Sandy shores along Lake Michigan, trails beside high riverbanks, and routes for different seasons define Manistee County. Its 25 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline are matched by a range of trails, from a paved scenic path to a longer mountain biking loop. When planning your trip, it’s worth considering the specific differences in length, landscape, and season.
Lake Michigan Coast and Dunes
Orchard Beach State Park sits on a 100-foot-high bluff above Lake Michigan and has more than 3.5 miles of trails. The beach in the park is currently inaccessible from the park because of erosion. Check beach access before you arrive. Portage Point Beach is at the mouth of Portage Lake where it flows into Lake Michigan, surrounded by gently rolling dunes.
At Arcadia Dunes in the C.S. Mott Nature Preserve, an accessible, non-motorized, 0.5-mile paved trail leads to a dune-top overlook above Lake Michigan. There are also hiking and mountain biking trails, ranging from beginner routes to more challenging ones. Dry Hill Trail is also located at Arcadia Dunes: a 10-mile mountain biking loop. The options differ in length and use, from a paved path to an overlook to a longer mountain bike loop.
River Trails, a Bridge, and Paddling Routes
The Manistee River Trail runs for more than 11 miles along the high banks of the Big Manistee River between Tippy Dam and Hodenpyle Dam. The trail includes the Little Mac suspension bridge, a 245-foot pedestrian bridge. Another hiking option is a 23-mile loop that follows the Manistee River Trail and the North Country Trail. These details help distinguish the longer routes from a shorter trail in town: the southern Riverwalk is 1.75 miles long and follows the Big Manistee River through downtown Manistee.
There’s also a wide range of paddling options: the county has 270 miles of suitable rivers. The Big Manistee River section within the county is rated easy to moderate for paddlers. The stretch from Hodenpyl Dam to Red Bridge is used for tubing; river conditions vary. The City of Manistee operates three boat launches. Conditions and fees can change, so check them before making plans.
Winter Trails and Seasonal Activities
The Big-M Recreation Area has 18 miles of groomed classic cross-country ski trails; winter trail conditions can vary by season. The 17-mile Outer Loop is a groomed fat biking route, with grooming seasonal during winter. The Big-M Recreation Area trail network is also connected to the North Country Trail system. Countywide, there are more than 150 miles of groomed and marked snowmobile trails. Conditions there also change with the season.
For time on the water, the City of Manistee operates three boat launches. Paddlers can take the published difficulty rating of the Big Manistee River section into account; tubing is subject to changing river conditions on the stretch between Hodenpyl Dam and Red Bridge. These details describe different activities and routes, not a single unified route.
Culture, History, and Local Produce
The Manistee County Historical Museum features, among other exhibits, the Lyman Drug Store, historic living spaces, Victorian antiques, and photographs. In Manistee, the S.S. City of Milwaukee is located in the North U.S. 31 corridor; it is a traditional rail ferry and a National Historic Landmark. Tippy Dam was completed in 1918. At Little River Casino Resort, the Cultural Corridor shares the history of the Anishinaabe, or Ottawa, tribe.
Local offerings also include U-pick farms, farmers markets, and tasting spots at nearly 20 locations around the county. U-pick is seasonal. For a self-guided exploration, the Manistee County tourism agency offers 15 tours; check which ones are available before your trip. Nature trails, historic themes, and seasonal produce can each be considered as distinct focuses for a stay.
Discover more destinations: Manistee, Crawford County, Benzie County, Wexford County, Antrim County, Ontonagon County, Jackson, Alcona County.
For the main travel overview: Michigan.
