#MyManistee Stories & Blog

Follow the travelers that love Manistee County, enjoy these stories about our incredible outdoor recreation, things-to-do, dining, shopping and unique experiences you will ONLY find here.

Browse our latest #MyManistee perspectives here, select a category that peaks your interest and learn more!

Trails & Waterways

Golfing & Entertainment

Walk through History

Winter Time in the Area

Experience and Explore our TRAILS and WATERWAYS!

As the weather turns warm, out trails and waterways become a top attraction in Northern Michigan and you will quickly find out why once you experience their awesomeness. Here are some of our top trails to explore and experience during the peak season in Manistee County.

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Top Summer Trails

by Manistee VB | July 9, 2024 | Adventure Sports, Outdoors, Summer, Trails, Uncategorized, What To Do | 0 Comments

150+ miles of trails span our county, welcoming you to come explore! Whether hiking or biking, you will find a trail that is just your speed. We have everything from short looped trails for the casual hiker to challenging single-track trails for the avid mountain...

Best of the Beaches

by Manistee VB | July 3, 2024 | Beaches, Must See Manistee, Seasons, Summer, Uncategorized, What To Do | 0 Comments

Every beach offers a different experience when visiting this summer in #MyManistee From the Fifth Avenue Beach with it's iconic lighthouse and action packed fun in the sand, to the more quite beach locations found in the northern reaches of our county, Manistee is...

Big Manistee Winter Paddling

by Manistee VB | November 22, 2022 | Outdoors, Rivers & Paddling, Seasons, Winter, Winter 24-25 blog, Winter Alt Campaign | 1 Comment

With open water year-round on the 4 rivers of Manistee County, winter paddling adventure abounds from the same access points paddlers enjoy in the summer months. Don’t let colder temperatures keep you away from paddling when the snow flies. You will find the scenic...

Winter Trail Warriors

by Manistee VB | November 22, 2022 | Adventure Sports, Snowmobiling, Trails, Winter | 0 Comments

Picture this…a dusting of freshly fallen snow covers the expertly groomed trails before you, the temperatures have dropped just low enough to keep the fresh snowpack on the trails in peak condition, you have nothing but time and over 250 miles of snowmobile trails...

Winter River Fishing in Manistee

by Manistee VB | November 22, 2022 | Fishing & Hunting, Guided Tours, Outdoors, Rivers & Paddling, Seasons, Winter, Winter Alt Campaign | 0 Comments

River fishing the waterways of Manistee County provides an experience rich with stunning scenic landscapes and abundant nature during every season of the year, including the winter months. The frozen riverbeds and snow-covered trees create a serene backdrop for a day...

Top 6 Fall Color Trails 2021

by Brandon Jensen | September 3, 2021 | Adventure Sports, Fall, Featured, First Time Visitors, Seasons, Trails | 0 Comments

If getting out into the fresh air and wide open spaces sounds appealing to you, you are not alone. With all that is going on in the world right now, it is a perfect opportunity to get out, stretch you legs, and enjoy some scenic fall color from our trails. Here we...

Big M’s Outer Loop

by Sherri | February 24, 2021 | Adventure Sports, Featured, First Time Visitors, Outdoors, Trails, What To Do, Winter, Winter Trails & Slopes | 0 Comments

Where we gonna ride today, Dyl? Today we are riding the Outer Loop at Big M! The outer loop is about 15 miles and depending on the conditions of the day, can take anywhere from just under 2 hours, to up to three and a half or more if conditions are like below! The...

Fat Biking the Swedish Fiddle Loop

by Sherri | February 8, 2021 | Outdoors, Trails, Winter, Winter Trails & Slopes | 0 Comments

Where we gonna ride today, Dyl? Big M is nestled between Wellston and Manistee in the mighty Huron-Manistee National Forest. A trail head for cross county skiing, snowshoeing, and of course, FATBIKING! Today we are riding the Swedish Fiddle Loop! AKA The Beginner’s...

