Making time for a trip to Manistee is always exciting for travelers. If you’re someone who enjoys quality time away from the hustle of life surrounded by beautiful scenery, you can elevate the fun of your Manistee getaway even further with a stop at Orchard Beach State Park while you’re in the area. This family-friendly destination is a delightful place to spend an afternoon exploring with the little ones or adventuring alongside friends. No matter when you arrive in Manistee, it’s a place well worth adding to your itinerary.
Before you enjoy your trip to Manistee with a stop at Orchard Beach State Park on the agenda, be sure to request our free vacation guide! This convenient and comprehensive resource will shed even more light on local activities and attractions you won’t want to miss out on while you’re here.
A Place Where Nature and History Go Hand in Hand
You’ll find Orchard Beach State Park overlooking Lake Michigan atop an impressive 100-foot bluff. It’s a place on the map that’s long been loved by nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. That’s because Orchard Beach State Park frames stunning water views from above for its guests and is named for the apple orchard that once inhabited its grounds more than 100 years ago. Those who visit today can also enjoy time admiring the 850-ton historic structure that works as a centerpiece for the park and was relocated on-site in the name of education and conservation. Orchard Beach State Park is a terrific place to enjoy time on the sand which is accessible from a stairway linking the shoreline to the on-site campground in the warm weather months of the year. There’s a large shelter building atop the bluff which can be rented out for meetings, weddings, and special events too. When you head this way, you’ll want to be sure to pack a picnic lunch that you can enjoy at the shelter or picnic tables followed by time on the playground for little ones in your group.
Trails to Explore When You Visit
The beautiful scenery that makes up Orchard Beach State Park lends itself well to afternoons of hiking. Those who love lacing up their boots and hitting the pathways will be delighted to find this park hosts more than 3.5 miles of trails to explore in total. Many routes run through former farmland and old-growth forest making every excursion visually intriguing. There’s a half-mile self-guided nature trail to enjoy and multiple miles of trails that take you more off the beaten path in areas adjacent to the campground. Many visitors choose to enjoy time on the Orchard Beach State Park Loop which is rated easy to navigate and extends for 2 miles. Set aside about 44 minutes of your time to complete the loop which is also a great place for birding adventures. The trail is open all year long and your canine companion is welcome to join you on a hike as long as they remain leashed.
Plan Your Visit
Orchard Beach State Park is located at 2064 N. Lakeshore Road and can be accessed just about 3 miles north of central Manistee. It spans 201 acres of terrain, and you’ll need to have a recreation passport in hand to enjoy time here.
Make Style and Comfort a Part of Your Manistee Getaway
If you are looking to explore Orchard Beach State Park, be sure to check out the Orchard Beach House just steps from the park you can find luxury, comfort, and style for your Manistee experience when booking your accommodations through Boardwalk Vacation Rentals. The Orchard Beach house condos are newly updated, stylish, and amenity packed. Take time to browse our exciting lineup of properties online and reach out to learn more about possible bookings for your desired travel dates. We can’t wait to see you in Michigan soon!