Meet & Recreate in Manistee
Anchored in history, Manistee proudly celebrates its past while mapping out its future.
By Dianna Stampfler
After an influx of lumber barons settled in Manistee in the mid-to-late nineteenth century, a Victorian port city emerged leading to claims of more millionaires per capita than any other place in the U.S. at the time. While the Gilded Age soon passed, opulent remnants are part of the city’s foundation and can still be found today.
Vibe: Along with Manistee’s thriving historic downtown, Manistee County boasts an expanse of outdoor recreational activities, 25 miles of Lake Michigan coastline, and 270 miles of navigable rivers. Parts of the North Country Trail pass through the county, which also encompasses a portion of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. “Manistee makes a fantastic location for corporate meetings, as it blends professional amenities with an inspiring setting that helps people focus, connect, and recharge,” says Sammie Lukaskiewicz, executive director of the Manistee County Tourism Authority.
Transportation: Manistee County Blacker Airport offers daily flights to Chicago via Contour Airlines. Some 30 miles to the north, Ludington is home to the SS Badger Ferry, which provides seasonal service to Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Muskegon County Airport is about 90 minutes south.
Hotels: Little River Casino Resort in the city boasts the most meetings and events space, plus 292 remodeled guest rooms, several dining options, and newly renovated gaming space. The 102-room Hampton Inn & Suites Manistee Waterfront opened in 2023 adjacent to First Street Beach. The hotel offers 675 square feet of meeting space, as well as a restaurant, bar, and an outdoor waterfront patio.
Venues: Historic venues downtown include The Ramsdell Inn, Manistee County Historical Museum, and Ramsdell Theatre, where former county resident and famous actor James Earl Jones once performed. West Shore Community College has a campus in the city, with two rentable classrooms for small meetings. Three notable golf facilities in the county provide limited meeting space and dining options for groups, including Manistee National Golf & Resort, Manistee Golf & Country Club, and Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club.
Restaurants: The Golden Stag specializes in cuisine with Italian, Mediterranean, Greek, and Arabic influences—its one-of-a-kind “Enchanted Evening” experience is available for groups up to 30 and features a festively decorated feast hall and multicourse dinner. Wander In opened in late summer, offering a scratch menu and curated cocktails. While there are no private dining rooms, the entire restaurant can be rented for special events. Blue Fish Kitchen + Bar serves a regionally sourced menu at its historic 1895 building overlooking the Manistee River. This farm-to-table eatery offers a private second-floor space with a fireplace, bar, and elevator access.
Must-Sees & -Dos: Hop aboard a guided trolley tour to check out Victorian-style homes and other historic architecture, or embark on a 90-minute sunset cruise on the 65-foot Princess tour boat. Catch a movie at the art deco-style Vogue Theatre Manistee, take a self-guided tour of 17 historic sites, walk across the 245-foot Little Mac Foot Bridge perched above the river, or tour the S.S. City of Milwaukee or USCGC Acacia in season.