MANISTEE COUNTY
County Offices
415 Third Street
Manistee 231-398-3500
www.manisteecountymi.gov
Chamber of Commerce
11 Cypress Street
Manistee 231-723-2575
http://manisteechamber.com
State designated as a “Community of Economic Excellence,” Manistee County is situated on Lake Michigan. The county features historic Manistee, the Victorian Port City and county seat, as well as charming coastline villages. The county serves as a paradise for water and sports enthusiasts and is known as the “Fishing Capital of the Midwest.”
Services
Newcomers to Manistee County will find a strong and well-developed healthcare system anchored by the West Shore Medical Center. The medical center provides a level of advanced medical and surgical care that is usually associated with larger cities to residents of the county’s small towns and villages. The 46-bed community hospital ensures access to a complete range of emergency, diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitation services. Employing 350 including 40 primary care and specialty physicians, the medical center has invested nearly $22 million in recent years, adding a surgical wing, private inpatient rooms, a maternal and newborn unit, an education center, a sleep disorders center, and other improvements. The medical center delivers healthcare services to the region through the Northwest Michigan Health Center, the West Shore Health Connection, Bear Lake Outpatient Services, Onekama Area Health Center, Wellston Outpatient Services, and the West Shore Outreach Laboratory.
Quality public and private schools are available in Manistee County, including a state-approved charter school. The county is home to six public libraries and a new training and education facility that is collaboratively operated by West Shore Community College and West Shore Medical Center. Based in Scottville, West Shore Community College provides an affordable higher education and a performing arts series close to home. Long known for its personalized attention and “small college” atmosphere, WSCC is embarking on additions and improvements like the new Campus Center between the Arts & Sciences and Technical Centers. The center houses a new library and other services that support students and learning through computer and study areas, lounges, and labs as well as tutoring, and counseling. Another highlight on the campus is the West Shore Ice Arena, a 36,000-square-foot facility for figure skating, hockey, and open skating. The Manistee County Education Center makes it easy for county residents to attend classes just north of the city of Manistee along US Highway 31. The center offers classrooms and a computer lab, a conference room, and education offices. The closest four-year institutions include Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City and Ferris State University in Big Rapids.
Lifestyle
Panoramic Manistee County maintains its seat of government in the Victorian port city of Manistee, with a downtown district on state and national historic registers that features a picturesque riverwalk to Lake Michigan. Small coastline villages dot the landscape with unique features and attractions. Portage, Bear, and Manistee inland lakes connect to Lake Michigan and complement a breathtaking landscape that features 276 miles of rivers and streams. Nearly 75 percent of the county is forested, complemented by 25 miles of Great Lakes shoreline and sugar-fine beaches including Orchard Beach State Park. Among the parks and natural areas are Lake Bluff Audubon Center, Magoon Creek Natural Area, Manistee National Forest, the Manistee River, Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area, and the North Country Trail.
Those who appreciate culture will find a long list of interesting historic sites and wonderful museums as well as opportunities to enjoy the performing and visual arts. Ramsdell Theatre features the talent of the Manistee Civic Players but also displays fine art through a cooperative effort with the Manistee Art Institute. Manistee Symphony Orchestra, several dance studios, art galleries, and historic tours add to the cultural attractions. Eclectic scenes and charms create the appeal of Manistee County, from Victorian mansions and trolley tours to bandshells, campgrounds, the nation’s finest fishing, a famous lighthouse, and interesting shopping. The housing options are diverse, ranging from historic properties and well-kept older homes to vibrant new construction in deep forest or waterfront settings. Newcomers are sure to appreciate the breathtaking beauty, the first-class recreational amenities, and the hometown feeling.
Arcadia Township
Town Hall
231-889-4463
www.arcadiatwpmi.org
Chamber of Commerce
231-723-2575
http://manisteechamber.com
The name of Arcadia means peaceful, which is an appropriate moniker for this township situated along Michigan’s western border and facing Lake Michigan. The hub of the township is the small, charming village of Arcadia featuring the Arcadia Historical Museum as well as restaurants, unique shops, and picturesque marinas. Residents can picnic at Arcadia Village Park, enjoy Arcadia Public Beach and water-oriented recreation, or perfect their backswing at the local golf courses or one of several nearby. This area also offers stunning views from the highest elevation on the west shore of Lake Michigan, Inspiration Point. Community spirit runs high in this close-knit, family oriented setting. One of the most colorful and popular of the annual events is Arcadia Daze in July. The major highway serving the community is M-22 for convenient commutes to regional destinations.