Manistee’s sugar sand beaches

by Brandon Jensen | January 29, 2019 | Beaches, Summer, What To Do | 0 Comments

In the City of Manistee, over 130 acres of Lake Michigan sandy beachfront parks straddle the banks of the Manistee River Channel. First Street Beach/Douglas Park to the south, and Fifth Avenue Beach and Park to the north, offer open, accessible concession...

Let’s go for a ride!

by Brandon Jensen | January 29, 2019 | Trails, What To Do | 0 Comments

Grab your bike and let’s go riding... Sometimes, the best areas to ride, are not the formal trail systems in the region. Summer beach rides are a blissful way to go for a ride. Generally winds are lower in the summer so it is easy to cruise along the water...

Water and Lake Life in Manistee County

by Maralee Cook | March 22, 2017 | Boating & Harbors, Fishing & Hunting, Outdoors, Seasons, Spring, Summer | 0 Comments

There’s fresh water, water, everywhere and even some to drink in Manistee County’s North Coast Region (with a wink and apologies to Samuel Coleridge’s “Rime of the Ancient Mariner”). We invite you to immerse yourself in the laid-back lake life in our...

Outdoor Adventure in Manistee’s North Woods

by Maralee Cook | March 22, 2017 | Adventure Sports, Fall, Featured, Local Parks, Outdoors, Seasons, Spring, Summer, Trails, Winter | 0 Comments

If you’re an adventurous explorer, you’ve come to the right place. Our North Woods are in the heart of four-season natural beauty with thrill-a-minute activities. A passionate group of entrepreneurs have developed their own visions to share, creating...

Piloting a Freighter through the Manistee River Channel

by Maralee Cook | June 1, 2016 | Boating & Harbors, Conversations, Spring | 1 Comment

Photos by: Chris Franckowiak From April through December, and sometimes into January, massive Great Lakes freighters will visit the port of Manistee, delighting residents and visitors, who will line the banks of the river channel to watch in awe and...

Three Rivers

by Maralee Cook | May 30, 2016 | Adventure Sports, Conversations, Rivers & Paddling, Summer | 3 Comments

Is it the opportunity to catch 'the big one', or the wild beauty of the area that keeps anglers returning to Manistee County's rivers to fish? According to a few of the county’s river fishing guides, it turns out to be a combination of the two. Blessed...

Our Lakeshore in Manistee County

by Maralee Cook | April 13, 2016 | Beaches, Conversations, Summer | 0 Comments

Lake Michigan at the Portage Lake outlet, Onekama, MI : Photo Credit: Al Taylor Boaters who travel the Great Lake Michigan to visit Manistee County know to keep their charts and GPS handy. There are no skyscrapers or tall bridges to eyeball on this section...

Hiking the Loop: Manistee River Trail & North Country Trail Loop

by Brandon Jensen | February 18, 2016 | Fall, Outdoors, Spring, Summer, Trails, Winter, Winter Trails & Slopes | 66 Comments

Nestled in the Manistee National Forest you will find hundreds of miles of marked trails for those who love to hike, bike, or in the winter, cross country ski and snowshoe. Which trail should you choose for your weekend adventure? We suggest the North Country Trail...

Grebe Park

by Manistee VB | February 10, 2016 | Boating & Harbors, Outdoors, Seasons | 2 Comments

Arcadia Lake is a 100-acre, natural beauty gem and Grebe Park, both family- and pet-friendly, offers access to all. Through the park’s association with Manistee County’s Explore the Shores Program, construction of a special fishing platform and launch site...

Nature & Pet Friendly Parks in Manistee County

by Manistee VB | January 20, 2016 | Beaches, Outdoors, Spring, Summer | 0 Comments

Traveling with your four legged companions is becoming more and more of a norm in the travel world, so rest assured that we have places that welcome your pets. A top beach in the Manistee Area would be the North Beach Access. Perfect, out of the way, and...

