Manistee is a city on the western shore of Michigan's Lower Peninsula and the county seat of Manistee County. Located about 70 miles north of Muskegon, it sits along Lake Michigan and the Manistee River. The city is known for its historic downtown, sandy beaches, Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse, riverfront, and long history as a lumbering and shipping center.
Location Map of Manistee, Manistee County, Michigan
About Map: The map shows the location of Manistee in Manistee County, in the U.S. state of Michigan.
Manistee Map, Michigan
About Manistee Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Manistee in Manistee County, Michigan. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Manistee Located?
Manistee is a city located in Manistee County, Michigan, the United States. It lies on the western side of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, where the Manistee River reaches Lake Michigan. The city is about 70 miles north of Muskegon, 55 miles south of Traverse City, and roughly 45 miles north of Ludington. Manistee is located at approximately 44.244° North latitude and 86.325° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 6,259 residents, and the city covers about 4.18 square miles (10.83 sq km). Manistee was incorporated as a city in 1882 after growing from a lumbering and shipping settlement. During the late 19th century, the surrounding forests supported a major timber industry, while the river and Lake Michigan provided important transportation routes. Today, the city combines historic architecture, waterfront recreation, tourism, fishing, and local industry. Manistee's historic downtown includes preserved commercial buildings and the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts. The Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse is one of the area's most recognizable landmarks. Nearby First Street Beach provides access to Lake Michigan, while the Manistee River offers fishing, paddling, and scenic riverfront views. A unique feature of Manistee is its location at the meeting point of a major inland river and Lake Michigan. U.S. Highway 31 provides the main north-south road connection to Ludington, Traverse City, and other West Michigan communities.
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Manistee City Facts
| City | Manistee |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Manistee County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | West Michigan / Lake Michigan Shore |
| Incorporated | 1882 |
| Founded | 1841 |
| Total Area | 4.18 sq mi (10.83 sq km) |
| Land Area | 4.12 sq mi (10.67 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.06 sq mi (0.16 sq km) |
| Elevation | About 590 ft (180 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | About 6,100 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 6,259 |
| Population Density | About 1,519 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) |
| ZIP Codes | 49660 |
| Area Code | 231 |
| Major Highways | U.S. Highway 31, Michigan State Highway 55 |
| Public Transit | Manistee County Transportation |
| Major Attractions | Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse, First Street Beach, Historic Downtown Manistee, Manistee River |
| Official Website | https://www.manisteemi.gov/ |
Distance from Manistee, MI to Nearby Cities
- Onekama, MI – 10 miles (16 km)
- Bear Lake, MI – 15 miles (24 km)
- Brethren, MI – 20 miles (32 km)
- Ludington, MI – 40 miles (64 km)
- Frankfort, MI – 35 miles (56 km)
- Benzie, MI – 30 miles (48 km)
- Cadillac, MI – 55 miles (89 km)
- Traverse City, MI – 55 miles (89 km)
- Big Rapids, MI – 65 miles (105 km)
- Muskegon, MI – 70 miles (113 km)
- Fremont, MI – 60 miles (97 km)
- Whitehall, MI – 55 miles (89 km)
- Grand Rapids, MI – 100 miles (161 km)
- Mount Pleasant, MI – 110 miles (177 km)
- Holland, MI – 115 miles (185 km)
Top Attractions in Manistee
- Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse – A historic Lake Michigan lighthouse marking the entrance to Manistee Harbor and a popular waterfront landmark.
- First Street Beach – A Lake Michigan beach with sandy shoreline, swimming, sunbathing, and views of the Manistee coastline.
- Historic Downtown Manistee – A preserved downtown district featuring historic architecture, local shops, restaurants, and cultural venues.
- Manistee River – A scenic river popular for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
- Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts – A historic performing arts and cultural center housed in a restored 19th-century building.
- Manistee County Historical Museum – A local museum preserving artifacts and stories from Manistee County's lumbering, maritime, and community history.
- Orchard Beach State Park – A nearby Lake Michigan park with sandy beaches, dunes, camping, hiking, and scenic shoreline.
- Manistee National Forest – A large nearby forest area with trails, rivers, lakes, camping, fishing, and wildlife habitat.
Airports Near Manistee
- Manistee County-Blacker Airport (MBL) – 5 miles
- Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) – 60 miles
- Muskegon County Airport (MKG) – 70 miles
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) – 105 miles
- Traverse City Airport (TVC) – 60 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Manistee city website and local government records.
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