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.

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...

Big Manistee Winter Paddling

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...

144 Greens: Start planning your golf vacation

There is perhaps no better spot in all of Michigan golf than the balcony at Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club at sunset. The views toward the horizon of Lake Michigan stretch for miles. The fescue grasses of the course’s rugged dunes flutter in the wind and shimmer...

Top 5 Unique Fall Finds for 2020

There are more ways to experience fall color than just by car or bike. Here is your TOP 5 #MyManistee "Unique Ways to Explore Fall" this fall color season in Northern Michigan.   1) Scenic Airplane Tour Take a Scenic Airplane Ride with Orchard Beach Aviation....

Kaleva Bottle House

In 1941, a unique home was built in Kaleva out of 60,000 glass bottles by John Makinen.   Mr. Makinen owned the local pop bottling factory so he used chipped or flawed bottles from his pop bottling factory for his house. It was designed with artistic...

Historic Downtown Manistee

Manistee County welcomes you to explore the streets of Historic Downtown Manistee, the Victorian Era buildings are filled with shops featuring local wares and restaurant serving regional favorites. Situated along the free-flowing waters of the Big Manistee River,...

Northern Natural Cider House & Winery

As is true of so many businesses in Manistee County, the Northern Natural Cider House and Winery in Kaleva is a family operation. When I visited, the Dad, Dennis Mackey, is still living in his great grandfather’s home built in 1905, with wife Diane, and...

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...

Drop your paddle board in the water

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...

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!