Beaches of Manistee County

by Manistee VB | January 14, 2016 | Beaches, Summer | 0 Comments

Escape from your hectic schedule, and let our endless miles of beaches, for as far as you can see, soothe and calm you. Wiggle your toes in the warm golden sand, close your eyes, breathe deeply and listen to the waves. Our Lake Michigan beaches are...

Experience GOLF

Get off the couch and try your hand at any one of our incredible golf courses in Manistee County. Featuring one of the top public golf courses in the State of Michigan (Arcadia Bluffs), and the beautiful 36 at Manistee National, we are sure to peak your golf interest no matter which direction you decide to travel.

The Piper Inspires Arcadia Bluffs & Manistee County

by Maralee Cook | May 25, 2016 | Golf Resorts, Golfing, Summer | 0 Comments

Picture this. You’re relaxing with friends on the patio at Arcadia Bluffs Lodge, enjoying the warm sunlight softened by the pastel hues that signal the sunset to come. As you gaze westward toward Lake Michigan, you spot the Scottish bagpiper in full...

144 Greens: Start planning your golf vacation

by Manistee VB | February 18, 2016 | Golfing, Seasons, Spring | 0 Comments

There is perhaps no better spot in all of Michigan golf than the balcony at Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club at sunset. The views toward the horizon of Lake Michigan stretch for miles. The fescue grasses of the course’s rugged dunes flutter in the wind and shimmer...

Experience ENTERTAINMENT

Music & Events

by Manistee Tourism | June 28, 2024 | Entertainment & Culture, Summer, Uncategorized, What To Do | 0 Comments

Live music and events are not hard to find in Manistee County! Between free concerts throughout the week, community heritage days, and signature events, #MyManistee has a little something for everyone.LIVE MUSIC IN #MYMANISTEEOnekama Concerts in the Park - Monday...

Discover the Origins Walk

by Manistee VB | January 23, 2023 | Entertainment & Culture, First Time Visitors, Historic Tours, Local History, Must See Manistee, Tours | 0 Comments

In October of 2022, the Manistee County Visitor’s Bureau unveiled an interpretive signage installation that had been in the works for a number of years. This collaborative project brought together organizations and agencies throughout the region to deliver a new way...

Historic Downtown Manistee

by Manistee VB | January 23, 2023 | Entertainment & Culture, First Time Visitors, Historic Tours, Local History, Shopping & Services, Stay, What To Do | 0 Comments

Manistee County welcomes you to explore the streets of Historic Downtown Manistee, the Victorian Era buildings are filled with shops featuring local wares and restaurant serving regional favorites. Situated along the free-flowing waters of the Big Manistee River,...

Love the Night Life

by Manistee VB | November 22, 2022 | Beer, Wine & Sprits, Entertainment & Culture, First Time Visitors, Seasons, Winter, Winter Alt Campaign | 0 Comments

After the sun sets over the frozen tundra of the Lake Michigan shoreline, attention turns to dining and entertainment to make for a fun evening in Manistee. Looking for a live performance on the big stage, a rousing game of cards, or a tub of popcorn at a historic...

On stage, screen & canvas

by Brandon Jensen | January 29, 2019 | Entertainment & Culture, First Time Visitors, Local History, What To Do | 0 Comments

Enjoying entertainment, arts and culture in Manistee County comes with the added bonus of the natural beauty of Lake Michigan, forests and orchards, and dynamic historic architecture.At the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, located in the City of...

Sweet Sounds

by Brandon Jensen | January 29, 2019 | Beer, Wine & Sprits, Entertainment & Culture, Events, What To Do | 0 Comments

Looking for live music and a place to enjoy a meal or liquid libation while spending time in Manistee County? Well, look no further because there are many places throughout the county where you can catch great local bands and jam along to your favorite...

