Manistee Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Manistee, located in the picturesque region of Michigan, is a charming city that offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and outdoor activities. Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan and surrounded by lush forests, Manistee is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

One of the main attractions in Manistee is the stunning Lake Michigan. With its crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches, it provides the perfect setting for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. For those who love water sports, the lake offers excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking. Imagine gliding along the calm waters while admiring the breathtaking views of the horizon.

History lovers will be enthralled by Manistee's rich heritage. The city boasts a well-preserved downtown area with Victorian-era buildings that showcase its illustrious past. Take a leisurely stroll down River Street, lined with charming shops, art galleries, and eateries. Don't miss the chance to visit the Ramsdell Theatre, a stunning architectural gem that hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year.

For a deeper understanding of Manistee's history, a visit to the Manistee County Historical Museum is a must. Discover the stories of the early settlers, the logging industry that shaped the region, and the Native American heritage that still resonates today. The museum offers fascinating exhibits and interactive displays that transport visitors back in time.

Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the nearby Manistee National Forest. Spanning over 540,000 acres, this vast wilderness is a playground for hikers, campers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Explore the numerous trails that wind through towering trees, bubbling streams, and serene lakes. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, bald eagles, and maybe even a black bear.

To satisfy your taste buds, Manistee offers a diverse culinary scene. From cozy cafes serving freshly brewed coffee to waterfront restaurants offering delectable seafood, there is something to please every palate. Indulge in local delicacies and savor the flavors of Michigan.

Alternative names: Population: 6.1 thous. (2020)Area: 4.46 mi²Elevation: 627 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 44°14'54"N, 86°19'9"W

Location

MichiganUnited States

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Manistee Top Attractions

Manistee Attractions - What to See and Explore

Manistee offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Manistee Central Business District, Manistee Pierhead lights, Ramsdell Theatre, SS City of Milwaukee. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

History museum • Museum • Romanesque architecture
Manistee Central Business District
The Manistee Central Business District is a commercial historic district roughly bounded by Maple, Washington, Water and River Streets in Manistee, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Lighthouse • Vernacular architecture
Manistee Pierhead lights
The Manistee Pierhead lights are a pair of active aids to navigation located on the north and south pier in the harbor of Manistee, Michigan, "Lake Michigan’s Victorian Port...
Concerts and shows • Theater
Ramsdell Theatre
The Ramsdell Theatre is a historic playhouse theater building and opera house at 101 Maple Street in downtown Manistee, Michigan. The building was financed by local businessman and politician Thomas Jefferson Ramsdell.

Museum • Boat or ferry • Ship
SS City of Milwaukee
SS City of Milwaukee is a Great Lakes railroad car ferry that once plied Lake Michigan, often between Muskegon, Michigan and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
History museum • Historical place • Museum
USCGC Acacia
The USCGC Acacia is an Iris-class 180-foot seagoing buoy tender operated by the United States Coast Guard. Acacia was a multi-purpose vessel, nominally a buoy tender, but with equipment and capabilities for ice breaking, search and rescue, fire fighting, logistics, oil spill response, and other tasks as well.
Church
Our Saviour's Evangelical Lutheran Church
Our Saviour's Evangelical Lutheran Church, also known as the Danish Lutheran Church, is a historic church located at 300 Walnut Street in Manistee, Michigan. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The building is the oldest existing Danish Lutheran church in the United States.
44°15'0"N • 86°18'49"W
Manistee Iron Works
The Manistee Iron Works, also known as the Excello factory, was a manufacturing company based in Manistee, Michigan. While the company has since gone out of business, the factory built by the company in 1907 continues to bear the company's name and is a landmark in Manistee's historic downtown area.
44°14'40"N • 86°19'33"W
Simeon Babcock House
The Simeon Babcock House is a private house located at 420 Third Street in Manistee, Michigan.

Day trips

Manistee – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Manistee, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Ludington Light (Ludington), White Pine Village (Ludington), Turtle Creek Stadium (Traverse City).

22 milesS
Lighthouse
Ludington Light, Ludington
The Ludington Light is a 57-foot tall steel-plated lighthouse in Ludington, Michigan, which lies along the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, at the end of the breakwater on the Pere Marquette Harbor.
23 milesS
Historical place, History museum, Museum
White Pine Village, Ludington
White Pine Village is an outdoor museum in Ludington, Michigan, containing nineteenth-century buildings and related historical items. The thirty buildings in the village contain artifacts relating to pioneer lumbering, music, farming, shipping, sports, and businesses.
44 milesNE
Arenas and stadiums, Baseball, Sport venue
Turtle Creek Stadium, Traverse City
Turtle Creek Stadium is a 4,660-seat multi-use entertainment facility in Blair Township, Michigan, in the United States that hosted its first regular season baseball game on May 24, 2006, as the tenants of the facility, the Traverse City Beach Bums, took on the Kalamazoo Kings.
16 milesSW
Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Big Sable Point Light, Ludington
The Big Sable Point Light is a lighthouse on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan near Ludington in Mason County, Michigan, at the Ludington State Park. It is an active aid to navigation.
31 milesN
View point, Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Point Betsie Light, Frankfort
Point Betsie Light is located on the northeast shore of Lake Michigan — at the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage — north of Frankfort in Benzie County in Northern Michigan. Construction began in 1854, but it was not completed until 1858, and began service in the shipping season of 1859. The lighthouse cost $5,000 to build.

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Best Time To Visit Manistee

Learn when is the best time to travel to Manistee weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in September.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February. Most of it rains in September.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Manistee?

The top attractions to visit in Manistee are:

What is the best time to visit Manistee?

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in September. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.