Manistee

Manistee sits on a narrow strip of land between Manistee Lake and Lake Michigan, with the Manistee River flowing through it toward Lake Michigan. The city has three harbors on Lake Michigan and connects to a network of rivers and waterways for water recreation.

European settlement began in 1841 when John Stronach and his son built a sawmill at the river mouth. The settlement later grew into a hub for timber and salt industries during the following decades.

The name Manistee comes from the Ojibwe language and refers to a river or connection to forest lands. The city keeps this indigenous name alive in its daily identity.

Water activities are available year-round thanks to the lakes and rivers. Visitors can explore both protected river areas and the larger open waters of Lake Michigan depending on conditions.

By the late 1800s, the city had become a major manufacturing center for both lumber and salt. These two industries shaped the town's character and economy for many years.

Location: Manistee County

Inception: 1841

Elevation above the sea: 202 m

Website: https://manisteemi.gov

GPS coordinates: 44.24361,-86.32139

Latest update: December 17, 2025 09:23