Many of our skiers ask about our area- points of interest, scenic views , history, and whatever... and we are certain some of our favorite places will become some of your favorite places, too.
The Orchard Beach State Park a few miles north of the city, is a favorite place for families young and old.  Trails are marked, for hiking, biking, and cross country skiing.  Miles of Lake Michigan Beach.  Not far away the river walk is great for early morning and evening strolls along the channel.  Don't be surprised to see one of the draw bridges operating for a Lower Laker.

Manistee's river walk and piers into Lake Michigan are available for walkers at anytime, and are only minutes away. This walk adds a romantic effect for those special times with special friends, and the best part is it's always there and still free. Just take the time. The piers are covered with ice flows in the winter months and, of course, won't be safe, but in the warm summer months you can observe the fishing boats, and freighters moving in and out of the harbor. In the warmest months catch the sunbathers on one of nature's  greatest sandy beaches, or better yet why not join them, you may enjoy many great holes of golf at Manistee National a few miles south of Manistee. 

If you are a cross country skier,    The Big 'M' has over 30 miles of trails for novice to Nordic expert. The Big 'M' was a  commercial venture many years ago, and the U.S. Forest Service, as part of the Manistee Huron National Forest, now owns  the property. The trails are operated and track set by the volunteers of the Manistee Cross Country Ski Council. This trail system is rated by many experts, and guidebooks, as one of the best in the country, and you will also find some breathtaking scenery .   The Big 'M' is available to Mountain Bikers in the summertime.

The Nordhouse Dunes about 8 miles south of Manistee can keep you entertained for a long weekend or two, hiking in this designated wilderness area.  Hike the ridges overlooking Lake Michigan , or back into secluded Nordhouse Lake, and observe the deer,  geese, loon and others in an undisturbed environment.  No motorized vehicles, pack animals, or bicycles allowed.   Hiking only !
Canoeing and

 abound in the area. The Pine River offers white water canoeing, but wear your life jackets, and paddle clear of those casting flies for hungry trout. The Pere Marquette River is good for young families because 4 & 6 man rubber rafts are available, and can be handled by adults.
 There are many Charter Boats operating in Lake Michigan, and local rivers daily for Coho, and King Salmon, Steel Head, Lake Trout, and Browns, and can also be fished directly off the Lake Michigan beaches. If you check the record books you will find many fish with state ranking came from the cool clear waters off the  Manistee Harbor.  Check out all of the big beautiful boats that come and go into Manistee.

The North Country Trail is one of America's, and Michigan's best kept secrets. It is Located about 15 miles east of Manistee, and travels near the west side of the Big M, and is available to hikers, campers, and mountain bikers. The trail section in our area is maintained by the "Spirit Of The Woods Chapter, of the North Country Trail Association. The trail travels thru New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, and North Dakota.   This trail offers you the opportunity to see our area, as it once was....say 300 years ago before the automobile was invented.

   The Big Sable Light House was built in 1867, and is currently being preserved by a local volunteer organization. The Light is just south of Manistee, and accessed thru the Ludington State Park. It is about a 1 1/2-hour round trip hike in the summer time, and a fun run on cross-country skis in the winter, too, but always waiting for the photographers among you. 

If you are interested in POWER, take a short drive south of Ludington  on South Lakeshore Drive to the Consumers Hydro-electric Plant. With a rise of about 300 feet, It is one of the largest Hydro-electric power plants in the world.  Your car will pass over the turbines high above Lake Michigan and the size and view will  amaze you.  Also worthy is the mile woods trail.

Need a weather report to help you plan your ski, boating, fishing, camping, hiking, snowmobile, and ice fishing activities, while in the area...then check out our weather buttons.   

If you have been traveling in, or through the area, and need to relax and rejuvenate those tired worn batteries of yours, we think you will find  Manistee one of those special treasures one discovers from time to time while traveling, meeting new friends or rekindling old acquaintances.

Manistee Cross Country Ski Council

P.O. Box 169 - Manistee, MI 49660