Manistique offers lake access, forested trails and a lively downtown
Manistique is a quiet harbor town connected to Lake Michigan and Indian Lake through meandering rivers and shorelines. The city retains an away-from-it-all ambiance, with minimal light pollution, but still offers city-like conveniences, including a thriving downtown area and a local hospital. "It has all the amenities: restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies," says David Gunnell, an associate broker with Northern Michigan Land Brokers, who has been selling homes for 17 years. He highlights the draw of living on or near Lake Michigan: "It's more user-friendly [than Lake Superior]. It's not so deep, it's not so cold. You can swim and recreate more easily." Indian Lake — the fourth largest inland lake on Michigan's Upper Peninsula — also offers abundant recreation. The natural landscape and vibrant town center create opportunities to live by the water, on acreage or in the heart of town. Meanwhile, surrounding forest and waterways support year-round recreation. And local gathering spaces and events, from the farmers market to garden plots and nature programs, bring people together.
Lakefront and inland homes offer variety and price flexibility
Homebuyers can find homes on either Lake Michigan or Indian Lake, the town's rivers or more squarely inland. Properties near downtown typically feature smaller lots within walking distance of the water and in-town amenities. On the outskirts, homes may be on acres surrounded by woodland. Architectural ranges from log cabins to ranch styles, to Craftsman designs and spacious country homes inspired by classic farmhouses. "A lot of the attractions I see are for the homes that would be classified as cottages," Gunnell says. "Some live here seasonally, some retire here because it's beautiful and your dollar goes a little further." The median sales price in Manistique is about $240,000. Bargain hunters can find fixer-uppers for as little as $30,000, while premium lakefront properties can command prices up to $760,000. Most waterfront homes sell quickly and receive multiple offers, according to Gunnell.
Manistique Area Schools offer alternative education
Students attend Manistique Area Schools through three public schools and one alternative school. Kids get their start at Emerald Elementary School, which earns a C-plus rating on Niche. Manistique Middle/High School, located in one campus, earns a B minus rating. Students seeking a different path may apply to attend Jack Reque Alternative High School; which prides itself on fostering creative, independent thinking.
Boating, winter-sports and summertime camping are popular pastimes
The Manistique Boardwalk and River Walk stretches nearly two miles along the Lake Michigan shoreline, connecting the city's eastern edge with downtown and passing landmarks like Carl D. Bradley Lakeview Memorial Park and the East Breakwater Lighthouse. Locals enjoy camping at Manistique Lakeshore Campgrounds, while Central Park offers 40 acres of recreation around Quarry Lake, including swimming, fishing, and courts for tennis and basketball. At the local community garden, next to an artesian well, neighbors swap tips while tending to their tomatoes and picking fresh herbs. Indian Lake State Park spans over 560 acres with campgrounds, beaches, and ramp and carry-in boat access. The park's trails suit everything from waterside strolls to cross-country skiing. The lake is home to various fish, including walleye, bass and bluegill. Local marinas offer storage and launch points for boaters into Lake Michigan. Golfers head to the championship Indian Lake Golf Course. At Palms Book State Park, roughly 11 miles away, visitors can view the emerald-hued depths of Michigan's largest freshwater spring from a self-operated observation raft.
A walkable downtown and designated social district
The Manistique Boardwalk and River Walk connect directly to downtown's main streets, offering access to popular spots like The Grind Coffee Shop, Dairy Kream and Main Street Pizza, and fast food options like Subway and Hardee's. As a social district, visitors can enjoy alcoholic beverages from participating bars in common areas. Tap21 presents a relaxed atmosphere with various beers on tap, while Mackinaw Trail Winery features a waterfront tasting room. Retail includes chains like Ace Hardware and Tractor Supply, local shops, including the Drift Alchemy clothing store and Paper Mill Books. Jack's Fresh Market is also accessible from the boardwalk for groceries.
Summer concerts, nature programs and a local farmer’s market
Manistique's event calendar brims with activities. The Manistique Farmers' Market at Triangle Park runs from May through October, offering fresh local produce, homemade baked treats, and a variety of distinctive handcrafted goods — from canvas art to body butter. Concertgoers gather on the lawns at Central Park for Music in Manistique, a summer concert series held from June to August. The Manistique Trout & Salmon Derby and the Manistique Folk Festival are annual July highlights, while the Manistique Car Show occurs on Labor Day weekend. Throughout the year, locals also partake in various nature programs at Indian State Park.
Walking, driving or taking the bus to get around
Manistique's center is walkable, but the outskirts are easier to access by car or bus. U.S. Highway 2 crosses through town and over the Manistique River. Schoolcraft County Transit Authority provides accessible public transit within Manistique and up to 20 miles beyond county limits.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
