hiking and cross-country skiing

    Outside

    Ungroomed skiing and winter trail use. The Beulah-to-Mesick section is also open to snowmobiles December 1–March 31. A long-term bridge closure farther along the trail requires attention.

    Betsie Valley Trail · Website ↗

  2. 02

    Downhill skiing and snowboarding

    Outside

    A regional ski resort outside Beulah. Check lift operations and weather before traveling.

    Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville · Website ↗

  3. 03

    Crystal Mountain Cross-Country Center

    Rent the gear

    Cross-country skis for classic and skate skiing

    12500 Crystal Mountain Dr, Thompsonville, MI 49683 · Website ↗

Michigan winter
Field note

The Betsie Valley Trail follows a former railroad corridor.

Local customs
  • Winterfest is traditionally held on the second Saturday in February.
  • Christmas Magic features a lighted parade and village celebrations.
  • Ice fishing and other frozen-lake activities require attention to current ice conditions.
  • Winterfest is an established community tradition organized by local volunteers.
  • The festival's outhouse races are among its memorable attractions.
  • The Betsie Valley Trail follows a former railroad corridor.
  • The village has a compact, walkable commercial center.
  • Crystal Lake and surrounding woodlands shape the area's outdoor identity.
Local custom

Outhouse races and chili competitions are part of the festival's local identity.

On the calendar · 2026–27

Circle these.

Circle it

December 12, 2026, 10 AM–7 PM

Beulah Christmas Magic

Holiday shopping, wagon rides, family activities, Santa, and a lighted parade.

Add to calendar Organizer ↗

Circle it

February 13, 2027, all day

Beulah Winterfest

The village's signature winter festival, with a history of chili competitions, fireworks, snow games, and the celebrated outhouse race.

Add to calendar Organizer ↗

Circle it

Usually Winterfest Saturday; exact 2027 race time and participation unconfirmed

Winterfest Outhouse Race

Teams propel purpose-built racing outhouses through the winter streets. The concept needs no improvement.

Organizer ↗

Circle it

Usually Winterfest Saturday; exact 2027 schedule unconfirmed

Winterfest Chili Cook-off

A longstanding food competition for residents and visitors.

Organizer ↗

Circle it

December 12, 2026

Christmas Magic Lighted Parade

Add to calendar Organizer ↗

Dates come from organizers and change. Check before you drive.

Field note

The village has a compact, walkable commercial center.

Michigan winter
  1. 01

    Cold Creek Inn

    inn

    Walkable village lodging with a restaurant downstairs and Crystal Lake nearby.

    185 S Benzie Blvd, Beulah, MI 49617 · 231-233-1632 · Website ↗

  2. 02

    Coastal Suites Resort

    motel

    A renovated boutique-style motel within walking distance of downtown.

    171 N Center St, Beulah, MI 49617 · 231-383-0398 · Website ↗

  3. 03

    Crystal Lake Resort

    resort

    Lakeside rooms and cottages. Verify winter availability because some resort facilities are seasonal.

    498 N Michigan Ave, Beulah, MI 49617 · 231-882-7282 · Website ↗

Stay · places to wake up

Where to wake up.

Nobody’s Going Out tea
In the pictureNobody’s Going Out teaLoose-leaf, for the evening the group chat agrees to stay in.From the General Store →
Bring a little Beulah homeThe cabin-issue throwFor the couch, the car, and the second half of the hockey game.Have a look ↗
We checked

clcba.org · coldcreekinn.net · crystalmountain.com · michigan.gov · mybeulahboosters.org

Reviewed October 2026. Hours, prices and dates move; call ahead in January and February.