Things To Do In Manistee
Wander Downtown Manistee
Grab ice cream, shop the boutiques, explore historical buildings, or stroll the Victorian‑era streets for that “weekend getaway” feeling.
Walk the Manistee Riverwalk
A scenic riverside boardwalk perfect for coffee strolls (might we suggest visiting Trophies Cafe?!), boat watching, or pretending you're in a small‑town Hallmark movie. It winds through downtown and leads right to the lake.
Catch a Matinee at The Vogue Theatre
We actually have never enjoyed a movie here but it looks great! A beautifully restored 1930s theater run by local volunteers. Perfect if you need some AC, popcorn, or a break from sunscreen reapplications.
Take a Scenic Drive on M22
If you want to experience Pure Michigan™ vibes in under an hour, hop onto M‑22, one of the state’s most iconic scenic highways. It officially starts right in Manistee and winds along the Lake Michigan shoreline with gorgeous views, charming small towns, and plenty of photo‑ops! Even a short stretch is worth the trip — the lakes look unreal, the air feels fresher (we don’t know how, it just does), and you’ll return feeling like you took a tiny vacation. Perfect for a laid‑back daytime adventure.
Go Golfing at Manistee Golf & Country Club
Manistee is secretly a mini golf destination — and we don’t mean putt‑putt. One of Michigan’s oldest courses with beautiful Lake Michigan views and rolling terrain. It’s super close to town, scenic, and beginner‑friendly.
5th Avenue Beach
Manistee has some of the best sandy stretches on Lake Michigan, perfect for sunbathing, floating, or simply judging the courage of people who think the water isn’t freezing. A clean shoreline, lighthouse views, and famously gorgeous sunsets (but hey, don’t fall in love with the sunset before our party).
Visit the North Pierhead Lighthouse
Classic, charming, and very photogenic — ideal for those “We made it to the wedding weekend!” selfies.
Explore Magoon Creek Park
A quiet nature area with wooded trails and a more secluded natural beach — great for relaxing, exploring, or escaping your family for an hour. Also pet friendly!
Float, Paddle, or Fish the Manistee River
Rent a kayak, cast a fishing line, or just enjoy the peaceful river scenery — it's one of our favorite activities here in the summer. There are many different spots within Manistee along the river but our favorites are Rainbow Bend or Bear Creek. Joe Barros can give even more recommendations if this is something you're interested in!
1st Street Beach & Douglas Park
Big, beautiful, and packed with picnic spots, lake views, and easy beach access. Great for families (and adults who act like kids). There's a reason we chose this as our celebration location!
Visit Michigan's Giant Sequoia at Lake Bluff Farms
Yes, you read that right — Manistee has its very own giant sequoia, and it’s absolutely worth the short daytime trip. Located at Lake Bluff Farms, this massive tree is the largest Giant Sequoia east of the Rockies, standing around 116 feet tall and thriving far from its California cousins. Planted back in the late 1940s, this sequoia is part of a beautiful nature preserve featuring trails, lakefront views, and an arboretum‑style landscape. It’s peaceful, scenic, and the perfect place to stretch your legs, take photos, or say, “Wait… how is this growing here?” before returning to wedding weekend fun.
Little River Casino Resort
Even though we’re not big gamblers (unless you count betting on the weather for a beach wedding), Little River Casino is still a great spot to check out during the day! Think of it as Manistee’s all‑purpose entertainment stop: restaurants, live music, a spa, and air‑conditioning powerful enough to revive even the most sun‑tired beachgoer.