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Manistique, Michigan Parks, Trails, Historic Locations & More





Manistique is a quaint community located along US-2. The area is most active during the summertime since Palms Book State Park and Indian Lake State Park are only a few miles from town. Manistique's southern city parks offer spectacular views of Lake Michigan.

Manistique Boardwalk

Manistique's panoramic Lake Michigan shoreline and fire-red lighthouse are part of the scenery along the Manistique Boardwalk, which starts near Manistique Avenue and winds its way to downtown. The route is pavement or sidewalk in spots, but only walking or jogging is allowed on the boardwalk.

Bike Routes

For cyclists who like adventure, US-2 in the Upper Peninsula is a scenic highway that has wide road shoulders that allow bike riders to enjoy the same views that car drivers can enjoy. US-2 can be a busy road, so obey traffic laws and ride with caution when using the bike route. It's also a good idea to pack food, water, and supplies for the long ride.

Manistique to Gladstone Bike Route

Cyclists can ride between Manistique and Gladstone using the wide road shoulders along US-2. The route goes through Thompson and Rapid River. In Rapid River, the shoulder will shrink, and you'll need to ride on the outside edge of the outer lane. Pine forests, wetlands, and occasional farms are located along the route. The route is approximately 45 miles long.

Manistique to St. Ignace Bike Route

Using the wide road shoulder on US-2, cyclists can ride east from Manistique to St. Ignace. The bike route offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan, farmland, and natural wetlands. The route passes through Gulliver, Naubinway and Brevort. Many of the beaches along US-2 are on protected land, which means you should not disturb the native plants. Between Brevort and Naubinway, you can ride close to the beautiful blue water of Lake Michigan for long periods of time. The route to St. Ignace is 85 miles long, but you can make it shorter by riding to Gulliver (13 miles), Naubinway (45 miles), or Brevort (67 miles).

Before you go, it's a good idea to check the State of Michigan's construction database to make sure there will not be any construction on the road that can interfere with your ride.

Manistique Area Parks

Manistique is within miles of two state parks, Palms Book State Park and Indian Lake State Park. The true-blue spring, called Kitch-iti-kipi, at Palms Book State Park is truly unique and can be seen up-close by a large raft (shown below). Indian Lake State Park has a nice swimming beach, picnic facilities, and hiking trails.

On Maple Street in Manistique, Manistique Central Park has a large play area, called Lighthouse Clubhouse Children's Playground. The park also has ball fields, tennis courts, and basketball courts. The park also has a band shell for concerts and community events, and on the east edge of the park, there is a dog exercise area. A paved trail winds past the tennis courts and around a small swimming lake. Little Bear West Arena and a football field are located south of the park on Maple Street.

Lake Michigan Beach is located off US-2/Lakeshore Drive, a short distance from downtown Manistique. The park has a large sandy swimming beach on Lake Michigan and a great view of Manistique Lighthouse.

Just east of the beach, Lakeview Park is a scenic spot for picnics. The park has a rocky beach and is connected to the Manistique Boardwalk.

Manistique's Historical Park is home to a beautiful brick water tower, that dates back to 1923. The water tower stands 137 feet 6 inches high and has a capacity of 200,000 gallons. The site became an State Historical Site in June 1979 and is listed in the National Register of Historical Sites. In addition to the water tower, Schoolcraft County Museum is located at the park.

Denton Nelson Ball Field is on the northwest side of Manistique and features a baseball diamond and playground. A parking lot is available off of Elk Street.

Triangle Park is a small pie-shaped park near downtown. The park has benches for relaxing. Around the holidays, Triangle Park features Christmas decorations.

Manistique Municipal Marina & Boat Launches

Located at Manistique Harbor of Refuge, Manistique Municipal Marina is officially open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The marina features slips with 30 amp, 120 vac outlets, sewage pumpout, gasoline and city water service. Showers and restrooms are available at the marina.

On the other side of the Manistique River, across from the marina, there is a public boat launch with parking and restrooms off of Traders Pointe. There is a picnic shelter, restrooms, and a fish-cleaning station near the parking lot.

North of downtown Manistique, North Cedar Street Landing Boat Launch provides access to the Manistique River. The boat launch is at the end of Cedar Street. There is a large parking area near the launch site.

Manistique Farmers' Market

The Manistique Farmers' Market started in 2010 as a joint project between the City of Manistique and Sault Tribe Strategic Alliance for Health Project. As a farm and food market only, the Manistique Farmers' Market quickly gained in popularity with farmers and shoppers alike, expanding to 18 weekly markets in 2011, with farmers selling more than 11.5 tons of fresh locally grown and produced foods. All the farmers at the market are from Schoolcraft and Delta counties in the Upper Peninsula. Also in 2011, the market won 2nd place in the America's Favorite Farmers' Market contest in the boutique market category (15 or fewer vendors), and 6th place overall nationally among all size markets.

The Manistique Farmers' Market is open 4-6 p.m. every Wednesday from June through October at Little Bear West Arena at 180 N. Maple (M-94) in Manistique. A series of fall and winter markets is being held on the second Wednesday of the month at the Community Building (next to Michigan Works on N. Maple). Please visit ManistiqueFarmersMarket.com or call 906-341-9561 for more information.

More About Manistique

Manistique has a small downtown shopping district on Cedar Street and two grocery stores, Jack's Fresh Market and Shopko Hometown on US-2/Lakeshore Drive.

There are restaurants, such as Big Boy, Hardee's and Pizza Hut, on US-2/Lakeshore Drive. Main Street Pizza on Cedar Street and Dairy Kream are spots to get a bite to eat near downtown.

The town has several small to mid-sized hotels along US-2/Lakeshore Drive, such as Econo Lodge and Comfort Inn. Royal Rose Bed & Breakfast and Harbor Motel are located near downtown Manistique.








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