# Betsie River

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River in United States of America

Betsie River Mouth of the Betsie River at Lake Michigan, in Frankfort Location of mouth Physical characteristics Source • location Green Lake near Interlochen • coordinates 44°35′31″N 85°47′40″W / 44.5919459°N 85.794522°W / 44.5919459; -85.794522[1] Mouth • location Lake Michigan at Frankfort • coordinates 44°37′45″N 86°14′45″W / 44.6291652°N 86.2459287°W / 44.6291652; -86.2459287[1] Length 54 mi (87 km)

The **Betsie River** ([/bɛtsiː/](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English) *[*BET-see*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Pronunciation_respelling_key)*) is a 54.0-mile-long (86.9 km)[2] river in the [U.S. state](/source/U.S._state) of [Michigan](/source/Michigan). The river is located in the northwestern [Lower Peninsula](/source/Lower_Peninsula_of_Michigan) of the state, flowing into [Lake Michigan](/source/Lake_Michigan) at [Frankfort](/source/Frankfort%2C_Michigan). The river's course is mostly within [Benzie County](/source/Benzie_County%2C_Michigan), (which takes its name from a variant pronunciation of the river), although the river rises in western [Grand Traverse County](/source/Grand_Traverse_County%2C_Michigan) and flows briefly through northern [Manistee County](/source/Manistee_County%2C_Michigan).

The river widens to form Betsie Lake before emptying into Lake Michigan between Frankfort and [Elberta](/source/Elberta%2C_Michigan). The Betsie River is a part of Michigan's Natural Rivers Program.[3]

Betsie River Wetland Delta near [Elberta](/source/Elberta%2C_Michigan)

## Etymology

The name is derived from the [French](/source/French_language) ****la rivière aux Bec-scies****, meaning river of [sawbill ducks](/source/Sawbill_duck) (*bec-scie*). A corruption of this pronunciation led to the name of [Benzie County](/source/Benzie_County%2C_Michigan). Other alternate historical names include the following:[1]

- Aug-sig-o-sebe

- Aux Buscies River

- Betsey's River

- Benzie River

- Black Robe River

- Gay-she-say-ing

- Riviere du Pere Marquette

- Sawbill Ducks River

- Shelldrake Ducks River

## Course

While most sources indicate the river rises as the outflow of [Green Lake](/source/Green_Lake_(Grand_Traverse_County%2C_Michigan)) in southwestern [Grand Traverse County](/source/Grand_Traverse_County%2C_Michigan), some consider it navigable immediately south of US-31 from Tullers Lake into Green Lake. Another tributary of the river flows directly out of northern [Duck Lake](/source/Duck_Lake_(Grand_Traverse_County%2C_Michigan)) and into northern Green Lake, connecting with the aforementioned Tullers Lake Outlet. Although not considered part of the Betsie River today, older maps of the area do say so.[4] Green Lake straddles the boundary between [Grant Township](/source/Grant_Township%2C_Grand_Traverse_County%2C_Michigan) on the south and [Green Lake Township](/source/Green_Lake_Township%2C_Michigan) on the north between [Karlin](/source/Karlin%2C_Michigan) and [Interlochen](/source/Interlochen%2C_Michigan). Several nearby lakes, including Duck Lake and its tributaries, drain into Green Lake.

The river winds southwesterly from Green Lake into eastern Benzie County, and then briefly into northern Manistee County before turning northerly back into Benzie County. A dam on the river forms Homestead Pond, after which is flows mostly west and slightly north to Lake Michigan.

Betsie River emptying into Lake Betsie, Elberta, MI (bridge shown is M-22 crossing the river outlet)

## Drainage basin

The Betsie River drains an area of approximately 155,026 acres (627.37 km2)[5] in three counties. The drainage basin include about 93 miles (150 km) of linear stream, 52 miles (84 km) of which is part of the mainstream.[6]

## Dams

- Homestead Dam [44°35′48″N 86°04′48″W / 44.59667°N 86.08000°W / 44.59667; -86.08000](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_35_48_N_86_04_48_W_)[7] was mostly removed in 1974 and currently acts as a [lamprey](/source/Lamprey) barrier. It impounds little water and does not impede salmon migrations.[5] The remains of the dam are now sometimes called "Homestead Falls".[8] The dam was a power generating facility formerly owned by [Consumers Energy](/source/Consumers_Energy).[6]

