EXPLORE WILDLIFE IN MANISTEE COUNTY

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.

Outdoor Adventure in Manistee’s North Woods

by Maralee Cook | March 22, 2017 | Adventure Sports, Fall, Featured, Local Parks, Outdoors, Seasons, Spring, Summer, Trails, Winter | 0 Comments

If you’re an adventurous explorer, you’ve come to the right place. Our North Woods are in the heart of four-season natural beauty with thrill-a-minute activities. A passionate group of entrepreneurs have developed their own visions to share, creating...

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

by Brandon Jensen | February 18, 2016 | Fall, Outdoors, Spring, Summer, Trails, Winter, Winter Trails & Slopes | 66 Comments

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 Country Trail...

Snowshoeing the Trails of Manistee

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

The same trails that beckon summertime travelers, offer a different deep woods experience when the snow falls. Whether you are up for a big adventure or just want to give it a try, Manistee County is the perfect destination to enjoy a peaceful trek by snowshoe...

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...

Big M’s Outer Loop

by Sherri | February 24, 2021 | Adventure Sports, Featured, First Time Visitors, Outdoors, Trails, What To Do, Winter, Winter Trails & Slopes | 0 Comments

Where we gonna ride today, Dyl? Today we are riding the Outer Loop at Big M! The outer loop is about 15 miles and depending on the conditions of the day, can take anywhere from just under 2 hours, to up to three and a half or more if conditions are like below! The...

Mortimer E. Cooley Bridge

by Manistee VB | February 15, 2016 | Fall, Local History, Self Guided Tours | 0 Comments

I can’t count how many times I’ve traveled across M-55 to get to Manistee County from the east side of the state. What I recently learned is that right before the village of Wellston, you will cross one of Michigan's rarest truss bridges. The Cooley...

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...

Waterways Of Manistee County

by Manistee VB | April 16, 2025 | Adventure Sports, First Time Visitors, Outdoors, Rivers & Paddling, Summer, Uncategorized, What To Do | 0 Comments

Paddling Adventure Abounds From casual floats to overnight adventures, the rivers and lakes of Manistee County offer year-round access for exploring waterways of our region.Big Manistee With open water year-round on the Big Manistee River, paddling adventure abounds...

3 Harbors of Manistee County

by Maralee Cook | January 27, 2016 | Fishing & Hunting, Summer | 4 Comments

In fair weather in spring, summer and fall, water lovers on kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and PWCs share the Lake Michigan shoreline, harbors and rivers with power boats and sailboats. When the weather gets rough, surfers and kiteboarders navigate swirling...

Northern Natural Cider House & Winery

by Maralee Cook | August 10, 2016 | Beer, Wine & Sprits, Fall, Seasons | 1 Comment

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...

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