There is so much more to explore as you discover the areas in and around Manistee. We have created an itinerary of close-to-town and downtown destinations that include iconic spots and unforgettable views that are truly Pure Manistee!

Start Your Day with The Painted Lady

Who would have guessed that Manistee’s oldest operating saloon would also be one of its favorite spots for breakfast?! Serving breakfast 7 days a week beginning at 7:00 am, you can enjoy a breakfast of generous portions while marveling at the historic memorabilia of the famous Painted Lady Saloon.

Walk the Pier

No visit to Manistee would be complete without a walk on the north pier at 5th Avenue Beach. The pier leads you to one of the most iconic Manistee monuments, the Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse. The 5th Avenue Beach is considered one of Manistee’s most beautiful beaches and is equipped with all of the amenities needed for a great day soaking up the sun.

Explore Downtown

On River Street, you can explore an eclectic mix of shops where you are sure to find a perfect memento to commemorate your trip. Be sure to stop by the West Shore Community College Downtown Education Center that is home to a visitor’s kiosk where you can design an adventure of your own, with “Mytinerary” cards.

At the kiosk, you can also grab a copy of the Historic Sites Walking Tour. This self-guided tour leads you through the neighborhoods of Manistee, providing a glimpse back in time to learn about the families that were integral to the foundation of our city.

Orchard Beach Exploration

Following the lakeshore heading north, Orchard Beach State Park is situated on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. This park is the ideal location for a day at the beach, a short hike in the woods, or a picnic on the bluff. Short, looped trails allow you to build an adventure of just the right scale for family members of any age or ability.

Lunch at Big Al’s

Not far from Orchard Beach is a popular lunch spot with a fan following from locals and visitor alike. Named by Pure Michigan as one of the “top 10 pizzas in the State of Michigan”, Big Al’s features pizzas, pastas, strombolis and subs that will fit the bill for a hearty lunchtime treat.

S.S. City of Milwaukee

After lunch we have something completely unique in store. The S.S. City of Milwaukee is a National Historic Landmark and this passenger carrying railroad ferry is the last of its kind. Take an interactive tour to stroll the oaken interiors appointed as they would have been in its hey-day and learn all about the ship’s rich history.

Aerial Tour

Next make your way to Manistee’s Blacker Airport for an exciting tour of another sort. Orchard Beach Aviation provides breathtaking views from high in the sky. Board a small passenger plane for a private tour of our region’s breathtaking landscape bordered by Lake Michigan beaches, cruise over the Manistee National Forest, and become familiar with the surrounding areas from a new perspective.

Dine at The Golden Stag

After all of that exploring, you’ll probably be ready to relax and enjoy some delicious food. The Golden Stag, one of Manistee’s newest dining establishments, features made-to-order recipes that combine Italian, Mediterranean, Greek, and Arabic influences. A harmonious blend of flavors from various cuisines caters to all palates and celebrates the richness and diversity of these culinary traditions.

Let Us Entertain You

Your evening has just begun, and our downtown is ready to entertain you. Choose a movie at The Vogue Theater, a historic Art Deco style theater that offers a step back in time to an old movie house experience. Or maybe The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is more your style. Built in 1903, today this theatre is a vibrant center for the arts, musicals, plays and workshops, arts exhibits and classes.

Evening at Little River

Maybe Little River Casino Resort is what you had in mind when thinking about entertainment. Spend an enjoyable evening relaxing at the spa, gaming in the casino floor, dining at any one of 4 restaurants, or catch a show at their event center. No matter how you choose to spend your evening, you are sure to enjoy the accommodations offered at Little River.