EXPLORE WILDLIFE IN MANISTEE COUNTY

YOUR HUNTING TRIP STARTS HERE!

Explore Manistee County’s wildlife and the nature that surrounds them. Here you’ll find all the resources you need to make it happen.

Hunting Seasons

Leave No Trace

Hunting Public Land

DNR

Where to Buy Licenses

Purchase DNR elicense

HELPFUL HUNTING TIPS

Tips for processing your deer

Top 10 hunting violations during firearm deer season

Safety Reminders

Hunters Safety Certificate

Follow the travelers that love Manistee County, enjoy these stories about our incredible outdoor recreation, things-to-do, dining, shopping and unique experiences you will ONLY find here.

Browse our latest #MyManistee perspectives here, or scroll through these top stories in your category.

Fishing the Lakes & Rivers of Manistee

by Manistee VB | April 18, 2025 | Fishing & Hunting, Outdoors, Rivers & Paddling, Uncategorized, What To Do | 0 Comments

Fresh Water Fishing at Its Best! Whether you prefer casting on a serene river or prefer a big lake charter, every season of the year brings big fishing adventure in #MyManistee.On the Lakes Lake Michigan Imagine yourself sitting at the bow of a boat, wind in...

Grebe Park

by Manistee VB | February 10, 2016 | Boating & Harbors, Outdoors, Seasons | 2 Comments

Arcadia Lake is a 100-acre, natural beauty gem and Grebe Park, both family- and pet-friendly, offers access to all. Through the park’s association with Manistee County’s Explore the Shores Program, construction of a special fishing platform and launch site...

Milestones to plan your trip around

by Brandon Jensen | January 29, 2019 | Events, First Time Visitors, Seasons, Summer | 0 Comments

One of the most commonly asked questions in any community can often be, “What is there to do around here?” While the answer to that question may vary depending on who you ask, in Manistee County, it’s not too hard to answer as there are several events that...

Big Manistee Winter Paddling

by Manistee VB | November 22, 2022 | Outdoors, Rivers & Paddling, Seasons, Winter, Winter 24-25 blog, Winter Alt Campaign | 1 Comment

With open water year-round on the 4 rivers of Manistee County, winter paddling adventure abounds from the same access points paddlers enjoy in the summer months. Don’t let colder temperatures keep you away from paddling when the snow flies. You will find the scenic...

XC Skiing Adventure on the Big M

by Manistee VB | November 22, 2022 | Outdoors, Seasons, Winter, Winter Alt Campaign, Winter Trails & Slopes | 0 Comments

Bike. Ski. Trek. With a rich history dating back to the 1950s, the Big M Recreation Area offers almost 40 miles of trails winding through the Manistee National Forest featuring terrain carved through the hardwoods to challenge all skill levels. This popular groomed...

Hooked on Salmon

by Manistee VB | January 14, 2016 | Fall, Fishing & Hunting, Outdoors | 0 Comments

Salmon fever erupted in Lake Michigan in the late 1960’s. Actually, erupted is an understatement: How about EXPLODED! For many years prior, Lake Michigan fishing was mostly fishing… not so much catching. The lamprey had devastated the lake trout. There...

Through the Glass – A Photographer’s Eye on Manistee County

by Manistee Tourism | October 1, 2018 | Conversations, Featured, First Time Visitors, Local History, Must See Manistee, Outdoors, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Written By: Andrew Allen Manistee is easily one of the most scenic counties in Michigan, so (although thrilled) we weren’t surprised when Pure Michigan decided to begin its Fall and Seek campaign here. Over the next 3 days we were blessed to have photographer Dan...

Drop your paddle board in the water

by Brandon Jensen | January 29, 2019 | Adventure Sports, Outdoors, Summer, What To Do | 0 Comments

East river floatsOur two Manistee Rivers - Ideal for big groups, kids and people who don’t have a ton of paddling experience that are looking for a true Northern Michigan adventure.The Big Manistee River is wide, and smooth flowing with no rapids or tight...

Treks & Trail Hikes

by Manistee VB | April 16, 2025 | First Time Visitors, Must See Manistee, Outdoors, Trails, Uncategorized, What To Do | 0 Comments

Fresh Air Adventures Discover trails carved from the Manistee National Forest, and vistas along Lake Michigan, find your pathways to outdoor adventures in #MyManistee.Manistee River Trail Enjoy this 11+ mile trail system along the Big Manistee River between Tippy Dam...

Love the Night Life

by Manistee VB | November 22, 2022 | Beer, Wine & Sprits, Entertainment & Culture, First Time Visitors, Seasons, Winter, Winter Alt Campaign | 0 Comments

After the sun sets over the frozen tundra of the Lake Michigan shoreline, attention turns to dining and entertainment to make for a fun evening in Manistee. Looking for a live performance on the big stage, a rousing game of cards, or a tub of popcorn at a historic...

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