Things To Do in the Area...

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Hang Out at the Beach

Lake Michigan is just 20 minutes away, with 2 large public beaches to welcome you in Manistee: First Street Beach, just south of the Manistee River channel, and Fifth Avenue Beach, on the channel's north side.  Just north of town is Orchard Beach State Park on Lake Michigan, and south of town is Nordhouse Dunes, also on the big lake. 

Hike the North Country National Scenic Trail

This trail runs across the northern tier of the United States, and the Udell Hills section of it passes through the woods very near our cabins, literally a "stone's throw" away...Okay, you have to have a pretty good arm to throw a stone all the way to the North Country Trail, but it isn't more than a half mile away!  If you have never heard of the NCNST, here is a link where you can learn more: http://www.northcountrytrail.org/ . You don't have to confine yourself to the North Country National Scenic Trail, either, there are several other hiking trails in the area near our cabins.

Check Out Artifact Pottery

If you like handmade pottery, you will want to visit Artifact Pottery, on our premises.  Colleen, one of the owners, has been making stoneware and raku pottery for several years, and has taken over our 250 square foot all-weather porch as a gallery.  She is very interested in archaeology and the cultures of ancient peoples, and her work shows those interests.  She has a website, too: www.artifactpottery.com.  Take a look for yourself.

Rent a Canoe or Kayak (or bring your own)

There are lots of waterways for canoeing or kayaking in the immediate area.  We are situated between the Big and Little Manistee Rivers, and near Pine Creek.  Bear Creek and the Pine River are less than 20 minutes away.  There are inland lakes and the backwaters of Tippy Dam as well.  The nearest canoe/kayak livery is just 7 miles away. 

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Do Some Hunting

There are many species of wildlife in the area: deer, wild turkey, and partridge, to name a few.  Hunting is allowed on  Manistee National Forest land that is adjacent to our cabins.  This area is quite popular during deer season, so if you are interested in coming here for opening day, please make your reservations early! 

Go Cross Country Skiing

A not-so-well-guarded secret among local enthusiasts, the nearby Big M Cross Country Ski Area has a well-marked, wooded trail system that ranges in difficulty from beginner to advanced.  Part of the Manistee National Forest, this ski area is off-limits to snowmobiles, and is open to the public for a voluntary donation.  Our cabins are just 3 miles from  Big M.

Go Fishing

In addition to the fishing charters available in Manistee, there's lots of good fishing to be had on the rivers and creeks in the area.  For all our fly-fishing fans, a section of the Manistee River system in Manistee County is designated as a "Wild and Scenic River" - fly fishing only, no motorboats allowed! 

There are many places in the area where you can mountain bike, but why not try out a really challenging course that is just a few miles from the cabins?  We are talking about the Big M course, just a few miles down the road.  This former downhill ski area, now a cross country ski center in the winter, has recently become popular with mountain bikers in the spring, summer, and fall.  Here is a website with information on the Lumberjack 100, a mountain biking race at Big M held in mid-June: www.lumberjack100.com.

Explore Nordhouse Dunes

If you like hiking and sand dunes, Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area on Lake Michigan between Manistee and Ludington, is a great place to visit.  Not as big as Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes to the north, but more wild, and definitely not as crowded.  The only designated wilderness area in the lower peninsula, it is a wonderful place to explore, lounge on the beach, and just kick back.  No camping.  Only 20-25 minutes away from our cabins.  You can google Nordhouse Dunes or you can check: http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_wilderness_area/mi_nordh.htm.

Cabin Info, Pictures & Map        Home Page      Rates & Reservations: call 231-723-9003, or email us (click here)

Go Golfing in Manistee County

Whether you are a novice or an experienced golfer, Manistee County can accommodate your needs.  There are several (ten at last count) golf courses within the county, ranging in price from inexpensive to expensive, with some courses allowing walking, some requiring a cart.  Some of the courses are: Arcadia Bluffs (complete with views of Lake Michigan), Manistee National, Chestnut Hills, Heathlands, Bear Lake Golf and Country Club, and Crystal Mountain.

Bring Your Sled and Go Snowmobiling

How would you like to stay in a warm, cozy cabin where you could access the snowmobile trails without having to trailer your sled to the staging area?  This is the place!  Right down the snow-covered road from the cabins, further into the forest, you can meet up with groomed trails that take you through some really beautiful parts of the Manistee National Forest, and connect you to the extensive system of groomed trails in Manistee County.

Do Some Site-Seeing in Manistee, Bear Lake, Brethren, Kaleva, or Onekama

There are many things to see in the area.  Manistee, the Victorian Port City, is only 20 minutes away.  Besides two large public beaches on Lake Michigan, Manistee is home to many galleries and gift shops, a museum, and the turn-of-the-century Ramsdell Theatre.  The Ramsdell is home to the Manistee Civic Players, who maintain an active summer theatre schedule.  Many of the other towns in the county have their own attractions...Visit the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce website to learn more about Manistee county and the many festivals and events hosted within the county throughout the year. 

Try Your Luck at the Little River Casino

The Little River Casino is located just north of Manistee, on US 31, 20-25 minutes away.  It is owned and run by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.  It is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.  Slot machines and gaming tables abound in this facility that opened in the last few years.  After a day of hiking, fishing, or site-seeing, for some, this might be a good way to finish the day.  Besides gambling, they have 3 restaurants and frequently host live entertainment.  Here is a link to their website: http://www.littlerivercasino.com/.

Or Just Kick Back and Relax - It's A Great Place to Unwind

In a setting on some private land within the Manistee National Forest near a large tranquil pond, it's the perfect place to escape the hectic pace of today's world.  Bring the "whole group" and have a back-to-nature retreat of your own.  We have a fire pit with free firewood that is shared by both cabins.  Come and make s'mores over the hot coals!  One of our guests said his favorite part of being here is that on a clear night you can see so many more stars than are visible in the city.  Being "off the beaten path" has its advantages!  Although we are only a half mile from a paved side road, we are far enough away from M-55 so that it is quiet at night.  Let the frogs in our large pond lull you to sleep, not the highway traffic!

Cabin Info, Pictures & Map        Home Page      Rates & Reservations: call 231-723-9003, or email us (click here)