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

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

• Manistee River
• Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area
• North Country Scenic Trail
• Orchard Beach State Park
• Rafting/Canoeing/Kayaking
• Snowmobiling & ORVs
• Tippy Dam Campground

Manistee National Forest – Manistee River

With thousands of acres of public recreation lands, the Manistee National Forest encompasses the Manistee River's winding course through Manistee County's outdoor Mecca. Visit or contact the US Forest Service Ranger Station to find the information and the maps that you need to take advantage of all the activities available throughout the National Forest. With details on horse trails, fishing spots, camping, hunting, canoeing, kayaking and cross country skiing areas, as well as hiking, bike and snowmobile trails, the nature lover will find lots of stuff to do in every season. (Website)

North Country National Scenic Trail

This national hiking trail now stretches over 4,000 miles linking seven northern States from New York to North Dakota. One of the finest segments of the 575 miles through Michigan follow the Manistee River valley as it winds through the steep banks in eastern Manistee County. Three access points in the County are at Marilla, Udell, and Freesoil. Administered locally by the National Forest. (Website)

Orchard Beach State Park

Situated on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, this 201-acre park offers a variety of outdoor recreations centered on water sports and in particular fishing. The park includes 176 campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and electrical hook ups. An excellent swimming beach is adjacent to an open picnic shelter, picnic tables, grills, and children's playground. Plenty of shade is available. (Website)

Lake Michigan Recreation Area

Beautiful scenes of Lake Michigan make it the perfect setting for a family picnic on the beach 12 miles south of Manistee. Camping, hiking, biking, swimming and a handicap accessible observation deck are some of the amenities. Administered by the National Forest.

Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area

12 Miles SW of Manistee, this National Forest area is the only federally designated wilderness in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. It is adjacent to the Lake Michigan Recreation Area and covers 3,450 acres. Activities include rustic camping, observation areas, swimming beach and hiking trails. (Website.)

Snowmobiling & ORVs

A variety of trails weave through Manistee National Forest. Click here to follow the snowmobile trails (yellow line) on our map starting at Kaleva.

Big M Cross Country Ski & Bike Trails

30 Kilometers of cross country skiing, biking or hiking for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. A $5 daily donation per skier is customary. Information available by calling the US Forest Service 231-723-2211. (Website)

Tippy Dam Campground

This small rustic campground is located at the Tippy Dam Pond boating access site. It is the only boating access site managed by the Parks and Recreation Bureau that allows overnight camping. No reservations are accepted and the sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. (Website)

Charter Fishing

The waters of Lake Michigan off Manistee County are world-class thanks to plentiful numbers of the "big five:" lake trout, steelhead, coho salmon, chinook salmon and brown trout. Click here for a complete listing of the dozens of professional charter Captains servicing the area.

Boating and Marinas

For those who prefer to rent watercraft or trailer their own boats, click here for a list of marinas and marine services.

Rafting/Canoeing/Kayaking

Take a cool refreshing river trip down the Platte, Pine, Big Manistee or Little Manistee rivers. From beginners to advanced, there is a trip available for all levels of water sports enthusiasts. With your choice of canoes, kayaks, tubes, rafts, motorboats, paddleboats, pontoon or row boats along with all the natural beauty, a great day on the river is a sure thing. Check out these rental locations for schedules and availability.

Insta Launch, Big Manistee, 866-452-8642
On the Water, Inc., Manistee Lake, 231-690-1368
Pine River Paddle Sports 231-862-3471
Riverside Canoes, Platte, 231-325-5622
Wilderness Canoe Trips, Big Manistee, 800-873-6379

Mac Wood's Dune Rides

A Mac Wood's Dune Ride is a thrilling experience. Safe, fun-filled, seven mile ride lasts about 40 minutes. Drivers are well trained, courteous and informative. Visitors of all ages enjoy the exciting scenic rides. Great fun for everyone! Mears, Michigan, 231-873-2817. (Website)

Big Sky Powerchutes

"Take to the Sky"–fly the Lake Michigan shoreline, see deer, turkeys and bald eagles in their natural habitat. Open for flights on calm evenings May through October. All ages welcome! 12991 US-31, Bear Lake. 231-864-3050 or 231-864-3060.