- Grass Lake Dam, approximately 4 miles (6 km) downstream from Green Lake, forms an approximately 90-acre (36 ha) impoundment. The dam was constructed in 1951 to improve waterfowl habitat and [northern pike](/source/Northern_pike) fishing.[5] The dam was installed by the state Wildlife Division and created a 482 acres (195 ha) waterfowl flooding.[6]

- Thompsonville Dam was an old power dam[6] that failed in the spring of 1989 and was subsequently removed. Prior to its removal, the dam posed a barrier to salmon migration. Salmon and trout have access to the entire mainstream of the river, even above the Grass Lake Dam.[5]

## Bridges

Below is a list of public [crossings](/source/Bridge) of the Betsie River:

Route Type Municipality County Location M-22 (Frankfort Avenue) State highway Benzonia Township Benzie 44°37′13.1″N 86°13′18.1″W / 44.620306°N 86.221694°W / 44.620306; -86.221694 Betsie Valley Trailway (west) Paved trail 44°37′09.2″N 86°13′13.5″W / 44.619222°N 86.220417°W / 44.619222; -86.220417 River Road (west) County road Crystal Lake Township 44°37′05.9″N 86°10′04.0″W / 44.618306°N 86.167778°W / 44.618306; -86.167778 River Road (east) County road Benzonia Township 44°37′05.2″N 86°07′24.0″W / 44.618111°N 86.123333°W / 44.618111; -86.123333 Grace Road County road 44°36′16.0″N 86°06′44.3″W / 44.604444°N 86.112306°W / 44.604444; -86.112306 US 31/M-115 (Benzie Highway) State highway 44°36′02.2″N 86°07′24.0″W / 44.600611°N 86.123333°W / 44.600611; -86.123333 M-115 (west) State highway Weldon Township 44°33′26.3″N 86°03′12.3″W / 44.557306°N 86.053417°W / 44.557306; -86.053417 County Line Road County road Weldon/Springdale township Benzie/Manistee line 44°30′52.0″N 86°02′40.6″W / 44.514444°N 86.044611°W / 44.514444; -86.044611 Psutka Road County road Springdale Township Manistee 44°29′46.4″N 86°01′47.7″W / 44.496222°N 86.029917°W / 44.496222; -86.029917 Kurick Road County road 44°30′05.3″N 85°58′45.2″W / 44.501472°N 85.979222°W / 44.501472; -85.979222 M-115 (east) State highway 44°30′26.9″N 85°58′06.3″W / 44.507472°N 85.968417°W / 44.507472; -85.968417 Lindy Road County road Weldon Township Benzie 44°31′13.8″N 85°57′41.5″W / 44.520500°N 85.961528°W / 44.520500; -85.961528 Wolf Road County road 44°31′43.1″N 85°56′55.8″W / 44.528639°N 85.948833°W / 44.528639; -85.948833 Betsie Valley Trailway (east) Paved trail 44°31′48.6″N 85°56′51.6″W / 44.530167°N 85.947667°W / 44.530167; -85.947667 King Road County road 44°32′32.1″N 85°56′32.9″W / 44.542250°N 85.942472°W / 44.542250; -85.942472 South Thompsonville Highway County road Colfax Township 44°37′47.2″N 85°56′16.9″W / 44.629778°N 85.938028°W / 44.629778; -85.938028 South Carmean Road County road 44°33′19.6″N 85°55′05.8″W / 44.555444°N 85.918278°W / 44.555444; -85.918278 Wallin Road County road 44°34′13.7″N 85°53′35.0″W / 44.570472°N 85.893056°W / 44.570472; -85.893056 Nostwick Road County road 44°34′23.4″N 85°53′16.7″W / 44.573167°N 85.887972°W / 44.573167; -85.887972 South Reynolds Road County road 44°34′28.8″N 85°52′40.2″W / 44.574667°N 85.877833°W / 44.574667; -85.877833 Betsie River Road County road Grant Township Grand Traverse 44°35′34.7″N 85°47′48.0″W / 44.592972°N 85.796667°W / 44.592972; -85.796667 Diamond Park Road County road Green Lake Township 44°37′59.5″N 85°46′55.2″W / 44.633194°N 85.782000°W / 44.633194; -85.782000 J. Maddy Parkway County road 44°38′29.2″N 85°46′02.2″W / 44.641444°N 85.767278°W / 44.641444; -85.767278 Birch Road County road 44°39′14.5″N 85°45′04.6″W / 44.654028°N 85.751278°W / 44.654028; -85.751278 US 31 State highway 44°39′30.9″N 85°44′59.7″W / 44.658583°N 85.749917°W / 44.658583; -85.749917

