Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse 🌅

• Fun Facts:

  • The lighthouse has been guiding ships since 1873 and remains an active navigational aid.

  • It is one of the few lighthouses on the Great Lakes that still has its original Fresnel lens.

  • The lighthouse was automated in 1927, reducing the need for a full-time lighthouse keeper.

• Activities:

  • Visit the iconic lighthouse and take in the panoramic views of Lake Michigan.

  • Walk along the pier to enjoy the fresh lake breeze and watch boats enter the harbor.

  • Capture stunning photographs, especially at sunset when the lighthouse is beautifully silhouetted.

Manistee Riverwalk 🌊

• Fun Facts:

  • The riverwalk stretches for 1.5 miles along the Manistee River.

  • Features interpretive signs that tell the story of Manistee’s rich maritime and industrial history.

  • The Manistee River is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for salmon and steelhead.

• Activities:

  • Walk along the scenic riverwalk, enjoying the picturesque views of the river and historic buildings.

  • Stop at the various interpretive signs to learn about the history and significance of the area.

  • Enjoy fishing from designated spots along the riverwalk or simply relax and watch the boats.

Orchard Beach State Park 🌳

• Fun Facts:

  • The park’s historic pavilion, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, offers stunning views of Lake Michigan.

  • The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and numerous bird species.

  • Orchard Beach State Park is one of Michigan’s oldest state parks, established in 1921.

• Activities:

  • Enjoy picnicking in scenic areas overlooking Lake Michigan.

  • Hike the park’s trails, which offer beautiful views and opportunities to spot wildlife.

  • Swim and relax on the beach, or explore the historic pavilion and its panoramic views.

SS City of Milwaukee 🚢

• Fun Facts:

  • The SS City of Milwaukee is the last traditional Great Lakes railroad car ferry still in existence.

  • The ship operated from 1931 to 1982, transporting railroad cars across Lake Michigan.

  • The ferry has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

• Activities:

  • Tour the historic car ferry turned museum to learn about life on the Great Lakes.

  • Explore the various exhibits, including the engine room, crew quarters, and passenger areas.

  • Participate in special events and programs hosted on the ship, such as haunted tours during Halloween.

Manistee National Forest 🌲

• Fun Facts:

  • The forest covers nearly 540,000 acres and is part of the larger Huron-Manistee National Forests.

  • It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and bald eagles.

  • The forest includes the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area, which features rare sand dune ecosystems.

• Activities:

  • Explore the vast network of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

  • Go fishing in the numerous lakes, rivers, and streams found throughout the forest.

  • Camp in one of the many designated campgrounds, enjoying the peaceful natural surroundings.

Ramsdell Theatre 🎭

• Fun Facts:

  • The Ramsdell Theatre, built in 1903, is where James Earl Jones, the voice of Darth Vader, started his acting career.

  • The theatre features beautiful Victorian architecture and has been meticulously restored.

  • It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

• Activities:

  • Catch a live performance, ranging from theater productions to concerts and community events.

  • Take a guided tour of the historic theatre to learn about its architecture and history.

  • Attend special events and programs, such as film screenings and lectures.

First Street Beach 🏖️

• Fun Facts:

  • First Street Beach features a pier, a boat launch, and stunning views of Lake Michigan.

  • The beach is known for its beautiful sunsets, making it a popular spot for evening visits.

  • The adjacent First Street Beach House provides amenities such as restrooms, picnic areas, and a playground.

• Activities:

  • Relax on the sandy shores, swim in the refreshing waters, or enjoy a beachside picnic.

  • Walk along the pier, watching the boats and taking in the scenic lake views.

  • Participate in water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing from the pier.