Location: Manistee
Top Things to do in Manistee
The 10 Best Things to Do in Manistee, United States
Manistee is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 6,226 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Manistee County. The name "Manistee" is from an Ojibwe word first applied to the principal river of the county. The derivation is not certain, but it may be from ministigweyaa, "river with islands at its mouth". Other sources claim that it was an Ojibwe term meaning "spirit of the woods".
Restaurants in Manistee
1. First Street Beach
Overall Ratings
5 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By lloyd w - Indianapolis, Indiana
We spent an afternoon here, long enough to get sunburned! There is a nice Beach House, with a snack bar, showers, and locker/dressing rooms. An adjacent playground looks like it would be fun for kids. A walkway extends from the Beach House out to the middle of the beach to accommodate people in wheelchairs or who just want to walk out there for a few minutes without removing their shoes. The beach is right next to the channel entrance to the Manistee river, so we watched several sailboats come in, and I'm told that freighters occasionally pass by on their way to businesses on Lake Manistee. It was a very pleasant experience for us.
2. Manistee River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Shared by canoeists and fishermen, this majestic river with high, white dunes and bordered by forests, flows into Lake Michigan.
Reviewed By Wanderer562014 - Saginaw, Michigan, United States
Manistee is a friendly town and the river walk is lovely. We enjoyed the historical marker and the river-watching, and were able to go back and forth from the shops to the sightseeing which made it perfect for the different interests and attention spans of our family members!
3. Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By Joseph K - Pittburgh, United States
We were visiting the west coast of Michigan stopping at light houses but this was a real treat. The wave were just surging against the pier and cascading down the wall. There were a couple of people who had ventured out to the light house. You had to brace yourself against the wind and try avoiding the waves that lashed up over the pier. What a great experience I shall never forget. Definitely worth a close up look!
4. Manistee Riverwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By Phil S
Strolling, walking, or jogging the length of the Riverwalk is a fine experience when in Manistee. You will glide along the beautiful Manistee River, seeing the town from a unique perspective. You can also learn historical perspectives of the town at various info stops along the way. At any point you can walk to street level and find a spot for a drink or a snack.
5. The Vogue Theatre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By LynchburgVARc65 - Manistee, Michigan
An absolute gem. Absolutely fair to under priced tickets and concessions and a comfortable modern viewing environment. Run mostly by caring proficient volunteers.Always immaculate. They are always doing/showing special events for the community. Love the special old and theme movies. I also am amazed that they can show the new releases.
6. Orchard Beach State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By elizabethw001 - Michigan
This is a rather large campground...in a state park. The sites are decent size. There is a swing set for the park. The stairs in the picture are what you have to go down to get to the water. There is very little beach...it is very rocky. The stairs are a serious hike. This is really the only way to get to the beach/water....otherwise, the edge of the campground is like a cliff with steep drop off. Not good for those who need help with stairs/wheelchair/walker/stroller...
7. S.S. City of Milwaukee/ USCGC Acacia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
This preserved Lake Michigan car ferry offers tours in the spring,and summer. It doubles as a unique hotel in the summer. In October it is a haunted house. The Acacia has self-guided tours and is also available for overnight groups.
Reviewed By elizabethw001 - Michigan
We took the thirty minute tour of the boat...The tour guide was knowledgeable. The boat if very large, lots of ladders and stairs. It was a nice way to spend about an hour.
There are two boats right next to each other. They throw the coast guard boat in for a few dollars. That boat you can wander on alone without a tour guide. It was fun for the kids to explore.
8. Douglas Valley Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Located on 640 acres of rolling hills, orchards and vineyards, just 2 miles north of Little River Casino. Enjoy wine tasting, hard cider tastings, by the glass while relaxing on the porch of historical rail depot.
Reviewed By Sandy K - Swanton, Ohio
An old rail stop so very interesting. We stopped today, it was dead of course and I wish I could see it in full action. Very nice wait staff and wines were suprisingly good. Try the Douglas Valley Bunkhouse Cherry...perfect for sipping with your honey while watching the sun set over Lake Michigan.
9. Fifth Avenue Beach
Overall Ratings
5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Judy C - MANISTEE
Perfect family beach in Manistee, Michigan. Sugar sand beach, crystal clear and clean water. Never too busy. Good clean restrooms and changing area. Shelter. Accessible walkway to the shoreline. WiFi. Firepits. No better place to watch the sunset in the area.
10. Manistee Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Two connected storefronts, the Manistee Historical Museum's rooms each reflect life in a different era.
Reviewed By Robert S - Michigan Center, Michigan
If you are a history lover, this museum has been here for many decades, and their collection reflects it. Both local and general history is portrayed in a huge collection, well laid out and presented. We were lucky enough to have an older gentleman (quite informed himself) give us his personal tour. Located on the south side of the main street through downtown, most of the way past the stores.
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