Vogue Theater

by Manistee VB | February 2, 2016 | Entertainment & Culture, First Time Visitors, Historic Tours, Local History, Self Guided Tours | 0 Comments

Built in 1938, in the then popular Art Deco Style, the Vogue was part of a large Midwestern chain owned by the Butterfield Theaters. The 935 seat theater continued to operate as a single screen until Butterfield Theaters sold it in 1985 and it was changed...

Little River. Big Fun.

by Manistee VB | January 27, 2016 | Entertainment & Culture | 0 Comments

The Pure Michigan campaign is well exemplified in Manistee County which is full of beautiful sites and scenery. Off the beaten path and on the shores of Lake Michigan, it is a recreational paradise that more people discover each year. When they arrive,...

Walk through HISTORY in Manistee County

Manistee County is home to a beautiful collection of Historic Sites and Museums. There are so many excellent sites to visit and explore. Read about how these historic sites came to be with our walk through history in Manistee County.

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Discover the Origins Walk

by Manistee VB | January 23, 2023 | Entertainment & Culture, First Time Visitors, Historic Tours, Local History, Must See Manistee, Tours | 0 Comments

Historic Downtown Manistee

by Manistee VB | January 23, 2023 | Entertainment & Culture, First Time Visitors, Historic Tours, Local History, Shopping & Services, Stay, What To Do | 0 Comments

Explore the Bridges & Dams of Manistee County

by Manistee VB | January 23, 2023 | First Time Visitors, Must See Manistee, Outdoors, Self Guided Tours, Tours | 0 Comments

Follow our Bridges & Dams Self-Guided Tour as it leads you to 10 spectacular structures. Manistee is home to 3 vehicular, 3 railroad, and 1 massive pedestrian bridge along with 2 hydroelectric dams, 1 egg take/salmon harvest weir, and 1 historic bridge site. This...

Wonders of Winter Along M22

by Manistee VB | November 22, 2022 | First Time Visitors, Outdoors, Seasons, Self Guided Tours, Winter, Winter Alt Campaign | 0 Comments

The scenic M22 route following the Lake Michigan shoreline from Manistee north through the Leelanau Peninsula is one of the most beautiful drives in any season of the year, winter is no exception. Your route begins at US31 & M22 at the Little River Casino Resort....

Immerse Yourself in the History of Manistee

by Manistee VB | April 4, 2022 | Bed & Breakfasts, Historic Tours, Hotels, Local History, Must See Manistee, Self Guided Tours, Spring, Tours | 0 Comments

In 2018, in collaboration with the Manistee County Historical Museum and with funding through the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development, the Manistee County Visitor’s Bureau introduced a comprehensive tour of the historic sites spanning the...

A Taste of Manistee

by Manistee VB | April 4, 2022 | Beer, Wine & Sprits, Must See Manistee, Self Guided Tours, Spring, Tours, Vacation Rentals | 0 Comments

It’s early spring. The days are a little longer, the sun shines a bit brighter, trees start to sport a little green, and we are ready to get out and start exploring. Manistee welcomes you to the perfect destination for your spring getaway! Begin your exploration with...

Toni’s Top Ten

by Sherri | February 15, 2021 | Featured, First Time Visitors, Local History, Must See Manistee, Tours, What To Do | 11 Comments

Hands down my favorite place in town. The Ramsdell Theatre is bursting with magic, music, and art, as well as incredible history and architecture. You can catch a play, see concerts and if you are lucky, wander over into Hardy Hall to view some of our treasured local...

Top 5 Unique Fall Finds for 2020

by Brandon Jensen | September 3, 2020 | Fall, Featured, First Time Visitors, Seasons, Self Guided Tours | 0 Comments

There are more ways to experience fall color than just by car or bike. Here is your TOP 5 #MyManistee "Unique Ways to Explore Fall" this fall color season in Northern Michigan. 1) Scenic Airplane Tour Take a Scenic Airplane Ride with Orchard Beach Aviation....

