The Odawa Native Americans were early inhabitants of the area that would become Manistee. A Jesuit Mission was established there in 1751, and a Jesuit mission house was known to be on the northwest shore of Manistee Lake in 1826. Traders from Massachusetts built a log house on the Manistee River in 1832 but were driven off by the Odawa. Settlers returned to build a settlement and sawmill in 1841. The community was named Manistee in 1846. The town was nearly destroyed by fire in the Great Michigan fire on Oct. 8, 1871.
Manistee was incorporated as a city in 1882. It had a strong logging industry in the late 1800s and early 1900s. During the lumber boom, the city was the headquarters of the Manistee and North-Eastern Railroad and had the highest number of millionaires per capita in the United States. The city was also one of the top shingle manufacturing cities in the late 1800s. Manistee is home to three factories situated on Lake Manistee: Morton Salt, Packaging Corporation of America, and Martin Marietta. Tourism and fishing are also important economic drivers.
Some area recreation sites in and near Manistee are Orchard Beach State Park, Little River Casino Resort, Manistee National Golf Resort, and Manistee Golf and Country Club. Manistee's historic downtown contains many original buildings from Victorian times. The Downtown District is on the National Register of Historic Places.
What are the best times to travel to Manistee, MI?
The best times to visit Manistee are in the summer, from early June through mid-September when high temperatures range from the upper 60s to the upper 70s, peaking in mid-July. Hotel rates will be at their highest at this time, and outdoor activities will be plentiful. You may get lower rates in late spring and early fall when high temperatures are still relatively comfortable in the 60s. Temperatures from late fall through early spring are cold, with highs below freezing in the heart of winter and lows dropping into the teens and below. If you are traveling to Manistee in these temperatures, you'll get a good deal on a hotel room.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Manistee, MI:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average rate trends by star rating class in Manistee, MI. Analyze these line graphs to evaluate the best months to stay in Manistee for upcoming travels.
What luxury hotels are in Manistee, MI?
Splurge on one of the seven individually decorated rooms at the beautiful Inn at Ludington, which is less than a mile from the SS Badger Michigan-Wisconsin car-ferry dock and within a five-minute drive of Ludington Waterfront Park and Sandcastles Children's Museum. Your room will include a private bathroom, a flat-screen television, and free Wi-Fi. You can choose a classic room with a double, queen, or king bed, or upgrade to a deluxe king room with a fireplace. If you're traveling with a family, choose a family loft room with four beds and a kitchenette for all the comforts of home.
The stately home, built in 1889, is known as the Dr. Frank and Fanny Allen Latimer House and is recognized as a National Historic Site. You'll love to sit on the terrace, stroll through the garden, and enjoy the picnic area that's equipped with barbecue grills. All-inclusive rates are available that cover most meals and beverages at most on-site dining establishments. The bed-and-breakfast serves a complimentary free breakfast every morning and has coffee and tea available in a common area.
The Hotel Frankfort in Frankfort is steps away from Betsie Lake and Frankfort Beach and 7 miles from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The 86-year-old boutique hotel has 17 rooms that are equipped with private bathrooms, flat-screen televisions, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary bottled water. The individually decorated accommodations are exquisite, and you can choose from standard or luxury rooms. Enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant and a drink at the bar, and end your evening by relaxing in front of the fireplace in the lobby. Other amenities include a microwave and coffee and tea in a common area.
What are affordable hotels in Manistee, MI?
3 Star Average Prices: $136.83
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Manistee offers comfortable, pleasant rooms that are equipped with refrigerators, microwaves, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. This budget-friendly hotel also provides a business center, free continental breakfast, and a picnic area. You can choose a suite for upgraded amenities and additional space.
The Manistee Hotel is a charming accommodation not far from the Ramsdell Theater and the Manistee County Historical Museum. Your room will come with a refrigerator, a microwave, a 43-inch LED television, and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy a relaxing time in the spa tub and follow up with a dip in the indoor pool. You can also have fun in the arcade/game room and take a stroll in the garden. An area shuttle will take you to various sites for a fee. Be sure to start the day by fueling yourself with the free continental breakfast.
2 Star Average Prices: $109.20
What are the best discounts in Manistee, MI?
