Manistee

1. Manistee North Pierhead Lights

• What are the Manistee Pierhead Lights?
  • The Manistee Pierhead Lights are a pair of active navigation aids located on the north and south pier in the harbor of Manistee, Michigan.
• When was the first lighthouse built?
  • The first lighthouse was built in 1870 on the south pier.
  • It was destroyed in 1871 when a fire burned most of the town of Manistee.
• When were the original twin lighthouses built?
  • Two original lighthouses were built in 1875, one on each town pier.
• When was the existing lighthouse on the north pier built?
  • The current north pier lighthouse was built in 1927.
  • It is 39 feet tall and made of cast iron.
• What are the features of the north pier lighthouse?
  • The north pier lighthouse features:
    • A white cylindrical tower
    • A separate keeper’s house
    • A ten-sided steel lantern at the top
• What type of lens was originally used in the lighthouse?
  • The original lens was a Fifth Order Fresnel lens.
• Has the lighthouse been rebuilt?
  • Yes! The tower has been rebuilt as the pier was extended.
• How far is the light visible?
  • The light is visible for 12 nautical miles in clear weather.
• What are the features of the northern pier light?
  • The northern pier light is 37 feet high and is located on the same side of the river as the Manistee Coast Guard station.

2. SS City of Milwaukee

• What is the SS City of Milwaukee?
  • The SS City of Milwaukee is a historic Great Lakes railroad car ferry that once operated on Lake Michigan.
• What route did the SS City of Milwaukee serve?
  • The ferry primarily traveled between Muskegon, Michigan and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
• When was the ferry built?
  • The SS City of Milwaukee was built in 1931 for the Grand Trunk Milwaukee Car Ferry Company.
• Why was the SS City of Milwaukee built?
  • It was launched to replace the SS Milwaukee, which sank in 1929 during a gale, resulting in the loss of all hands.
• What was the role of car ferries on the Great Lakes?
  • Great Lakes car ferry service began in 1892.
  • At its peak, 14 vessels were in operation, capable of carrying up to 34 railroad cars across the stormy and ice-packed lakes.
• When was the SS City of Milwaukee retired?
  • In 1978, the ship was chartered to the Ann Arbor Railroad.
  • It was permanently retired in 1982.
• What is the SS City of Milwaukee used for today?
  • The ship now serves as a:
    • Museum ship
    • Bed and breakfast
    • Event venue
• Where is the SS City of Milwaukee located?
  • The ship is docked on the waterfront of Manistee Lake in Manistee, Michigan.
• Is the SS City of Milwaukee historically recognized?
  • Yes! The ship has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

99 Arthur St, Manistee, MI 49660, Phone: 231-723-3587

3. Manistee River

• What is the Manistee River?
  • The Manistee River runs 190 miles through northwestern Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
• Where does the Manistee River flow?
  • The river flows through the villages of Sharon, Smithville, and Mesick, eventually entering Lake Michigan at Manistee.
• Where does the Manistee River originate?
  • The river originates in the sand hills of Antrim County, about six miles southeast of Alba.
• Why is the Manistee River good for fishing?
  • The deep glacial sands in its origin provide a stable flow of clean, cold water year-round, making it one of the best trout fishing rivers east of the Rockies.
• What recreational activities are popular on the Manistee River?
  • The river is a popular destination for:
    • Canoeing
    • Boating
    • Fishing
• Has the Manistee River been restored?
  • Yes! After destruction from the logging era, the river has been restored and is once again considered one of the best trout and salmon rivers in the country.
• Is the Manistee River navigable for commercial boats?
  • Commercial navigation is only possible in the lower parts of the river below the Tippy Dam.

4. Vogue Theatre

• What is the Vogue Theatre?
  • The Vogue Theatre is a historic neighborhood movie theatre built in 1938 in Manistee, Michigan.
• What made the Vogue Theatre special when it was built?
  • At the time of its opening, the theatre was considered ultramodern, featuring:
    • The ultimate word in design
    • Luxurious conveniences
    • The finest projection and sound systems
• What is the architectural style of the Vogue Theatre?
  • The Vogue Theatre was designed in a northern Michigan version of the Art Deco style, featuring a recessed entry leading to a modern lobby and a 935-seat theatre.
• When did the Vogue Theatre close?
  • The theatre operated regularly until 2005, when it was set to close permanently.
• What is the Vogue Theatre Project?
  • The Vogue Theatre Project was organized to completely rehabilitate the theatre, resulting in a totally renovated interior with two screens.
• What are the seating capacities of the renovated theatres?
  • The grand theatre seats 187 people, while the smaller theatre seats 45.
• What other renovations were made?
  • The renovation included:
    • A completely rebuilt lobby and lounge area
    • A new concession stand
    • The restoration of the original neon signage

383 River St, Manistee, MI 49660, Phone: 231-222-5199

5. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts

• What is the Ramsdell Theatre?
  • The Ramsdell Theatre is a historic playhouse and opera house built in 1903 in downtown Manistee, Michigan.
• Who built the Ramsdell Theatre?
  • The theatre was built by Thomas Jefferson Ramsdell, a local lawyer and philanthropist.
• What is the architectural style of the Ramsdell Theatre?
  • The theatre features a classic Colonial red brick structure with six massive columns supporting the portico over the main entrance.
• Is the Ramsdell Theatre historically recognized?
  • Yes! It has been designated a Michigan Historic Building.
• What is the current role of the Ramsdell Theatre?
  • Today, the theatre serves as a Western Michigan cultural center, offering a variety of arts and entertainment performances.
• Who manages and operates the Ramsdell Theatre?
  • The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts manages and operates the theatre.
  • The theatre itself is owned by the City of Manistee.
• What type of performances are held at the Ramsdell Theatre?
  • The center produces more than 20 music, dance, and theatre performances per year.

101 Maple St, Manistee, MI 49660, Phone: 231-398-9770