The focal point of this portion of our guide is on things to do and places to go in the city of Manistee, Michigan.
Although Manistee has suffered a population decline since 1900, it has much to offer to its residents and visitors. Situated on Lake Michigan and Manistee Lake, Manistee has miles of shoreline, as well as a man-made lake that is used for swimming and other recreational purposes. The city and surrounding region also include several acres of forest land, and the city maintains more than a hundred and eighty acres of parks and recreational areas. Several events are hosted by the city and other entities within the city throughout the year.
Attractions and events within the city are appropriate topics for this category, along with sports programs and recreational opportunities.
These might include museums and historical places in Manistee, as well as libraries, art galleries, theaters, and entertainment venues. Topics relating to local parks, bike or hiking trails, and recreational programs or facilities could be listed here, too. Other topics that would be suitable for this area include Manistee concerts, festivals or other events, as well as sports teams or programs, and recreational opportunities, whether sponsored by the municipal government, the school system, community organization, or a private entity.
Recommended Resources
Highlighting regional breweries, the September afternoon event is held in Downtown Manistee, Michigan, where participants can sample more than a hundred locally crafted beverages from Michigan breweries, wineries, cider houses, and distillers. Also featured are food trucks, games and, simultaneously, the Century Boat Club features classic wooden boats along the Manistee River Channel. Photos, a list of participating breweries, volunteer opportunities, and contact information are included.
https://manisteehopsandprops.com/
MAI provides venues for Northern Michigan artists to display and sell their works, providing scholarship awards for graduating seniors from Manistee County, as well as juried exhibits for Michigan artists. The organization also features a permanent collection of watercolor, oil, and acrylic paintings, sculpture, photography, fiber art, collage, and other visual art mediums. Its location, hours of operation, calendar of events, and artists gallery, and contacts are provided.
http://www.manisteeartinstitute.org/
Manistee County Historical Museum
Located within the Lyman Building in Historic Downtown Manistee, the non-profit museum is owned and operated by the Manistee County Historical Society. Its location, hours of operation, and admission fees are published on the site, and its exhibits, research facilities, the Manistee North Pierhead Light, and the Manistee Water Works building are highlighted. Membership plans and the corresponding fees are posted, and a blog, telephone number, and a contact form are provided.
https://www.manisteemuseum.org/
Headquartered on Maple Street in the city of Manistee, Michigan, the public library serves residents within the county through its main branch in Manistee and branch locations in Arcadia, Bear Lake, Kaleva, Onekama, and Wellston. Addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation are posted, along with its resources and programs for children and teens, research facilities, library and community calendars, and virtual events. Its collections, online resources, and programs are defined.
https://www.manisteelibrary.org/
Hosted by the Salt City Rock and Blues, the festival is a celebration of the region's industrial history and the laborers who have worked, and do work in the region's salt, lumber, and sand industries. Although the events may differ from one year to the next, the festival may include live music all day, craft beer, food trucks, a car show, and a parade. Event schedules, a live entertainment lineup, and lodging recommendations are set forth. Photographs from past events are displayed.
https://manisteelaborfest.com/
Manistee National Forest Festival
First held in concert with the City of Manistee's Homecoming Festival in 1935, the festival commemorates the Manistee National Forest, a 540,187-acre forest that was formally established in 1938. The history of the event is set forth, along with an event schedule, registration for events to be held over the Festival weekend, sponsorship opportunities, a map, and directions to the Manistee area, by car, boat, or air. A form for general inquiries is posted, and participants may register online.
https://manisteeforestfestival.com/
Manistee Recreation Association
The MRA is a non-profit organization established in 1942 by a group of high school youth seeing recreation activities in the Manistee, Michigan area. Funded by the city and county of Manistee, five local townships, area business sponsors, the Manistee United Way, and program user fees, the MRA has participated in several community events and partnered with other local agencies. Its programs, participation areas, facilities, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, and contacts are posted.
https://www.manisteerecreation.com/
The Manistee (Michigan) River Walk is a 1.5-mile park accessed at the end of Jones Street, continuing under the US-31 bridge, winding its way along the Manistee River Channel, behind the downtown district, ending at the beach on First Street, near its river outlet with Lake Michigan. Stairs are provided along the way, providing access to shops and restaurants, and at the end of Spruce Street, there is a park with picnic tables, grills, and bench swings. A map of the River Walk is provided.
https://manisteeriverwalk.com/
Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend
Featuring a weekend of Christmas-themed celebrations, including a sleigh-bell parade with horse-drawn entries, bagpipers, carolers dressed in Victorian-style attire, a reindeer meet and greet, and several other events, such as a Festival of Trees and a guided tour of the historic 1894 Lumber Baron Mansion. Event schedules are published on the site, sponsors are recognized, and both sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are posted. Events and parade participants may register online.
https://manisteesleighbellparade.com/
