Manistee Area
Things To Do
Manistee, Michigan has numerous activities to keep you busy, regardless of age. Visit our beaches, hike in the Manistee National Forest, try your luck at our casino, play a round of golf, tour our lighthouse, or enjoy the view on our Riverwalk.
Check out the Festivals & Events page for a perpetual calendar of monthly events, the Calendar of Events page for dates and times, and the Family Friendly Events page for fun things to do for families and kids!
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Lakeshore Family Guide
What's a family to do in West Michigan? We've got the answer at Lakeshore Family Guide, a local website which highlights fun, wholesome, and inexpensive activities for children and families. Includes details about kids programs at the library, mini golf courses, petting zoos, the best beaches, and so much more!
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Douglas Park
W. 1st St., c/o City of Manistee, Manistee, MI 49660, (231) 723-4051
This is the city's largest recreational area, featuring playgrounds, tennis courts, picnic areas, volleyball and basketball courts, and softball field. Douglas Park also features a concession stand, public restrooms, and a pier which is great for fishing.
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Duffy Park
Monroe St., c/o City of Manistee, Manistee, MI 49660, (231) 723-4051
Here you'll find a play area, basketball court, and Mucha Field, a full size little league baseball field.
Historic White Pine Village
1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 843-4808
"Bringing History to Life!" A step back in time in a picturesque setting for the entire family. Tour historic buildings. Visit the old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Interact with characters in period costume as they provide a 1st-person interpretation of pioneer life in the late 1800's/early 1900's. Special events throughout summer and fall.
Inspired Parties
Located in Ludington, Serving West Michigan, (231) 510-2528
A traveling paint studio offering a unique night out! Flex your creative muscles while our artist guides you step-by-step in the creation of your very own masterpiece. We offer public events-partnering with local businesses. Or host a private party for family and friends in the venue of your choice.
Lake Michigan Sand Dunes
If you love the thrill of climbing a sand dune and enjoying a beautiful panoramic vista, then visit this website about Lake Michigan's most popular sand dunes including Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, Silver Lake Sand Dunes, and more. Pure Michigan sugar beach sand, clear waters, magnificent sunsets...discover Lake Michigan Sand Dunes.
Lakeshore Family Guide
What's a family to do in West Michigan? We've got the answer at Lakeshore Family Guide, a local website which highlights fun, wholesome, and inexpensive activities for children and families. Includes details about kids programs at the library, mini golf courses, petting zoos, the best beaches, and so much more!
For over 60 years, the Manistee Civic Players has provided quality community theater productions, workshops, children's plays and various classes. Over 275 stage productions, including over 100 musical shows, have been presented using local talent from the Manistee area. See the Manistee Civic Players website for current performances and ticket information.
Manistee County Historical Museum
425 River St., Manistee, MI 49660, (231) 723-5531
Permanent exhibits at the Manistee County Historical museum include a special drug exhibit kept in remembrance of the store's earlier history, period rooms including a lumberman's business office, a life-size log cabin replica, a dentist's office, a Victorian dining room, parlor, bedroom, and kitchen. Also on display is an extensive collection of Victorian antiques and photographs.
Manistee Harbor Tours
400 River St., Manistee, MI 49660, (231) 690-3587
Discover The Princess...a 65’ passenger vessel certified by the USCG to carry 150 passengers. Public/private cruises for offshore viewing of sand dunes, beaches, Manistee's scenic Riverwalk, Big Point Sable Lighthouse, and numerous other historic sites. Private cruises for weddings, reunions, birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations of life, or any occasion.
Onekama Village Park
Main St & Portage, Onekama, MI, (231) 889-3171
This park on Portage Lake is popular for fishing, swimming and special events, such as Concerts in the Park, Onekama Days, Fall Festival, and Winterfest. Families enjoy the park for parties and reunions.
Penny Park
Village of East Lake, Manistee, MI 49660
This is East Lake Village's largest and most frequently used park, with 38 campground site, half with electrical hook-ups. There is also a bath house, boat launch and playground.
Performing Arts
Come experience the magic and pleasure of performing arts. Our current series of music, theater and specialty acts offer a delightful diversion from the everyday. Relax and unwind with quality performances, proudly presented by local and well-known talent.
Built in 1903 by local lawyer and philanthropist Thomas Jefferson Ramsdell, the historical Ramsdell Theater is home to the Manistee Civic Players' productions and hosts plays, ballet performances, art exhibits, proms, weddings, and other special events.
Red Szymarek Park
5th Ave/Monroe St., c/o City of Manistee, Manistee, MI 49660, (231) 723-4051
A wooded park with plenty of shade trees, it features a children's playground and a volleyball court.
Reitz Park
Forest Ave., c/o City of Manistee, Manistee, MI 49660, (231) 723-4051
Home to the Manistee Saints, a local semi-professional baseball team. Located in this park are a children's playground, wooded picnic area, and a basketball court.
S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Carferry
P.O. Box 708, Ludington, MI 49431, (800) 841-4243
Big Ship, More Fun! The SS Badger is the largest operating passenger steamship in the United States. At 410' she provides a fun, reliable cruise experience across Lake Michigan. Enjoy free entertainment, movies, food, shopping, and more. Cars, RVs, and motorcycles travel with you. Group, car and motorcycle club discounts available.
Preserved as Manistee County's first historical museum, this building now houses logging, railroad and marina exhibits and memorabilia of Manistee in the Nineteenth Century. Open to the public only in July and August, Wednesday through Saturday, 12pm-4pm. However, the Manistee County Historical Museum at 425 River Street is open all year.
Also see: Canoes & Kayak Rentals
More Manistee Boating and Fishing Info
For more activities & attractions, check out these additional links for Things to Do in West Michigan:
Have Fun in Manistee, Michigan -- Explore Manistee's historic downtown district and riverwalk, hike the Manistee National Forest, canoe on the Manistee River, and more.
Hamlin Lake -- Just 4 miles north of Ludington, Hamlin Lake is a great destination for boating, fishing and climbing dunes! The Hamlin Lake shoreline is also part of the Ludington State Park.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes -- Visiting the Silver Lake Sand Dunes makes for a terrific vacation because you can take your off-road vehicle for a spin on the scenic sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan and Silver Lake.
Things to Do in Pentwater, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like the quaint, artsy, harbortown village of Pentwater. Don't miss the popular Charles Mears State Park beach on Pentwater's Lake Michigan shoreline.
Lots of Activities in Scottville, Michigan -- Explore the Riverside Park along the National Scenic Pere Marquette River.
Canoeing or Fishing on the Pere Marquette River -- Many boat liveries offer canoe rentals.
Also, check out West Michigan Guides and our locally produced WestMichigan.MichBiz.com directory for our largest lists of Things to Do in West Michigan.
Cruise across Lake Michigan on the S.S. Badger carferry and explore Wisconsin.
Eastern Wisconsin Things to Do -- There are a variety of activities in Eastern Wisconsin. Visit an amusement park, take a train or trolley tour, go kayaking, go for a cruise, visit a lighthouse, check out a garden, visit Lambeau Field, home to the Green Bay Packers, and much more.