Bear Lake, Pleasanton Township
Village Hall
231-864-4300
www.bearlakemichigan.org
Town Hall
231-864-3620
www.pleasantontownship.org
Chamber of Commerce
231-723-2575
http://manisteechamber.com
The Bear Lake region is located just five miles from Lake Michigan shores, providing campgrounds, antique shops, restaurants, golfing, and a Western theme park. Popular outdoor activities for village and township residents include hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, kayaking, fishing, hunting, camping, and horseback riding. Bear Lake is 15 miles north of Manistee and 45 miles south of Traverse City, a village that is tucked at the edge of an expansive “bear-shaped” lake that supports fishing, swimming, sailing, and boating. Modern Bear Lake caters to retirees and tourists as well as families, providing a serene and naturally beautiful setting for residential development and outdoor recreation. The community yard sale, Christmas in Bear Lake, Bear Lake Days, the Scarecrow Festival, and a seasonal farmer’s market are just a few of the events that bring residents and visitors together. US Highway 31 is the major transportation artery for this township at the northern edge of the county.
Brethern, Dickson Township, Brown Township
Dickson Town Hall
231-477-5885
Brown Town Hall
231-723-4481
Chamber of Commerce
231-723-2575
http://manisteechamber.com
Approximately 10 miles from Lake Michigan and the Crystal Mountain Resort, the small village of Brethren serves both Dickson and Brown townships as a center of governmental, tourism, and social activity. Graced by a location in the beautiful Manistee National Forest, this area hosts a wide variety of outdoor adventures throughout the four seasons. Popular activities include hiking, hunting, bird watching, nature study, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. The village takes its name from the 500 original members of the Church of Brethren who originally settled the area. Their legacy is celebrated each summer with Brethren Days and in the displays at the Brethren Heritage Museum. Another popular event is the Spirit of the Woods Music Association held at the Dickson Township Park. The natural beauty and resources that first drew settlers still attract newcomers and vacationers today. This area is home to the famous Tippy Dam on the Manistee River with its world-class trout and salmon fishing waters. Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities that take advantage of the area’s rolling rivers.
Copemish Village, Cleon Township
Village Hall
231-378-4652
Town Hall
231-378-2616
Chamber of Commerce
231-723-2575
http://manisteechamber.com
Nicknamed “Beech City,” the small, historic village of Copemish is distinguished as the first incorporated village in Manistee County. With no horses, a two-day walk for groceries, and problematic agricultural activity, the fledgling community failed to thrive until the advent of the booming lumber industry. By the latter 1800s, Copemish was a thriving stop for three major railroads and featured a number of stores and hotels. With the decline of the lumber industry, the village diminished in size to the small hub village for Cleon Township that remains today. The village and township offices are joined by a few businesses, and the area celebrates its colorful history each August with Copemish Days. The Copemish Flea Market is a major attraction to the village, giving bargain hunters a chance to search for treasures every weekend throughout the summer. This tiny community can be found in the northeastern corner of the county along M-115 just east of Bear Lake.
City of Manistee
City Offices
231-723-2558
www.manisteemi.gov
Chamber of Commerce
231-723-2575
http://manisteechamber.com
The county seat and largest city is Manistee, called the “Victorian Port City” for its elegant collection of well-preserved, turn-of-the-century buildings lining the downtown district. The blend of historic architecture with a picturesque boardwalk along the waterfront creates a pleasing backdrop for dining, shopping, galleries, and other attractions. Just around the corner, Lake Michigan provides a swimming beach, a lush park and pier, and a lighthouse. Nestled between Lake Michigan and Manistee Lake along Michigan’s western coast, the city is traversed by the Manistee River. Spanned by two bascule bridges, the river provides an outstanding deepwater harbor for commerce and recreation. Some of the first-rate attractions in and around Manistee are the historic Ramsdell Theater with live stage productions, Our Savior’s Historical Museum, Orchard Beach State Park, the Platte River State Fish Hatchery, Big Sable Lighthouse, Huron-Manistee National Forests, and the Department of National Resources Weir. Some of the popular events include the Manistee National Forest Festival, the Lakeside Tour of Homes, the Salmon Splash Fishing Tournament, Port City Street Fair, and the Victorian Sleighbell Parade.
