Frankfort Michigan 2025

We woke along the wall in Manistee, Michigan, refreshed and ready for the next leg of our adventure. Breakfast was fresh salmon from Bob and Sue. After eating and tidying things up, we threw our lines and set off for Frankfort. The forecast called for rain with wind out of the east, so we expected to sail and hoped to have a easy ride. We raised our sails as soon as we cleared the breakwater but enjoyed only about 20 minutes before slowing to a crawl, our sails hung limp as the wind died. A wall of clouds formed from the west. Disappointed, we dropped our canvas and began motoring on a very calm lake, adding layers to combat the cooling temps. We put our rain awning up and huddled underneath as rain and drizzle passed over us. Swells built behind us, gently rolling under our hull. By the time we arrived in Frankfort, following seas nudged us into the breakwater channel right at 3:00 as planned. 

Sailing in gloomy weather

Bundled under the tarp staying dry

In 2016, we'd stopped in Frankfort to shelter during a big storm. We were excited to return under different circumstances. As we approached the marina, two staff members met us at slip 66 and grabbed our lines. The Dock Master, Mark was at Frankfort back when we first visited. We were delighted to see his familiar face. His eyes lit up as soon as we reminded him about the huge storm we weathered out in the marina bath house. We reminisced about how bad that storm was and how kind locals offered us assistance.

Mark and Dave in 2016

Frankfort Marina bath house

We met other marina staff including Kim and Kelly, Mark's wife. We hit if off right away. Kim gave us fresh organic cucumbers and Kelly gave us fresh salmon from local fisherman. They updated us on where to wine and dine in Frankfort. Some new places had popped up. We decided to go to a place we'd enjoyed in 2016, StormCloud Brewing Company. We'd spent a bit of time there during the storm, waiting out a storm at a place called StormCloud.

StormCloud growler lamp

We planned to stay two nights but decided to stay three. Frankfort has a lot to offer and we wanted to explore. We also wanted to stay until we had the best weather to head to our next port, Charlevoix. In the morning we took a long walk on a paved bike path that led to the tiny town on the other side of Lake Betsie called Elberta. We could see Mystic in her slip from Waterfront Park. 

Mystic nestled between the big boats

The very first Great Lakes Life Saving Station is in Elberta. It was built in 1887 and was one of only two life saving stations on Lake Michigan at that time. Later this summer, we would visit the Life Saving Station in Keewaunee which was built in 1893. These Life Saving Stations led to the forming of the US Coast Guard. Today, the Life Saving Station at Elberta is an event center. Many weddings are held in this beautiful venue. After our walk, we picked up groceries at Family Fare finding that groceries are very expensive in Frankfort!

Welcome to Elberta

Life Saving Station, Elberta, Michigan

The former Frankfort Iron Works building is in the Waterfront Park. It opened in 1870 and closed in 1883. It was used for ferry car loading and shops before being abandoned and falling into dramatic ruins. Soon, it will disappear; a piece of history captured in photographs.

Frankfort Iron Works

A little piece of history in Elberta

An Island Packet catamaran, Inspiration, pulled into a slip nearby us. We noticed their white Looper flag right away and stopped to say hello. Later, Bruce and Amy invited us over for sangria. We talked Looping and sail boat racing. Our evening ended early so they could prepare to leave for Ludington in the morning. We weren't ready to settle for the night.  The Cool Spot, an ice cream shop, was a short walk into town. We both chose sea turtle ice cream; our new favorite flavor!

The Cool Spot

In the morning, we got up and made breakfast then took a walk over the breakwater to the lighthouse. On our way back, we meandered through the downtown neighborhoods. Beautiful homes in pristine condition lined the streets. Mature maple trees created a canopy along the sidewalk. Many homes had large murals, some painted on driftwood, hanging on their porches. Frankfort is a lovely town.

Walking the lighthouse pier

Frankfort entry channel

Frankfort Lighthouse

Later, we walked north on the beach along the base of the sand dunes. Butterflies were everywhere and seagulls were taking sips from the lake. The sun was shining in a bright blue sky; the water sparkled crystal clear as families and fishermen enjoyed the day along the stunning coastline. Stormcloud was on our way home so we stopped for a beer and met a couple from Milwaukee. They were headed for Ludington to take the Badger Ferry across the lake.

Walking along the sand dunes 

Looking back toward the lighthouse 

Enjoying a beautiful day on Lake Michigan 

 

Sand dunes to the south of Ludington 

Crystal clear water

The slips at Frankfort are quite long. The land side is lined with large rocks. Most boats are tied to the piers at least 30 feet from shore due to shallow water and the rocky shoreline. We had to fill our water tank one gallon at a time, because our hose wouldn't reach. 

Mystic tucked in at Frankfort

Frankfort docks

We'd planned to go to Charlevoix but, once again, weather did not cooperate. The forecast has been inconsistent this entire trip so we decided to make our way back to Sturgeon Bay. Cutting our adventure short was disappointing but we'd already spent 10 days waiting for the right wind. 

Frankfort Marina was sponsoring a fishing tournament on the weekend. Many boats came into the docks and mooring field to prepare for the event. Dave watched as boats started lining up at 5:00 am. He yelled to me, " I just saw a shooting star! Once they headed out, we slipped in right behind them. The lake was dotted with boats of all sizes seeking the best spot for a winning catch.

It was 60 miles across from Frankfort to Sturgeon bay; we had a long day ahead of us. Winds were expected to be light and from the north, with 1-2 ft waves. We found them to be light and from the north west, a bit on the nose, so we motor sailed. Once again we took one hour watches which made the time go by faster. We averaged 7-8 mph on the crossing. 

View Leaving Frankfort

Crossing Lake Michigan 

When we slipped into the Sturgeon Bay canal we figured we might as well keep going. We maneuvered the three bridges then navigated out into Green Bay, expecting to sail the last 15 miles. The bay was dead calm, the sun was shining and the air was still. It felt like it took forever to motor those last miles to Menominee. We passed our slip to make a big u-turn so we'd be facing out just as our dock neighbors realized it was us. They grabbed our lines and welcomed us home. Our trip was not what we hoped for but it was fabulous all the same. We'll be heading out for more adventures next year!