About nine miles long and two miles wide, Crystal Lake has been a recreational center in northwest Michigan for over 100 years. However, resorts and vacations were not the intention of Benzonia's first settlers, who arrived on Crystal Lake's eastern shore in 1858 to found a religious colony and a college. In an attempt to increase the area's economic potential with a navigable channel to Lake Michigan, Crystal Lake was accidentally lowered in 1873. As the waters drained away, an unexpected boon occurred as summer camps, cottages, and resorts sprang up along its shores. The railroads and steamships were quick to follow with eager entrepreneurs, developers, and tourists. Between Frankfort and Point Betsie to the west, and Beulah to the east, an assortment of hideaways and getaways were established to cater to people of differing religions, occupations, and classes.