The city of Manistee turns 150

by Brandon Jensen | January 29, 2019 | Events, Local History | 3 Comments

During the first week in March of 1869, Manistee was granted a charter by the State Legislature officially making Manistee a city. After the first charter election was held on March 15 of that year, a mayor was elected as were alderman for the city’s...

On stage, screen & canvas

by Brandon Jensen | January 29, 2019 | Entertainment & Culture, First Time Visitors, Local History, What To Do | 0 Comments

See you back this WINTER – Read about our great opportunity this winter.

Welcome to Winter in Manistee County. Explore the cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and ice fishing opportunities all around us. With 4-6 great winter weather months, experience out vast trail network and learn why we are one of the top destinations for winter along the shores of Lake Michigan.

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Time to Try Something New

by Manistee VB | November 22, 2022 | First Time Visitors, Outdoors, Seasons, Winter, Winter Alt Campaign | 1 Comment

Encumbered by responsibilities, we yearn to get away from it all. We find ourselves seeking the peaceful refuge of the wide-open spaces of the great outdoors. Winter is no exception. Good News! We have just the solution for your winter blues or cabin fever! This year...

Top 5 Ways to Winter

by Manistee VB | November 22, 2022 | First Time Visitors, Outdoors, Seasons, Uncategorized, Winter, Winter Alt Campaign | 0 Comments

Northern Michigan winter adventure abounds in Manistee County, featuring more than 245 miles of trails, 80 deep water inland lakes, and 4 river streams. Whether you are trying your hand at a new winter sport or are a seasoned winter warrior, you will find plenty of...

Big Manistee Winter Paddling

by Manistee VB | November 22, 2022 | Outdoors, Rivers & Paddling, Seasons, Winter, Winter 24-25 blog, Winter Alt Campaign | 1 Comment

Winter Trail Warriors

by Manistee VB | November 22, 2022 | Adventure Sports, Snowmobiling, Trails, Winter | 0 Comments

Snowshoeing the Trails of Manistee

by Manistee VB | November 22, 2022 | Outdoors, Seasons, Winter, Winter Alt Campaign, Winter Trails & Slopes | 0 Comments

The same trails that beckon summertime travelers, offer a different deep woods experience when the snow falls. Whether you are up for a big adventure or just want to give it a try, Manistee County is the perfect destination to enjoy a peaceful trek by snowshoe...

Love the Night Life

by Manistee VB | November 22, 2022 | Beer, Wine & Sprits, Entertainment & Culture, First Time Visitors, Seasons, Winter, Winter Alt Campaign | 0 Comments

Ski Nearby Manistee

by Manistee VB | November 22, 2022 | Adventure Sports, Outdoors, Seasons, Winter, Winter Alt Campaign, Winter Trails & Slopes | 0 Comments

Looking to spend some time on the slopes? Just a 30-minute drive from most locations in Manistee County, you can enjoy a day of downhill skiing or snowboarding at two popular Northern Michigan destinations offering nearly 100 ski runs. Need to gear up? Both regional...

Ice Fishing the Lakes of Manistee

by Manistee VB | November 22, 2022 | Fishing & Hunting, Outdoors, Seasons, Winter, Winter Alt Campaign | 0 Comments

As January temperatures drop, a thick layer of ice begins to form across the inland lakes, and slowly small shanty towns start to develop as sport fishermen flock to 80 deep water lakes of our region for another type of winter fishing. Through the mid to late winter...

Wonders of Winter Along M22

by Manistee VB | November 22, 2022 | First Time Visitors, Outdoors, Seasons, Self Guided Tours, Winter, Winter Alt Campaign | 0 Comments

Winter River Fishing in Manistee

by Manistee VB | November 22, 2022 | Fishing & Hunting, Guided Tours, Outdoors, Rivers & Paddling, Seasons, Winter, Winter Alt Campaign | 0 Comments

XC Skiing Adventure on the Big M

by Manistee VB | November 22, 2022 | Outdoors, Seasons, Winter, Winter Alt Campaign, Winter Trails & Slopes | 0 Comments

Bike. Ski. Trek. With a rich history dating back to the 1950s, the Big M Recreation Area offers almost 40 miles of trails winding through the Manistee National Forest featuring terrain carved through the hardwoods to challenge all skill levels. This popular groomed...

