#MyManistee Top 12 Essential Sites Tour

1. First Street Beach

First Street Beach, twice voted USA Today’s Best Beach in Michigan and this year earning top spot for Best Lake Beach in the U.S., offers a laid-back atmosphere while also delivering stunning shoreline scenery and convenient amenities to round out a perfect beach day. Its historic lighthouse views, boating and fishing access, playground for the kiddos, and peaceful stretches of sand make it a favorite among both locals and returning visitors.

Lake Gulls Concession & Rentals serves First Street Beach with fun and creative foods you won’t typically find at a beach stand with vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and dairy free options. They also rent umbrellas, chairs, boogie boards, corn hole, and volleyballs, while also offering beach essential like sunscreen, sand toys, floaties or a towel.

​2. Fifth Avenue Beach

With wide sandy shoreline and sweeping Lake Michigan views offering some of the best sunsets in the Midwest, Fifth Avenue Beach captures the classic Northern Michigan beach experience. This beach is close to downtown, making it the perfect place to begin or end a day of exploring. In summer, the beach buzzes with volleyball games, families building sandcastles, pier walks and visitors gathering nightly to watch the sun sink below the horizon.

3. Manistee Downtown Riverwalk

The Downtown Riverwalk perfectly blends history, architecture, and waterfront scenery into one experience. Following the Manistee River through downtown, this walkway highlights the city’s Victorian-era character while offering views of marinas, drawbridges, and historic buildings that helped shape our region during the lumber boom. Take a slow stroll on the Riverwalk to experience the heart of Manistee.

4. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts

A visit to the Ramsdell showcases the cultural side of Manistee County. Opened in 1903 and once home to live vaudeville performances, the beautifully restored theater remains a centerpiece of the community today. Its historic architecture, local performances, galleries, and year-round events reflect the creativity and pride that continue to shape our region’s identity.

5. Lake Bluff Farms Giant Sequoia

Finding a giant sequoia in Northern Michigan feels almost impossible, which is exactly why this stop earns a place on the list. Towering unexpectedly among Michigan forests and farmland, the massive tree offers a memorable roadside discovery that surprises visitors and showcases the unexpected stories hidden throughout Manistee County.

6. Little Manistee River Weir

The Little Manistee Weir represents our region’s alignment with fishing, conservation, and outdoor recreation. Known for its annual salmon and steelhead runs, the weir gives visitors a rare opportunity to witness fish migration and egg collection efforts up close. It’s both an educational stop and a reminder of how important local rivers are to the area’s economy, recreation, and identity.

7. Kaleva Bottle House & Centennial Walkway

This quirky and charming landmark reflects the small-town personality that makes Manistee County memorable. Constructed from thousands of glass bottles during the Great Depression, the Bottle House has become one of Michigan’s most unique roadside attractions. Paired with the Centennial Walkway, this stop further celebrates Kaleva’s Finnish heritage and community pride. You won’t want to miss getting a selfie with the giant cricket!

8. Iron Fish Distillery

Iron Fish Distillery captures the modern spirit of Manistee County by blending agriculture, hand-crafted flavors, and an uncommon gathering space into one destination. Located on a historic farmstead, the distillery has become a popular stop for locally crafted spirits, live music, seasonal events, and relaxed evenings around the firepit. The Iron Fish brand represents the evolution of business in our region while honoring its natural resources.

9. Manistee River Suspension Bridge & Manistee River

The Little Mac Suspension Bridge is a 245’ foot bridge that can be found along the Manistee River Trail. This destination highlights the rugged outdoor beauty that draws explorers to our region year-round. Crossing high above the Manistee River, this trail provides access to one of Michigan’s most scenic hiking corridors. Whether you hike during a quiet summer morning or the peak fall color season, this stop delivers true Up North adventure vibes.

10. Murals at Motel Bear Lake

Colorful works of art transform this vintage roadside motel into a creative destination worth seeking out. The artwork celebrates local culture, nature, and community personality while adding an unexpected burst of creativity to the charming small town of Bear Lake. This stop showcases the artistic and independent spirit found throughout our county’s small communities.

11. Inspiration Point & Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve

Few places capture the dramatic beauty of our shoreline quite like Inspiration Point. Overlooking Lake Michigan from 370’ above the lakeshore, the roadside attraction features a 120-step climb to panoramic views that are among the most photographed in the state.

A bit further south on M22, you’ll find the Arcadia Marsh. This preserve is one of only 15 or so remaining Great Lakes Coastal Marshes in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. With over 250 bird species identified at this site, it is known to be one of the best birding sites in the state. Together, the marsh and overlook showcase the natural diversity of the region.

12. Captain John Langland Park

This peaceful waterfront park in Onekama highlights a quieter side of beachgoing in Manistee County. This 60-acre community park is located on Lake Michigan at the channel to Portage Lake, where a path flanked by two gazebos welcomes you to a low-key day on the beach. Walk the pier and miles of sandy beach along the rolling dunes of Onekama’s shoreline. A visit in the evening gives you a front row seat to the sun dropping below the horizon line at the end of a spectacular day of explore #MyManistee.

These essential stops craft the character of Manistee County through its beaches, forests, waterways, history, arts, and small-town charm. From sunrise beaches and historic theaters to winding rivers, scenic overlooks, and one-of-a-kind attractions, these destinations showcase the beauty, character, and adventure that make Manistee County a place you will want to return to time and again.