## Tributaries

- Betsie Lake [44°37′42″N 86°13′47″W / 44.62833°N 86.22972°W / 44.62833; -86.22972](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_37_42_N_86_13_47_W_type:landmark_region:US)[9]

- Crystal Lake Outlet [44°37′32″N 86°08′18″W / 44.62556°N 86.13833°W / 44.62556; -86.13833](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_37_32_N_86_08_18_W_)[10] - [Crystal Lake](/source/Crystal_Lake_(Benzie_County%2C_Michigan)) - Cold Creek [44°37′47″N 86°05′46″W / 44.62972°N 86.09611°W / 44.62972; -86.09611](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_37_47_N_86_05_46_W_) in [Beulah](/source/Beulah%2C_Michigan)[11]

- Rice Creek [44°36′19″N 86°06′51″W / 44.60528°N 86.11417°W / 44.60528; -86.11417](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_36_19_N_86_06_51_W_)[12]

- Dair Creek [44°33′05″N 86°03′15″W / 44.55139°N 86.05417°W / 44.55139; -86.05417](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_33_05_N_86_03_15_W_)[13]

- Little Betsie River [44°32′01″N 85°56′44″W / 44.53361°N 85.94556°W / 44.53361; -85.94556](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_32_01_N_85_56_44_W_)[14]

- Pickerel Creek [44°35′29″N 85°50′25″W / 44.59139°N 85.84028°W / 44.59139; -85.84028](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_35_29_N_85_50_25_W_)[15] - Twin Lake [44°34′19″N 85°49′46″W / 44.57194°N 85.82944°W / 44.57194; -85.82944](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_34_19_N_85_49_46_W_)[16] - Upper Twin Lake [44°34′19″N 85°49′17″W / 44.57194°N 85.82139°W / 44.57194; -85.82139](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_34_19_N_85_49_17_W_)[17]

- Grass Lake [44°36′30″N 85°51′03″W / 44.60833°N 85.85083°W / 44.60833; -85.85083](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_36_30_N_85_51_03_W_)[18]

- Mud Lake [44°34′31″N 85°47′55″W / 44.57528°N 85.79861°W / 44.57528; -85.79861](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_34_31_N_85_47_55_W_)[19]

