Must See Manistee
So you are seeking an escape to the great Up North? No matter how you like to recreate, our roads, rivers, trails, lakes lead you to endless outdoor adventure. 25 miles of sandy Lake Michigan shoreline, 270 miles of rivers, and thousands of acres of Manistee National Forest await your arrival in Manistee County.
We have assembled a list of our favorite things to see and do in Manistee and around the county. Whether you have a weekend to explore or more time to take in all of the sites, this list will help provide some inspiration during your visit to our beautiful region.
01
LITTLE MAC
The Manistee River Little Mac suspension bridge is a 245 foot long foot traffic bridge that is really something to see on the Manistee River Trail. It is the largest wooden suspension bridge in the Lower Peninsula. It can be found on the 11+ mile Manistee River trail system along the high banks of the Big Manistee River between Tippy Dam and Hodenpyle Dam.
02
AERIAL TOUR
Want to explore the region from a completely different perspective? Take a scenic airplane ride with Orchard Beach Aviation. With multiple routes to choose from, you can fly over the woods and water of Manistee and along the Lake Michigan coastline. Be sure to book your airplane tour in advance, this is a popular attraction particularly during the fall color tour season.
03
ARCADIA SCENIC OVERLOOK
Traveling north along the scenic M22 route you will find the Arcadia Scenic Overlook providing picturesque views of the Lake Michigan shoreline from 370′ over the water. The view is spectacular from the viewing platform, or climb 120 steps (80 vertical feet) to the top for the highest view of Lake Michigan in our state. It’s our not to be missed picture spot!
04
FIFTH AVENUE BEACH
One of Manistee’s most beautiful beaches, this spot offers the perfect location for a relaxing day soaking up the sun and walking the North Pier to the Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse. This beach features a bathhouse with shower facility, a great food vendor, a playground for the kids, and tennis courts. Fifth Avenue Beach is the best destination for spectacular shots of the setting sun.
05
LITTLE MANISTEE WEIR
On the banks of the Little Manistee River is a DNR egg-take and salmon harvest facility. The weir is used to block fish on the Little Manistee River in the spring and fall of the year. Steelhead eggs are taken in the spring and chinook salmon eggs are taken in the fall and then sent to state fish hatcheries where they are reared and stocked all over Michigan and other states.
06
IRON FISH DISTILLERY
Michigan’s first farm distillery offers award-winning spirits, delicious cocktails, and wood-fired oven cuisine, all within view of the small craft state-of-the-art distilling facility. The heated indoor patio, fire pit, and cozy tasting room are open year-round, with live music most weekends. Book a tour and tasting for an inside view of the complete distillation and production process.
07
HISTORIC MANISTEE
Our self-guided Manistee County Historic Sites Tour takes you back to the early days of Manistee County. Take 8 tours showcasing more than 100 historic sites throughout our county highlighting our agricultural history and the beautiful Victorian Era architecture that showcases the unique personality of Manistee.
08
BOAT TOURS
Two unique boat tours, both docked on the Downtown Riverwalk on the Manistee River, offer visitors the opportunity to experience the Manistee River and Lake Michigan sailing across the water. The Manistee Princess is a 65 foot passenger vessel that sails daily from spring through fall. For a more personalized experience, Inn Fun Cruises charters beach day trips or sunset cruises for smaller groups.
09
ARCADIA BLUFFS PIPER
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course attracts golfers from around the world for unrivaled views from the greens perched high atop a Lake Michigan bluff. Golf not your thing? Arcadia Bluffs creates an experience that reaches beyond the course with fine dining and a bagpiper in full Scotish regalia that plays Amazing Gracewith the backdrop of the setting sun. It is really something to see.
10
LITTLE RIVER CASINO
Located in Manistee, the Little River Casino offers slots, video gaming, and live tables for gaming excitement. But the fun doesn’t end on the gaming floor, their entertainment venue attracts nationally recognized bands, comedians, and other popular performers. Onsite dining options and their Nectar Spa & Salon round out the full experience.