Manistee

Beaches abound in Manistee County

Dylan Savela Venture Staff Writer

Growing up in Manistee, you hear it all the time: “We live where people vacation.”

Certainly, one of the area’s premier draws is Lake Michigan. And one does not need to own property along the lake’s shoreline to enjoy its beauty or even soak in its waves.

Public access points and beaches are plentiful in Manistee County, and here are a few favorites:

First Street Beach/Douglas Park

Perhaps the most popular beach in the area, not to mention one of the largest, First Street Beach in the City of Manistee is a beacon for lake lovers. Whether you’re walking the First Street pier, engaging in recreational activities at Douglas Park, or just driving through the “Beach Loop” as the sun sets, it’s an attraction for residents and visitors alike.

Douglas Park features playgrounds for children and adults, from swing sets and slides to baseball/softball diamonds, basketball courts and tennis courts.

First Street also has a few pet-friendly patches too, with a fenced-in dog park as well as a designated dog beach, below the observation deck near the Lions Pavilion.

The area accommodates picnics and grilling and is traditionally a hub of the annual Manistee National Forest Festival.

Fifth Avenue Beach

Just across the channel from Frist Street Beach is another popular destination for beach goers: Manistee’s Fifth Avenue Beach.

If you’re going to walk one pier this summer, look no further. The famed North Pierhead Lighthouse — one of Manistee’s most iconic structures — is the perfect foreground for a sunset and backdrop for a trip to the beach.

The Fifth Avenue Beach also has plenty of playground equipment for children as well as a recently reconstructed bathhouse, featuring a food vendor and shower facility.

North Beach Access

If one is looking for a more secluded beach experience — and one that is completely open to furry friends — head toward the white water tower at the north end of Washington Street and check out Manistee’s North Beach Access.

One shouldn’t be hard pressed to find a nice plot of sand on which to plop a towel and enjoy Lake Michigan without too much surrounding foot traffic. And speaking of foot traffic, this beach is perfect for long, peaceful walks along the shoreline. Dogs are welcome!

Magoon Creek/Sundling Park

The North Beach isn’t the only quiet spot on Lake Michigan. Head south of town, on Red Apple Road, and you’ll find a pair of hidden gems in Magoon Creek and Sundling Park.

Arguably the prettiest spots on Manistee’s shoreline, to the west you’ll view lake waters as far as the eye can see and to the east you’ll see miles of dune and trees. Magoon offers picnic areas and trails too, for those looking for a relaxing hike in the woods.

Portage Point Beach/Arcadia Beach

While Manistee offers beaches aplenty, the north end of the county has several public picturesque spots to enjoy too. Onekama’s Portage Point Beach and the Arcadia Beach are a couple that stand out.

Portage Point is positioned at the mouth of Portage Lake on Lake Michigan. One can either walk the pier or the miles of shoreline.

Arcadia Beach sits at the end of the main drag in Arcadia. Owned by the township and protected with the help of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, this quaint public access point offers parking, picnic tables, grills, a playground and public restrooms.

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