- [Green Lake](/source/Green_Lake_(Grand_Traverse_County%2C_Michigan)) [44°36′41″N 85°47′03″W / 44.61139°N 85.78417°W / 44.61139; -85.78417](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_36_41_N_85_47_03_W_)[20] - Bridge Lake [44°38′21″N 85°47′07″W / 44.63917°N 85.78528°W / 44.63917; -85.78528](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_38_21_N_85_47_07_W_)[21] - Tullers Lake [44°39′15″N 85°46′43″W / 44.65417°N 85.77861°W / 44.65417; -85.77861](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_39_15_N_85_46_43_W_)[22] - [Cedar Hedge Lake](/source/Cedar_Hedge_Lake) [44°40′12″N 85°47′04″W / 44.67000°N 85.78444°W / 44.67000; -85.78444](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_40_12_N_85_47_04_W_)[23] - Mud Lake [44°38′36″N 85°45′28″W / 44.64333°N 85.75778°W / 44.64333; -85.75778](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_38_36_N_85_45_28_W_)[24] - [Duck Lake](/source/Duck_Lake_(Grand_Traverse_County%2C_Michigan)) [44°37′53″N 85°44′42″W / 44.63139°N 85.74500°W / 44.63139; -85.74500](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_37_53_N_85_44_42_W_)[25] - Horton Creek - Brigham Creek [44°37′18″N 85°43′42″W / 44.62167°N 85.72833°W / 44.62167; -85.72833](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_37_18_N_85_43_42_W_)[26] - Mason Creek [44°37′51″N 85°43′26″W / 44.63083°N 85.72389°W / 44.63083; -85.72389](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_37_51_N_85_43_26_W_)[27] - Weidenhamer Swamp [44°37′35″N 85°36′10″W / 44.62639°N 85.60278°W / 44.62639; -85.60278](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_37_35_N_85_36_10_W_)[28] - Tonawanda Lake [44°39′03″N 85°45′07″W / 44.65083°N 85.75194°W / 44.65083; -85.75194](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_39_03_N_85_45_07_W_)[29] - Ellis Lake [44°39′47″N 85°44′54″W / 44.66306°N 85.74833°W / 44.66306; -85.74833](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_39_47_N_85_44_54_W_)[30] - Saunders Lake [44°40′17″N 85°43′56″W / 44.67139°N 85.73222°W / 44.67139; -85.73222](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Betsie_River&params=44_40_17_N_85_43_56_W_)[31]

## Notes

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-gnis1_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-gnis1_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-gnis1_1-2) [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Betsie River](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/621247)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NHD_2-0)** U.S. Geological Survey. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline data. [The National Map](https://viewer.nationalmap.gov/viewer/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120329155652/http://viewer.nationalmap.gov/viewer/) 2012-03-29 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), accessed November 21, 2011

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** [Betsie River](http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-30301_31431_31442-95764--,00.html), [Michigan Department of Natural Resources](/source/Michigan_Department_of_Natural_Resources)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** LLC, Historic Map Works. ["Blair - Left, Atlas: Grand Traverse County 1881, Michigan Historical Map"](http://www.historicmapworks.com/Map/US/473125/Blair+++Left/Grand+Traverse+County+1881/Michigan/). *www.historicmapworks.com*. Retrieved 2019-08-12.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-fisherystatus2004_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-fisherystatus2004_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-fisherystatus2004_5-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-fisherystatus2004_5-3) [Betsi River](http://www.michigandnr.com/PUBLICATIONS/PDFS/ifr/ifrlibra/status/waterbody/2004-3Betsie.pdf), Mark A. Tonello, "Status of the Fishery Resource Report, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, No. 2004-3, 2004

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-naturalriverplan_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-naturalriverplan_6-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-naturalriverplan_6-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-naturalriverplan_6-3) [Betsie River Natural River Plan](http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Betsie_River_Plan_23126_7.pdf), Michigan Department of Natural Resources, July 1973, revised March 12, 2002

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Homestead Dam](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/628519)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** [The Betsie River](http://www.hanmers.com/canoetrips.html), Hanmer's Canoe Trips

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Betsie Lake](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/621246)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Crystal Lake Outlet](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/1618425)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Cold Creek](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/623561)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Rice Creek](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/635836)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Dair Creek](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/624461)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Little Betsie River](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/630563)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Pickerel Creek](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/634772)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Twin Lake](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/1615243)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Upper Twin Lake](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/1615418)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Grass Lake](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/627199)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Mud Lake](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/632996)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Green Lake](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/1623734)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Bridge Lake](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/621960)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Tullers Lake](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/1615161)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Cedar Hedge Lake](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/622913)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Mud Lake](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/632997)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Duck Lake](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/624946)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Brigham Creek](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/2104305)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Mason Creek](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/631701)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Weidenhamer Swamp](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/2104324)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Tonawanda Lake](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/1614950)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Ellis Lake](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/625489)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Saunders Lake](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/637281)

## External links

- [Map of the Betsie River](https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/-/media/Project/Websites/dnr/Documents/Fisheries/NaturalRivers/Natural-River-Maps/natural-rivers-betsie-map.pdf), [Michigan Department of Natural Resources](/source/Michigan_Department_of_Natural_Resources)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Betsie River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betsie_River) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betsie_River?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.