Home to 3 major rivers, it isn’t hard to figure out how this region earned its name. Our southern-most region is the ideal destination for those seeking a place to launch their watercraft, anglers looking for a place to cast a line, and hikers and bikers ready to take to the trails for some deep woods adventure. Beyond the rivers, there is so much to explore for adventure seekers of every sort.

Breakfast at Annie’s

Annie’s Kozy Kitchen is just what you would expect from the name. Seven days a week, Annie’s is a local hot spot for the breakfast crowd. Start your day with a home cooked breakfast with generous portions in a friendly local spot that is sure to make you feel right at home.

Stroll the Wellston Arboretum

After you get your fill, you will be ready to wander, and we have just the spot to get your day started. The Wellston Arboretum is a short, but scenic trail that passes through a variety of trees planted in the 1940’s as part of a tree-growth experiment. Educational signage along the trail identifies individual species and highlights the history of this area, dating back to the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Chittenden Nursery of the 1930’s and 40’s.

Marvel at the Cooley Bridge

Completed in 1934, Cooley Bridge is a historic Michigan landmark and is among the rarest truss-type bridges. Spanning an impressive 613’ from beginning to end, this bridge is an impressive feat of engineering, with most beams on the bridge being built-up with v-lacing and/or lattice. A stairway provides access for a lower perspective view of the structure and it a perfect spot for picture taking.

Lunch at the RYC

Dine where the locals meet at the Redneck Yacht Club. A Wellston favorite, this bar and grill serves fresh, never frozen foods and your favorite cocktails. Try the pizza, burgers, or their famous broasted chicken for a lunch to fuel your afternoon of adventure.

Traverse the “Little Mac”

Between Mesick and Marilla, you’ll find a trailhead where the Manistee River Trail and the North Country Trail meet, which leads you to one of the most sought out trail destinations in our county. This trail section begins with the Suspension Bridge, also known as the “Little Mac” Foot Bridge, a 245’ pedestrian bridge spanning the Manistee River. Once over the bridge, you will ascend to a trail high above the riverbank that provides a spectacular view of the river bend in any season of the year. Be sure to bring your camera!

Time for a Float?

Any season is the perfect time for river exploration. Try the smooth flowing Big Manistee, the rapids waters of the Pine River, or the shallow twists and turns of the Little Manistee. No matter which you choose, you are sure to create and adventure to remember.

Make Traks

After a full day of River Country exploration, make your way to Traks Bar & Grill in Brethren. This family-friendly dining destination is a casual hang-out serving the most popular pub fare items in a rustic northern Michigan atmosphere. This is the perfect spot to catch the game or to challenge a friend to a game of pool.