East Lake Village, Manistee Township
Village Hall
231-723-9558
Town Hall
231-723-6507
www.manisteetownship.com
Chamber of Commerce
231-723-2575
http://manisteechamber.com
The growing residential community of Manistee Township is closely related to the city of the same name, which serves as the county seat and leading community. The township is ideally located in an area of rolling hills, beautiful Lake Michigan white sand beaches, inland lakes and bayous, the Big Manistee River, national forestland, picturesque farmland, Orchard Beach State Park, scenic landscapes, and attractive residential areas. The small village of East Lake serves as the hub community for the township and overlooks Manistee Lake. This progressive area has developed a Renaissance Zone for tax-free commercial and light industrial development. One of the largest employers in the township is the Little River Casino and Resort, only one of many attractions for vacationers. Other community highlights include the Lake Bluff Audubon Society, scenic Lake Shore Road, the West Shore Medical Center, county offices, and local businesses. This area is well known for coho and steelhead fishing, golfing, hiking, winter sports, and water-oriented recreation.
Kaleva Village, Maple Grove Township
Village Hall
231-362-3366
www.kalevami.com
Town Hall
231-362-3825
Chamber of Commerce
231-723-2575
http://manisteechamber.com
Just 10 miles from Lake Michigan, the village of Kaleva is also minutes from Crystal Mountain Resort and 25 miles from the National Music Camp at Interlochen. Surrounded by the quiet rural township of Maple Grove, the village draws tourists to the Glass Bottle House and the Kaleva Historical Museum, an unusual structure fashioned from 60,000 bottles from a local bottling factory. Other attractions include the historic train depot, the Centennial Walk Way, a totem pole, Northern Michigan Dragway, and the colorful Kaleva Days annual celebration. This area in the center of the county was first settled by Finnish immigrants and has managed to preserve a slower pace of life that is close to nature. Youngsters enjoy T-ball and other sports, adults participate in baseball and softball leagues, and the roadside park is popular for camping and community gatherings. The area is ideal for hiking, biking, horseback riding, nature study, bird watching, golfing, swimming, ice fishing, skiing, and hunting. Residents are only about 25 miles from expanded shopping, hospitals, and cultural amenities.
Onekama Village, Onekama Township
Village Offices
231-889-3171
www.onekama.net
Township Offices
231-889-3308
www.onekama.net
Chamber of Commerce
231-723-2575
http://manisteechamber.com
The village and township of Onekama (pronounced Oh-neck-uh-muh) holds all the appeal that makes Northern Michigan such an appealing place to live and play. This area is situated along its own picturesque Portage Lake that offers a channel directly to Lake Michigan for unparalleled water sports, boating, and sailing. Fishing, boating, kayaking, golfing, and cross-country skiing are all common pastimes for Onekama residents. Complementary amenities and attractions have been developed in the village and the township such as boat launches, lake and channel access points, Portage Lake Yacht Club, beaches, a sledding hill, tennis courts, annual events, and several lush parks including Onekama Village Park & Pavilion and the Butterfly Park. Onekama has been a premier vacation destination for Chicago’s elite since the early 1900s who arrived by steamboat. The steamboats have vanished but the traditional of permanent and seasonal residents lives on in this tranquil setting. Restaurants, lodging, specialty shops, and historic Victorian cottages are all set against a backdrop of nature’s beauty.
Wellston, Norman Township
Wellston Town Hall
231-848-4564
www.wellstonmichigan.org
Norman Township
213-848-4564
www.normantownship.org
Chamber of Commerce
231-723-2575
http://manisteechamber.com
The unincorporated community of Wellston serves as the hub village of Norman Township deep in the Manistee National Forest, an area that caters strongly to recreational tourism. Commercial development is largely restaurants, tackle shops, grocery and convenience stores, services, campgrounds, golf and ski resorts, and lively casinos. The outdoor adventures supported by this rich natural environment include fishing, hunting, mushrooming, hiking, biking, camping, canoeing kayaking, snowmobiling, sledding, nature study, and bird watching. Nearly 65 miles of pristine snowmobile trails traverse the township, and the fishing is world class. In fact, this area is designated as the “Steel Head Capital of Michigan.” Located in the lower peninsula, Wellston is surrounded by rivers and offers close proximity to famous landmarks like the Tippy Dam, Cooley Bridge, Teeny Tiny Waterfall, and the North Country Trail. The township offers a quiet community on the southern side of the Big Manistee River.
