Manistee County, Michigan

Manistee County was organized in 1840. Its Indian name refers to the reddish/brown ochre used for ceremonial decoration of the face and body. The name also has a symbolic meaning, referring to spirit of the wind blowing through the trees.

The Manistee River, the county’s main geographical feature, was so valued by the Indians that they drove off the first pioneers in 1830 who attempted to settle at the river’s mouth at Lake Michigan. Only through the cession of the land to America in the Treaty of Washington in 1836 was a peaceful agreement reached which paved the way for settlers.

During the mid 1800's, the area grew from lumber production, and later the discovery of a rich vein of salt, still being produced today. Also, orchard growing proved beneficial, with cherries and apples the best growing crops.

Today, tourism has taken a prominent position in the county, with the attraction of the Manistee River and the pristine Lake Michigan coastline. The River offers fisherman a veritable supply of Chanook, Coho and Steelhead, along with canoeing and many scenic landing spots, such as Red Bridge crossing, Sawdust Hole and Suicide Bend, not to mention Tippy and Hodenphyl Dams.

Other attractions include the Bottle House at Kaleva, (a home completely made from pop bottles), and shopping at Manistee, with its Victorian port atmosphere.

Whatever the attraction, a visit to Manistee County is worth the effort. And you can still hear the wind blowing through the trees.

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