Local Area Recreation Near Bear Lake / Manistee KOA Holiday

Manistee County blends Lake Michigan beaches, scenic riverfront views, and small-town charm with highlights like Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse and a walkable downtown. Outdoor recreation is central, from hiking the Manistee River Trail to fishing and paddling along the Manistee River, especially near Tippy Dam. Visitors can enjoy the Riverwalk or catch a show at the historic Ramsdell Theatre, rounding out an easygoing outdoor getaway.

Whether you’re looking for beach days, scenic hikes, fishing, or a  waterfront vibe, Manistee blends natural beauty and local culture for a relaxed, rewarding getaway.

Take a Scenic Drive Along M-22

Take a Scenic Drive Along M-22

M-22 is one of Michigan's most iconic drives, winding for about 116 miles along the Lake Michigan shoreline through dunes, forests, and charming small towns. As you follow the route from Manistee through Arcadia, Frankfort, Glen Arbor, Leland and Suttons Bay to Traverse City, you'll pass scenic overlooks, quiet beaches, vineyards, and stretches of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, making it easy to stop and explore along the way. experience meant to be taken slowly, with plenty of opportunities to get out of the car, walk the shoreline, hike dune trails, or wander through charming lakeside towns. From dramatic viewpoints like Arcadia's Inspiration Point to peaceful spots along Crystal Lake and the Leelanau Peninsula, every stretch offers something unique.Whether you're visiting for a day or making a full road trip out of it, exploring M-22 is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty and laid-back charm of northern Michigan.

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Take to the Trails

Take to the Trails

Hiking is always in season in Manistee County. Trails. Back Country. Natural Beauty and Unspoiled Wilderness.

From biking, hiking and equestrian trails to snowshoeing and skiing trails, explore all Manistee County has to offer no matter the season

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Platte River Adventures

Platte River Adventures

Canoeing, kayaking, and floating the Platte River offer a scenic, family-friendly adventure through clear, shallow waters surrounded by lush wetlands and wildlife, with options ranging from relaxing downstream floats to more exciting, fast-moving stretches. Whether you choose a canoe, kayak, tube, or paddleboard, the river provides a fun and refreshing way to explore northern Michigan's natural beauty, often ending at the sandy shores of Lake Michigan.

5042 N Scenic Hwy

Honor, MI 49640

231-325-5622

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Manistee Harbor Tours

Manistee Harbor Tours

Step aboard the PRINCESS for a memorable cruising experience on Lake Michigan! Located in the heart of Manistee, Michigan, the PRINCESS offers breathtaking views of the shoreline, sand dunes, and historic landmarks. Our 65-foot vessel is equipped with spacious decks, two full-service restrooms, and a fully stocked bar and Ship's Galley, making it the perfect setting for a relaxing and enjoyable outing on shores of Lake Michigan.

428 River Street

Manistee, MI 49660

231-690-3587

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Fishing in Mansitee County

Fishing in Mansitee County

Fishing in Manistee County is a four-season experience spanning Lake Michigan, inland lakes, and over 250 miles of rivers, offering everything from big-water charters to quiet shoreline casting. Anglers can target salmon, steelhead and trout while rivers like the Big Manistee are nationally known for salmon and steelhead runs, especially below Tippy Dam. Inland lakes round things out with species like bass, perch, walleye, and pike, making it a diverse destination for both casual and serious fishermen.

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Shopping in Manistee County

Shopping in Manistee County

Shopping in Manistee centers around its historic downtown, where you'll find a walkable mix of locally owned boutiques, specialty stores, and artisan goods along the riverfront. With shopping and foodie stops and a focus on small, independent retailers, it's an easy place to browse for unique gifts, Michigan-made products, and one-of-a-kind finds in a charming setting.

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Tippy Dam Recreation Area

Tippy Dam Recreation Area

Tippy Dam Recreation Area is located on Manistee River and the upstream, dammed portion of the river, known as Tippy Dam backwaters. At the park, you'll find a rustic campground that is open all year, trails, paddling opportunities, a rustic cabin and more.Just below the dam lies one of the finest trout, steelhead and salmon fishing areas in Michigan. During the fall, anglers line the banks shoulder to shoulder trying to catch Chinook salmon. The record was a 47-pound catch.

1500 Dilling Road

Brethren, MI 49619

231-848-4880

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Golf in Northwest Michigan

Golf in Northwest Michigan

Tucked along the scenic shoreline of northern Michigan, discover a hidden gem for golf lovers. Find rolling terrain, lake views, and world-class courses make an amazing offering. From casual public tracks to nationally ranked destinations, the area offers easy access to a surprisingly deep lineup of courses within just a short drive.At the heart of it all is Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club, a bucket-list destination perched high above Lake Michigan, known for its dramatic links-style layout, sweeping bluff-top vistas, and championship-caliber design. Widely regarded as one of the top public courses in the country, it delivers a true resort-golf experience with multiple courses and unforgettable sunset rounds.Beyond Arcadia, the region is part of the M22 Lakeshore Golf Trail, a collection of standout courses stretching along one of America's most scenic drives. Here, golfers can mix and match rounds across diverse landscapesm from dune-cut fairways to forest-lined hole, making it easy to build a full golf getaway around Bear Lake.For those looking to stay and play, Pinecroft Golf Plantation and nearby resort-style accommodations offer a relaxed home base with quick access to multiple courses, beaches, and small-town charm.

Learn more about local golf options here. Whether you're chasing a bucket-list round at Arcadia or exploring the laid-back courses along M-22, the Bear Lake area delivers a pure northern Michigan golf experience—equal parts scenic, accessible, and unforgettable.

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