Crystal Mountain is celebrating a milestone birthday this summer - and it’s bringing the whole state along for the party.
The four-season resort, tucked in the hills of Northwestern Michigan just 3.5 hours from Detroit, marks its 70th year in 2026 with a packed calendar of festivals, races, outdoor adventures, and a Fourth of July spectacular.
“America, we’re celebrating 250 years of America and 70 years of Crystal,” said Brittney Primeau, a spokesperson for Crystal Mountain. “We’re excited to bring back the fireworks over the mountain.”
The resort, which began as a ski hill in the 1950s, has long since evolved into a year-round destination. Primeau pitched it as a launchpad for exploring the region.
“Crystal Mountain is a great summer base camp if you want to take a trip up north,” she said, noting its proximity to Lake Michigan, Frankfort, and Traverse City.
The summer season kicks off Memorial Day weekend. “Memorial Day weekend is like our unofficial kickoff to summer,” Primeau said. That weekend also marks the return of the Michigan Beer and Brat Festival - now in its nearly two-decade run.
“It’s our 19th year hosting the Michigan Beer and Brat Festival,” Primeau said. “It’s hosted right at the base of the slopes,” with more than 20 beverage vendors from across Michigan and six Northwest Michigan meat markets serving specialty brats. This year’s anticipated standout: the Reuben brat.
The resort’s two championship golf courses have already been open for a month. Mountain Ridge was named Michigan’s 2025 Course of the Year.
Summer programming also includes the Bike Benzie Tour on May 30, the North Mitten running races, a Total Archery Challenge, alpine slides - Michigan’s only - ziplines, an adventure course, and Crystal Spa. The Fourth of July weekend will feature a backyard barbecue, a silent disco, carnival games, and a golf cart parade through Crystal Village.
You can receive a lodging discount by mentioning the code WDIV. For more information or to book a stay, visit crystalmountain.com.