Big M’s Outer Loop

by Sherri | February 24, 2021 | Adventure Sports, Featured, First Time Visitors, Outdoors, Trails, What To Do, Winter, Winter Trails & Slopes | 0 Comments

Fat Biking the Swedish Fiddle Loop

by Sherri | February 8, 2021 | Outdoors, Trails, Winter, Winter Trails & Slopes | 0 Comments

Dark Skies and Northern Lights

by Sherri | December 15, 2020 | Outdoors, Uncategorized, Winter, Winter 24-25 blog | 0 Comments

Manistee National Forest/Big-M: Picture this: a fresh blanket of snow on the forest floor, tree branches decorated in white, illuminated by the stars and the moon. Just off M-55 between Wellston & Manistee the Big-M Recreation Area offers you a beautiful...

Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend – The Afterglow

by Manistee Tourism | September 8, 2018 | Events, Featured, Local History, Uncategorized, Winter | 0 Comments

Written & photography by: Andrew Allen Although its been a little over a week since the Sleighbell Parade, Manistee still glows with the warmth of the holiday season. You’d think being a northern costal town our biggest event would be in the summer, but every year...

Outdoor Adventure in Manistee’s North Woods

by Maralee Cook | March 22, 2017 | Adventure Sports, Fall, Featured, Local Parks, Outdoors, Seasons, Spring, Summer, Trails, Winter | 0 Comments

A Wedding Weekend in Manistee County

by Manistee VB | March 22, 2017 | Fall, Featured, Outdoors, Spring, Summer, Winter | 0 Comments

It’s a place you never thought of and the wedding you’ve always dreamed of. It’s the shoreline wedding with soft, sandy beaches and a deep blue water horizon that stretches as far as you can see, or the woodland wedding with rolling hills of green and an...

A weekend snowmobiling trip…

by Manistee VB | November 13, 2016 | Adventure Sports, Snowmobiling, Winter, Winter Trails & Slopes | 0 Comments

Take a weekend and take to the trails. Manistee County is a pretty great place to drop in with the sleds for a weekend. Two great snowmobiling clubs manage and maintain the trails in the area. The Wellston Snowmobiling club maintains the southern trail...

Get out and snowshoe in Manistee County

by Brandon Jensen | November 1, 2016 | Winter, Winter Trails & Slopes | 0 Comments

The snowshoeing opportunities in this area rock. Recently my wife, myself and our 9 year old Weimaraner named Jade took a trip on the Manistee River Trail and had a blast. We dropped into the trail at Red Bridge (US Forest Service Trailhead with primitive...

Hiking the Loop: Manistee River Trail & North Country Trail Loop

by Brandon Jensen | February 18, 2016 | Fall, Outdoors, Spring, Summer, Trails, Winter, Winter Trails & Slopes | 66 Comments

Moonlight Skiing at Big M

by Manistee VB | January 27, 2016 | Winter, Winter Trails & Slopes | 0 Comments

During the dead of winter, there is one light that is shining brightly in the heart of the Manistee National Forest. At the Big-M Recreation area, there are two "moonlight ski night" that take place on the full moon evenings in January and February...

Winter Fat Biking in Manistee County

by Manistee VB | December 31, 2015 | Winter | 0 Comments

It’s an up and coming winter sport and Manistee County is one of the first to embrace your need to get out on the winter trails. Big-M Recreation Area has a dedicated Fat Biking loop for all seasons. If that isn’t cool enough, our neighbor to the north,...

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Find where to stay and download all of our area trail maps and explore the trails in the region.

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