• Culture & History
• Dining & Entertainment
• Outdoor Activities & Fishing

• Beaches, Parks & Nature
• City of Manistee
• Villages & Small Towns

• Manistee Civic Players
• Manistee County Historical Museum
• Manistee Fire Hall
• Manistee National Forest Festival
• Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse
• Manistee Symphony and Chorus
• Our Savior's Historical Museum
• Ramsdell Theatre

• River Street
• Riverwalk
• SS City of Milwaukee
• Victorian Manistee Tours
• Victorian Port City Festival
• Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend
• Water Bug Tours
• Waterworks Building

River Street

The main commercial neighborhood of the City of Manistee, River Street parallels the Manistee River through town. The original Victorian architecture houses a variety of restaurants, unique shops and services. In fact, the entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places. Every visitor must take a stroll down River Street.

Riverwalk

Manistee's premier promenade offers pedestrians a close up experience of the City's nautical heritage. Nothing compares to watching 700–foot Great Lakes freighters delicately navigate the narrow Manistee River Channel, passing through two open draw bridges along the way. During the summer months, modern Great Lakes cruise ships frequently visit the Victorian Port City, much like they did a century ago. Round out the Riverwalk tour by wandering into the city's vibrant downtown and grab a bite in one of several eateries overlooking the waterway

Ramsdell Theatre

Strikingly beautiful, this century old ornate building acts as the hub of Manistee's cultural scene. The building houses theater and symphony productions, as well as exhibits from the Manistee Art Institute. The famous actor, James Earl Jones began his career in theater here and returned for the 100th anniversary of The Ramsdell in 2003. You will be amazed at the detailed architectural elements inside and outside this historic masterpiece. Call for a year round schedule of events. (Website)

Waterworks Building

Uniquely different, you'll enjoy exploring this multi-level structure with its collections of logging, railroad, maritime and other memorabilia.

Victorian Manistee Tours

A self-guided tour map and guide of Manistee's Victorian highlights is available. Or contact the Visitor's Center for the current schedule of trolley tours and attractions. (Information)

Manistee Symphony Orchestra & Chorus

The widely acclaimed Manistee Symphony Orchestra & Chorus appears throughout northern & western Michigan although its home base is downtown Manistee. The MSOC hosts the "Third Tuesday" series at their studio located at 390 River Street. This series is designed to enlighten audiences with a wide variety of musical and literary material. Seating is limited and tickets are required. Contact the MSOC office at 231-723-6724 for more information.

Victorian Port City Festival

Manistee, the Victorian Port City grew up in the 1800s as a lumber boomtown that in the Victorian era had more millionaires per capita than anywhere else. The booming economy produced great wealth and a high standard of living manifested in elegant mansions, an opera house style theater, and other ornate public buildings and churches designed by nationally known architects. This festival celebrates Manistee's Victorian heritage on the first weekend of September with a variety of events.

Manistee Civic Players

The area's longest performing arts group, the Manistee Civic Players present several main stage plays and musicals each season, as well as studio theater in the T. Walter Hardy Exhibit Hall. For information call 231-723-7188. (Website)

Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend

Resurrect warm memories and the Christmas spirit at this festival on the first weekend of December. Highlights include Sleighbell parade with horse drawn entries, historic bulding tours, a special live production at the Ramsdell Theatre, Festival of Trees, concerts, musuem and art exhibits, and much more.

Our Savior's Historical Museum

A Michigan Historical Site and listed on the National Register of Historical Places; this church is the oldest Danish American Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Call for tour schedules.

Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse

Built from cast iron and standing 39 feet tall, the North Pierhead Light was first lit in 1927–the latest in a succession of beacons located on the site since the mid 1800s. The Manistee North Pierhead Light continues to operate as a beacon of safety for those in need, an architectural beauty to its admirers and a significant reminder of our busy Victorian Port City. Access from the 5th Ave Beach.

Manistee National Forest Festival

This festival is celebrated the first week in July and features a Grand Parade, entertainment tent, midway and more.

Manistee County Historical Museum

The A.H. Lyman Building on River Street is home to a superior collection of vintage artifacts, newspaper articles and photographs depicting the early days of Manistee County. A talk with historian Steve Harold will be one of your most memorable highlights as he takes you on an incredible hisorical journey. You'll be swept away as he reveals the mysteries of our earliest settlements, industries and rugged pioneers. Discover Manistee County's timeless past with Steve and the Manistee County Historical Museum.

Manistee Fire Hall

Your historical tour won't be complete until you tour the oldest continuously operating fire house in Michigan. With its Romanesque Revival brick, this restored structure is an awesome sight.

SS City of Milwaukee

The 360-foot long steamship City of Milwaukee is the last traditional Great Lakes railroad car ferry and was built in 1931. It is now a National Historic Landmark museum permanently moored on Manistee Lake and open to the public. The ship offers guided tours, museum exhibits, gift shop, shipboard bed & breakfast, special events, facility rentals, volunteer opportunities, and the acclaimed "Ghost Ship" haunted house in October. Alongside the ship there is marina slips and shore-side lodging.

Waterbug Boat Tours

Docked at the Riverwalk, Manistee. Hop aboard for a fun and interesting boat ride complete with a narrated history of Manistee or take a casual lighthouse tour to see the brilliant sunset. Call for schedule and information 231-398-0919.