Introduction to Manistee, Michigan
Manistee, Michigan, in Manistee county, is 77 miles NE of Sheboygan, Wisconsin (center to center) and 115 miles NE of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Manistee History
The word Manistee is an Ojibwe term meaning "spirit of the woods." The river was initially named Manistee, and the county was subsequently named after it. Later, the community was named after the county. In the early 1800s, Missionaries visited Manistee and established a Jesuit mission house on the shore of Lake Manistee in 1826. In 1832, a group of traders from Massachusetts constructed a log house over the Manistee River, but the Indian settlers drove them off. Intending to establish a saw mill, John Stronach, and his brother, arrived at the mouth of the Manistee River in 1841. This eventually led to the establishment of the community.
Manistee and Nearby Attractions
- Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary
- Orchard Beach State Park
- Manistee National Forest
- Manistee County Historical Museum
- Fifth Avenue Beach
- Magoon Creek Natural Area
Things To Do In Manistee
The city of Manistee is home to numerous museums including the Arcadia Area Historical Museum, the Brethren Heritage Museum, the Manistee County Historical Museum, the Marilla Historical Museum, and the Kaleva Train Depot Museum. Fifth Avenue Beach, and First Street Beach are also located in Manistee. Popular parks and natural areas include Lake Bluff Audubon Center, Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area, Magoon Creek Natural Area, and the Orchard Beach State Park. The community also hosts the National Forest Festival in June, Bear Lake Days in July, and the Manistee County Fair in August every year.
Manistee Transportation
The Austin Straubel International Airport is located close by.
Manistee Higher Education
Colleges near Manistee inlude the Northwestern Michigan College, Muskegon Community College, and Ferris State University.