1. Manistee North Pierhead Lights
Location: Manistee, Michigan, USA
Recommended For: History enthusiasts, maritime lovers, and anyone fascinated by lighthouses and their significance in navigation.
What I Love: ♥ "A historic pair of lighthouses with a rich history, guiding sailors safely into Manistee Harbor for over a century!"
- Visit the Manistee Pierhead Lights, a pair of active navigation aids located on the north and south piers in the harbor of Manistee.
- Explore the history of the lighthouses, starting with the first built in 1870, destroyed in a fire, and the twin lighthouses constructed in 1875.
- Admire the current north pier lighthouse, built in 1927, standing 39 feet tall with a white cylindrical tower and separate keeper’s house.
- Learn about the original Fifth Order Fresnel lens used in the lighthouse, which has since been updated as the pier was extended.
- Enjoy the view of the light, visible for up to 12 nautical miles in clear weather, guiding ships safely into port.
Cost: Free to visit and view the lighthouses, though access to certain areas may require specific permissions or guided tours.
Best time to visit: Year-round, with the best views and weather in spring, summer, and early fall.
Local tips: Be sure to check out the Manistee Coast Guard station nearby for additional historical context and a view of the northern pier light.
Distance: Located on the harbor piers in Manistee, easily accessible by foot from downtown.
How to Get to the Manistee Pierhead Lights: Walk along the harbor piers, or follow the signs from the nearest waterfront access points in downtown Manistee.
2. SS City of Milwaukee
Location: 99 Arthur St, Manistee, MI 49660, USA
Recommended For: History enthusiasts, maritime history buffs, and those interested in Great Lakes transportation.
What I Love: ♥ "A historic ship that once sailed the Great Lakes, now serving as a museum, bed and breakfast, and event venue!"
- Explore the SS City of Milwaukee, a historic Great Lakes railroad car ferry that once operated between Muskegon, Michigan, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Learn about its construction in 1931, built to replace the ill-fated SS Milwaukee, which sank in 1929.
- Discover the role of Great Lakes car ferries, which began service in 1892 and carried up to 34 railroad cars across stormy, ice-packed lakes.
- Stay on board as the ship now serves as a museum ship, bed and breakfast, and event venue.
- Admire the SS City of Milwaukee’s status as a National Historic Landmark, recognized for its historical significance.
Cost: Check for pricing on museum entry, overnight stays, and event bookings on the official website.
Best time to visit: Year-round, but summer offers the best weather for exploring and staying on board.
Local tips: Book a night at the bed and breakfast or an event at this unique venue for an unforgettable experience.
Distance: Located on the waterfront of Manistee Lake in Manistee, Michigan, easily accessible from downtown.
How to Get to the SS City of Milwaukee: Located on the Manistee Lake waterfront, follow signs from Arthur St to the ship.
Address: 99 Arthur St, Manistee, MI 49660
Phone: 231-723-3587
3. Manistee River
Location: Northwestern Michigan's Lower Peninsula, USA
Recommended For: Nature enthusiasts, anglers, boaters, and anyone interested in outdoor recreational activities.
What I Love: ♥ "A scenic 190-mile river offering world-class trout fishing, canoeing, and boating in a beautifully restored natural setting!"
- Explore the Manistee River, flowing through villages like Sharon, Smithville, and Mesick, eventually emptying into Lake Michigan.
- Enjoy excellent fishing, as the river is known for its clean, cold waters that make it one of the best trout fishing rivers east of the Rockies.
- Relax on the river with popular activities like canoeing, boating, and fishing.
- Learn about the river's restoration, making it a top destination for trout and salmon fishing after recovering from the destruction of the logging era.
- Visit the river’s lower parts, where commercial navigation is possible, especially below the Tippy Dam.
Cost: Free to visit; costs may apply for certain activities like fishing or guided tours.
Best time to visit: Year-round, though summer and fall are the best for fishing and recreational boating.
Local tips: Be sure to check for fishing regulations and permit requirements for trout and salmon fishing.
Distance: The river flows through various locations in the Lower Peninsula, with access points near major towns.
How to Get to the Manistee River: Follow local highways toward Manistee and access points along the river, with numerous entry points near towns like Sharon, Smithville, and Mesick.
Address: Manistee River, Northwestern Michigan's Lower Peninsula
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
4. Vogue Theatre
Location: 383 River St, Manistee, MI 49660, USA
Recommended For: Movie lovers, history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and those looking for a unique cultural experience in a historic venue.
What I Love: ♥ "A beautifully renovated Art Deco theatre offering modern comforts while preserving its rich, historic charm!"
- Visit the Vogue Theatre, a historic neighborhood movie theatre built in 1938, originally considered ultramodern for its time.
- Admire the northern Michigan version of the Art Deco style, featuring a recessed entry, modern lobby, and a 935-seat theatre.
- Enjoy a totally renovated space with two screens: a grand theatre seating 187 people and a smaller theatre seating 45.
- See the restored original neon signage and new renovations, including a rebuilt lobby, lounge area, and concession stand.
- Support the Vogue Theatre Project, which rehabilitated this landmark, preserving its cultural and architectural heritage.
Cost: Check for pricing on movies and events on the official website.
Best time to visit: Year-round, with special events and screenings during the summer and fall.
Local tips: Be sure to check out the vintage neon signage and newly renovated spaces while enjoying a show.
Distance: Located in downtown Manistee, easily accessible by foot from nearby businesses and attractions.
How to Get to the Vogue Theatre: From River St, look for the entrance to the theatre. It’s located in the heart of downtown Manistee.
Address: 383 River St, Manistee, MI 49660
Phone: 231-222-5199
5. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts
Location: 101 Maple St, Manistee, MI 49660, USA
Recommended For: Art lovers, theatre enthusiasts, music fans, and anyone interested in a historic cultural experience.
What I Love: ♥ "A beautifully preserved theatre offering a rich cultural experience with a variety of performances in a historic setting!"
- Visit the Ramsdell Theatre, a historic playhouse and opera house built in 1903 by local philanthropist Thomas Jefferson Ramsdell.
- Admire the classic Colonial red brick structure, with six massive columns supporting the portico over the main entrance.
- Enjoy over 20 music, dance, and theatre performances each year, making it a cultural hub for Western Michigan.
- Explore the theatre's history as it has been designated a Michigan Historic Building and serves as a Western Michigan cultural center.
- Support the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, which manages and operates the theatre, owned by the City of Manistee.
Cost: Prices vary depending on the performance; check the website for event-specific pricing.
Best time to visit: Year-round, with a packed schedule of performances throughout the year.
Local tips: Be sure to check out the theatre’s calendar for upcoming performances and special events.
Distance: Located in downtown Manistee, easily accessible by foot from nearby attractions.
How to Get to the Ramsdell Theatre: Located on Maple St in downtown Manistee, follow the signs to the theatre entrance.
Address: 101 Maple St, Manistee, MI 49660
Phone: 231-398-9770
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