1. Winter Adventures at Big-M Recreation Area

Bring your winter boots, snow shoes, fat bikes or cross country skis to recreate in a well-marked, loop trail winter wonderland under a canopy of hardwoods in the Manistee National Forest. If your family includes a beloved dog, make sure to bring them (and a leash). There is also a warming hut with a wood burning stove and picnic tables to provide a cozy place to rest.

2. Entertainment & Culture

– Catch a 25-cent family matinee or film at the Vogue Theatre, a historic art deco movie house providing entertainment to Manistee County for over 8 decades.

– See a live performance, view an art exhibition or take an art workshop at the historic Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts.

– All ages are welcome to the Manistee County Library. Our local library offers toddler story time, children/teen workshops and is in one of the most historic buildings in Manistee County, open to locals and visitors!

3. Visit a Winter Festival or Event

– Taking place the first weekend in December, the Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend is one of the most spectacular winter events in Michigan! With 50+ events taking place from Dec 5-8, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.

– Sparkle in the Park is an annual drive through Christmas display at Hopkins Park in Bear Lake from the first Saturday after Thanksgiving through New Years Eve. The Display is free and can be enjoyed from the warmth of your car.

4. Winter Paddling

If you’ve ever been interested in winter rafting, Pine River Paddlesports provides extremely stable rafts and guided trips along the Pine River. Trips are usually 1 hour and 15 minutes – perfect for observing winter scenery! Guides can either be in your raft or they can canoe alongside you. 

5. Skiing & Snowboarding

Manistee County has two great downhill skiing options with nearly 100 ski runs in Crystal Mountain and Caberfae Peaks. Each location is a 30 minute drive (or less) from Manistee County depending on where you are staying. 

6. Kid-Friendly Shopping

Manistee County offers a variety of family-friendly shopping options for unique gifts and experiences. Here are a few places to check out in #MyManistee: 

1. Riverside Toys
2. Bellsprouts
3. Happy Owl Bookshop
4. Backstage Hobbies & Games
5. Rebel’s Sanctuary