A Guide to Visiting Downtown Manistique

Located right on the coast of Lake Michigan is the small, picturesque town of Manistique, Michigan. This tiny, rural town is home to roughly 2,800 people and offers some of the most breathtaking views in the nation. If you’re an Upper Peninsula traveler or are passing through the area exploring charming coastal cities, why not visit this scenic town? 

Here is a helpful guide to exploring downtown Manistique, Michigan:

Getting there

Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas culminate into the entirety of the State. Manistique is located in the Upper Peninsula of the famous “Mitten State”. This is unique for a town in Michigan because only roughly 3% of the total population is contained in the Upper Peninsula. Visitors traveling from the south will need to take a ferry as the town is on the coast of Lake Michigan. 

Local Eats

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture of a new place is to dive into the local foodie scene and Manistique will not disappoint. Here are a few of the best restaurants, pubs, and local eats in downtown Manistique.

Clyde’s Drive-in

As if this local dive was straight out of the Movie Grease, Clyde’s Drive-in has been a resident favorite for years. Established in 1949 at the peak of car-side catering, Clyde’s is a true drive-in with friendly car hops taking and delivering orders to every hungry customer. Dining in is an option at Clyde’s and locals say this restaurant is a true summertime staple. When you stop by, try some unique staples like the Bison Burger, a Big C Burger with Cheese, or a Pasty with gravy.

Dairy Kream

Dairy Kream, a local ice cream shop in Manistique, is the perfect pitstop during your vacation to the waterfront district. Known as a refreshing summertime favorite, Dairy Kream is a local hidden gem and was ranked # 7 in the article, “These Nine Ice Cream Parlors Have the Best Soft Serve in Michigan from a national travel website”. 

Dairy Kream offers a delectable menu of ice cream selections including 24 soft-serve flavors, shakes, malts, splits, flurries, and sundaes for every type of ice cream fanatic. They also serve mouth-watering food like nachos, pretzels, and hot dogs.

Tap 21

Tap 21 is an American pub in Mansitique that serves delicious and indulgent bar favorites like pizza, appetizers, wraps, and burgers. Tap 21 also has an impressive bar menu with domestic beer, wine, and soft drinks. For some crave-able “munchies”, check out the pesto fries, garlic cheese curds, bruschetta, or pizza fries, and pair it with a cold and frothy, local beer.

Seaside Favorites

Once you are done with lunch, dinner, or a quick sweet treat, check out some of Manistique’s seaside favorites:

Manistique East Breakwater Lighthouse

Standing at 35 feet tall, the East Breakwater Lighthouse was built in 1916 and is located just south of downtown Manistique. The lighthouse is painted a striking red color that stands out against the crystal, teal-blue backdrop of Lake Michigan. Visitors can walk along the harbor to the lighthouse for beautiful pictures and take in the stunning scenery. The East Breakwater Lighthouse was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005 and remains a historical and iconic local landmark. 

Manistique boardwalk

This beautiful coastal boardwalk runs down the length of Lake Michigan and offers unmatched views of the Lake. You can spend your day picnicking on the grounds, getting some exercise along the boardwalk, or watching ships pass by in the cool seaside breeze. There is also convenient parking next to the boardwalk for easy access.

Seul Choix Pointe Lighthouse

Pronounced Sis-Shwa, meaning "only choice", Seul Choix Pointe Lighthouse was built to light the way for the growing numbers of iron ore vessels shipped out of Escanaba in the mid-late 1800s. Today, it is a beautiful park for the community to enjoy and visitors looking for a challenge can attempt to climb the 96 stairs to the top of the lighthouse. 

Seul Choix Pointe Lighthouse is the only active light on the shores of Lake Michigan and has been in continuous operation since it was completed in 1895. This historic landmark is 78 feet tall and is one of Manistique’s historical gems by the seaside.

