Manistee National Forest

Due to heavy logging in the late 1800s, these forests were almost completely cleared, so the Huron National Forest was established in 1909, followed in 1938 by the Manistee National Forest as a way to preserve this area for generations to come. In the late 1930s and early 1940s, the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) helped reforest the land, planting pine trees in straight, even rows, which can still be seen today.
The Manistee National Forest is not one continuous piece of land, but is spread out over nine counties and is broken up by towns and private property. Three major rivers meander through the Forest--Pine, Pere Marquette, and Manistee. The Pine River is a bit rough and only recommended for experienced canoeists. The Manistee River is a bit more calm and perfect for families, and great for fishing! Check out the latest Manistee fishing reports, grab your pole and enjoy the scenery while you fish the Big Manistee or Little Manistee Rivers. We also provide fishing reports for the Pere Marquette River if you're looking for trout, steelhead, and salmon.

Located in the Manistee portion of the forest is the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness. It sets just north of the Ludington State Park and along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. Many of the dunes found here are up to 4,000 years old and 140 feet high with an expansive beach area. In a section just north of the dunes is the Lake Michigan Recreation Area. Here you can picnic, bike, hike, and swim--and there are 99 campsites with tables and fire rings.
Ranger District Stations for the Manistee National Forest
Manistee/Cadillac
412 Red Apple Rd, Manistee, MI 49660
(231) 723-2211
Baldwin/White Cloud
650 N. Michigan Ave., Baldwin, MI 49304
(231) 745-4631
More West Michigan Parks Information...
- Ludington's Rotary Park
- Waterfront Park in Downtown Ludington
- Buttersville Park High on a Bluff Overlooking Lake Michigan
- Sutton's Landing on the Pere Marquette River, Ludington
- Summit Park Between Ludington and Pentwater on Lake Michigan
- Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness of Ludington and Manistee
- Silver Lake Sand Dunes Parks
- Wilson Hill Park on Upper Hamlin Lake
- Scottville Riverside Park along the Pere Marquette River
- Stearns Park & Beach in Ludington- Picked by USA Today as one of the 51 Great American Beaches!
- The North Country Trail through the Manistee National Forest
- Visit Charles Mears State Park in Pentwater
- Silver Lake Sand Dune Beaches
- Memorial Tree Park in Ludington
- Copeyon Park on Pere Marquette Lake in Ludington
- Victory Township Park on Upper Hamlin Lake
- The Ludington School Forest--Fun For All Seasons!
- Manistee National Forest
- Visit Waterfront Park in Downtown Ludington
Discover More of the Great Outdoors...
- Find Good Food & Fun Down on the Farm!
- Hamlin Lake Weather Conditions
- Copeyon Park on Pere Marquette Lake in Ludington
- Wilson Hill Park on Upper Hamlin Lake
- Victory Township Park on Upper Hamlin Lake
- Stearns Park & Beach in Ludington- Picked by USA Today as one of the 51 Great American Beaches!
- Memorial Tree Park in Ludington
- Buttersville Park High on a Bluff Overlooking Lake Michigan
- Travel Getaways for Nature Lovers
- History of the Pere Marquette River
- Local Earth Day Events
- Scottville Area Weather
- Lake Michigan Area Weather
- West Michigan Weather
- Western Michigan Boat, RV, Outdoor & Home Show
- Ludington Area Weather
- Pere Marquette Lake Trail
- Pere Marquette River Area Weather
- Pentwater Area Weather
- Manistee Area Weather