Experience the Lake Effect

in Manistee County

Natural beauty.  It’s northern Michigan’s claim to fame, and it flourishes in Manistee County.  There are no big cities or suburban sprawl in our section of the Pure Michigan Mitten. Enjoy our 25 miles of sandy Lake Michigan shoreline, three Lake Michigan harbors, inland lakes, 270 miles of prime paddling  rivers and four-season fisheries. Visit our charming, historic towns and marvel at our fertile farms and lush orchards, and our thousands of acres of Manistee National Forest.

Miles of Sandy Beach

Championship Golf Courses

Miles of Hiking and Biking Trails

Number of Lake Michigan Harbors

HOW TO EXPERIENCE THE LAKE EFFECT...

Self-Guided Tours, Sandy Beaches, Championship Golf and Outdoor Recreation
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World Class Lake Michigan Beaches

Enjoy the 26 miles of sugar sand beaches along the shores of Lake Michigan. Find privacy and seclusion, or find yourself in the middle of all the action with tons of amenities and things to do while you are enjoying a day in the sand.  Browse all of our top Lake Michigan Beaches below.


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Home to World-Class Outdoor Recreation

Ranked one of the top 100 best outdoor recreation areas in the nation by Outdoor Life. Our terrain is equipped with 49 lakes and 276 miles of rivers for the outdoor fanatic.  We have over 150+ miles of groomed and marked snowmobile trails and over 40 miles of groomed XC skiing and snowshoeing trails.

Championship Golfing

The bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan and the mature hardwoods of the Manistee National Forest  make the perfect setting for championship golfing in Northern Michigan. You'll find both in Manistee County, and that's why it is one of Michigan’s premier golf destinations.  With two courses right along the bluffs of Lake Michigan, you will find golfing in Manistee County is the perfect way to experience the lake effect in Manistee County!


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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.

Check out all of our latest stories on our #MyManistee Blog.

Top 6 Fall Color Trails 2021

If getting out into the fresh air and wide open spaces sounds appealing to you, you are not alone. With all that is going on in the world right now, it is a perfect opportunity to get out, stretch you legs, and enjoy some scenic fall color from our trails.  Here we...

A Passenger Ship Through the Past – Touring the S.S. City of Milwaukee

Written by: Andrew Allen Growing up in Manistee County somehow the S.S. City of Milwaukee always seemed to hide right in plain sight. I’d drive past the massive (347 foot passenger/railroad car) ferry without really giving it much thought. Finally, sometime in high...

Winter Trail Warriors

 Picture this…a dusting of freshly fallen snow covers the expertly groomed trails before you, the temperatures have dropped just low enough to keep the fresh snowpack on the trails in peak condition, you have nothing but time and over 250 miles of snowmobile trails...

Hiking the Loop: Manistee River Trail & North Country Trail Loop

Nestled in the Manistee National Forest you will find hundreds of miles of marked trails for those who love to hike, bike, or in the winter, cross country ski and snowshoe. Which trail should you choose for your weekend adventure? We suggest the North...

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

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...

Go North for a Day-Trip

One of Manistee County’s best-kept secrets is its easy, pretty drives to access other communities. Couple that with our wide variety of lodging and you have the perfect combination of staying here and creating interesting day trips to many of the places...

Fat Biking the Swedish Fiddle Loop

Where we gonna ride today, Dyl? Big M is nestled between Wellston and Manistee in the mighty Huron-Manistee National Forest. A trail head for cross county skiing, snowshoeing, and of course, FATBIKING! Today we are riding the Swedish Fiddle Loop! AKA The Beginner’s...

The Udell History in Manistee County

THE ROLLWAY HISTORY Often times before we set out on a trip, we may wonder if the journey (like the old adage says) will be worth the destination. Upon turning onto Horseshoe Bend Road the thought of turning around and the phrase, “There’s not really much...

Moonlight Skiing at Big M

During the dead of winter, there is one light that is shining brightly in the heart of the Manistee National Forest.  At the Big-M Recreation area, there are two "moonlight ski night" that take place on the full moon evenings in January and February...

Grebe Park

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...

Plan Your Trip to Manistee County Now!

You are sure to find that perfect place to stay while you are in Manistee County! From quaint bed and breakfasts to beautiful golf resorts, Manistee, Michigan is home to a diverse range of lodging choices that can meet any budget need! At each of our lodging facilities, you will be met with friendly staff that are excited to have you staying with them in Manistee County!