Time for a Swim

First Street Beach – This beach has all of the amenities you will need for a day playing in the sand. With a designated swimming area, picnic pavilions with grills, restrooms, concessions, a walkable pier, and a park close by, you’ll find First Street Beach the ultimate destination for getting your fill of sun and sand.

Other Great Beaches – Maybe you are in the mood to explore more beaches….well you are in luck! Manistee County has 25 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 10 Lake Michigan Beaches and many more on inland lakes. Fifth Avenue Beach is known for its lighthouse, pier walk, and crazy tall slide.  Magoon Creek, not far from downtown Manistee, is a quiet beach offering a great spot to look for beach glass. Heading north on M22 to Onekama, the Portage Point Beach is a local favorite to find a low-key spot in the sand.

If it isn’t a beach day, or you’ve been rained out, the Paine Aquatic Center at Manistee High School offers indoor swimming day passes for the public.

Discover Beaches here!

Pinball at The Outsider

Play a game of pinball at The Outsider’s arcade, featuring new and vintage pinball machines. While you’re there make sure to grab one of their awesome burgers, salads or other kid favorite foods!

Discover The Outsider here!

Visit the Alpacas

One of the most unique experiences of this region is the G&D Alpaca Farm. Greg & Deb have lived in Manistee their entire lives and started the alpaca farm to intro-duce these gentle animals to the community. While there you won’t want to miss Deb’s Boutique featuring products and yarn spun from the fibers of the alpacas on the farm.

Learn more about G&D Alpaca Farm here!

Movie at The Vogue

This historic Art Deco style theater was restored in 2013 and offers a step back in time to an old movie house experience. Enjoy first-run movies, 25-cent Saturday morning matinees, and $2 Wednesday classics. A perfect way to end a day of sun and fun in Manistee!

Learn more here!

Paddling Adventure

The Big Manistee River is smooth flowing, making it a great choice for paddling with the family. The kids will love the rope swings and sand bars. Those looking for a lazy float down the river, tube the Hodenpyl Dam to Red Bridge access. Pine River Paddle Sports can set you up with gear.

Learn more here!

Downtown Discovery

A vacation with the family is not complete without a stroll down River Street and stop inside a shop or two. Several downtown businesses cater to families including Backstage Hobbies & Games (cool games of every variety & cool swag), Riverside Toys (filled with awesome toys and games), Hoot & Honey (an independent book store tons of books, games and much more), and Alpine Chocolat Haus (delicious candies of every variety and ice cream).

Take Flight

Make your way to Manistee’s Blacker Airport for an exciting tour of another sort. Take off from Manistee County Blacker Airport on their Cessna and enjoy a guided tour over Lake Michigan and Downtown Manistee. Orchard Beach Aviation provides breathtaking views from high in the sky. Board a small passenger plane for a private tour of our region’s stunning landscape bordered by Lake Michigan beaches, cruise over the Manistee National Forest, and become familiar with the surrounding areas from a new perspective.

Reservations strongly encouraged!

Learn more here!

Rock Hunting at Magoon Creek

A short, wooded trail takes you to this secluded beach on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. This spot is a favorite among locals for rock and beach glass hunting, the perfect souvenir to remind you of your fantastic getaway. Make sure to take a bucket, you’ll need it!

Learn more here!