Outdoor Scenery

Once you’re done with the main part of downtown Manistique, check out the stunning outdoor scenery in the area. It would be a shame to visit Michigan without enjoying the state’s natural ecosystem of lush natural parks, bubbling hot springs, sandy coastline, and pristine lakes. Here are a few of the most stunning outdoor spots in Manistique

Kitch iti Kipi (The Big Spring)

The most popular attraction at Palm Book State Park is the beautiful Kitch-iti-Kipi (The Big Spring). With one of the most unique names in the State (try and say it), this majestic body of water brings in 60,000 tourists annually and is considered one of Michigan’s most popular attractions. Kitch iti Kipi is located 11 miles north outside of Manistique and is easily accessible by car. 

Kitch iti Kipi is the largest natural, freshwater spring in Michigan measuring 40 feet deep and 300 feet across. One of the most striking features of Kitch iti Kipi is the bewitching jewel tones of the water including vibrant sapphire blue and deep emerald green. During the hot summer days, the sun shines on the Spring’s vibrant tones and showcases a stunning and colorful display.

Indian Lake State Park

Indian Lake State Park is only a 10-minute drive southwest of downtown Manistique. Today, Indian Lake offers a variety of recreational activities on the water including boating, fishing, jet skiing, and swimming. Off the lake, visitors can enjoy disc golf, archery, camping, picnicking, dog park fun, and winter activities such as ice fishing and snowmobiling. 

if you're interested in boating, you can take advantage of five launch ramps including Blackhawk Marina and Lakeview Harbor. On and off the lake, Indian Lake State Park offers a wide variety of summer and wintertime activities for the whole family.

Wildlife 

Seney National Wildlife Refuge

Looking to birdwatch and take in the stillness of nature during your trip through Manistique? The Seney National Wildlife Refuge offers travelers a chance to unplug from the stress of everyday life. Start at the Visitor’s Center, see the wildlife exhibits, and get a map on your way into the Refuge. You can also shop for refuge gear and books at the Marshland Bookstore. 

The Seney National Wildlife Refuge is known as a bird-watching paradise and welcomes abundant populations of trumpeter swans, common loons, osprey, bald eagles, and hundreds of other bird species. Try your hand at some wildlife photography, or bring your fishing pole for a morning spent on the Lake. No matter how you spend your time, the Seney National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for unapologetic wildlife and travelers who appreciate it.

Hiawatha National Forest

The Hiawatha National Forest was originally created from land devastated by forest fires, abandoned farmland, and demolished logging tracts. Today, the Hiawatha National Forest is a maturing forest of nearly a million acres and is filled with abundant wildlife and miles of streams, rivers, and scenic shorelines. Listening closely, you might catch the calls of common loons or sandhill cranes. If you keep a close eye out, you might even spot rare species like bald eagles, Kirtland’s warblers, and piping plovers. 

Historical Sites

Fayette Historic State Park

If you’re looking for some historical buildings to check out, consider stopping at Fayette Historic State Park. This historic state park is on the Garden Peninsula coast, overlooking the Big Bay de Noc on Lake Michigan. Once one of the Upper Peninsula’s most productive iron-smelting operations, this completely restored village includes historical buildings, museums, and exhibits. Visitors can tour the park from May through October.

Schoolcraft County Historical Park

The Schoolcraft County Historical Park contains a few historical buildings for visitors to walk through, including a 200-foot octagonal water tower built in 1922 and a gift shop. Travelers can see old vintage appliances like an ice box with revolving shelves and a vintage gas stove. The water tower continues to amaze visitors with its unique shape and large water-holding capacity of 200,000 gallons. Average water towers max out at 100,000 gallons, making this octagonal, Roman-style piece of architecture incredibly unique.

Indian Lake RV Park

If you’re looking for a relaxing place to rest your head after a thrilling day exploring downtown Manistique, consider stopping at the Indian Lake RV Park. The Indian Lake RV Park is located on the shores of Lake Michigan, just a short drive from downtown Manistique. 

The Park offers a boatload of accommodations including 40 sewer, and electric sites and 17 water, and electric sites. They also have a modern bathhouse, onsite laundry, a private beach, and include a fire ring and picnic table at every site. Don’t start your journey without booking the finest in RV and camping accommodations at Indian Lake RV Park.