Seniors, AAA members, government employees, and members of the military can enjoy discounts at Super 8 by Wyndham Manistee. You'll be in Manistee's historic district and just a two-minute drive from Orchard Beach State Park. Your spacious room will have a refrigerator, a microwave, a flat-screen television, a coffee and tea maker, and free Wi-Fi. You can upgrade to a suite for amenities such as a sofa bed, hot tub, and a separate seating area. A complimentary casino shuttle takes guests to try their luck. The hotel also offers a free continental breakfast every morning.
Days Inn by Wyndham Manistee offers senior, AARP, and government/military discounts. You'll be near the beach and within 2 miles of WaterWorks Museum. Enjoy watching a favorite TV show or movie on the flat-screen television, and stay connected to friends and family with free Wi-Fi. Take advantage of the indoor pool and spa tub, and have fun in the arcade/game room. The hotel also provides a business center and free continental breakfast.
What are the best hotels in Manistee, MI?
Portage Lake Motel in Onekama offers rustic beauty and a private beach on Portage Lake. You'll enjoy outdoor seating and recreation areas, barbecue grills, a fire pit with free firewood, and a nice walkway to the lake and dock. The nautically decorated rooms are spacious and pleasant, and you can upgrade to a suite for a more home-like stay. The motel is 7 miles from Douglas Valley Winery and 7.5 miles from the beautiful Huron-Manistee National Forest, but you'll find plenty of beauty right outside your motel room.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ludington, just a few miles from Ludington Waterfront Park, offers spacious rooms with refrigerators, LCD televisions, and free Wi-Fi. You'll also enjoy the large indoor pool and spa tub, fitness facilities, 24-hour business center, convenience store, coffee and tea in common areas, and free newspapers in the lobby. The terrace provides a pleasant place to sit and enjoy your surroundings.
What are some great things to do in Manistee, MI?
Take in a show at the historic Ramsdell Theater where James Earl Jones got his start. The theater puts on the Metropolitan Opera and hosts other productions as well. The Ramsdell is operated by the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts and houses a number of art programs, classes, exhibits, and community events.
You can't go to Manistee without experiencing the SS City of Milwaukee, a Great Lakes railroad car ferry that sailed Lake Michigan, often making trips between Muskegon, Michigan, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Built in 1931, it's the only pre-1940s ship of its type still in existence. Today, the SS City of Milwaukee is a museum ship and bed-and-breakfast on Manistee Lake that can also be rented for special events. Tours are held of the impressive ship, which also hosts the Ghostship Haunted House every October.
If you're a movie buff, don't miss the chance to see a film at the historic Vogue Theater, which was constructed in 1938 but closed in 2005. After being rehabilitated, the theater opened again in 2013 with new lights, a beautiful facade, and its original marquee. In addition to first-run movies, the Vogue pays delightful homage to its long-ago roots with a 25-cent family matinee on Saturday mornings and a $2 classic film matinee on Wednesday mornings.
Experience the history of the area at the Manistee County Historical Museum, housed in the former Lyman Building. Some of the many permanent exhibits include a lumberman's business office, an antique dental office, and a Victorian dining room, parlor, kitchen, and bedroom. You can also experience Manistee on the Historic Trolley Tour, which operates from mid-June through Labor Day. Hourly tours begin at the Memorial Drive terminal. You'll view and learn about the historic downtown, see old mansions of millionaire lumbermen, and view beautiful Orchard Beach State Park.
Book your trip now to Manistee, Michigan. From its three beaches to live opera, you'll never run out of experiences.
FAQs about hotels in Manistee
How much does a cheap hotel in Manistee cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Manistee can be as cheap as $109.20 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Manistee cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Manistee has been $136.83 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Verified reviews of the city: Manistee, MI
Below are reviews of the city of Manistee, MI from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Always a Great Getaway!"
Score
5.0 / 5
It is our getaway trip several times a year!
Terry D., from 28-Mar-2024
"Nice Downtown"
Score
5.0 / 5
Nice old downtown with lots of antique stores and attractions to see.
Gregory W., from 23-Oct-2023
"Easy access to the lighthouse, stores, shops!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Easy access to the lighthouse, stores, shops. The scenery and town is beautiful.
Bonnie S., from 11-Oct-2023
"The Boats!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Sightseeing the boats!
Joe H., from 02-Aug-2023
"Beautiful Views of Lake Michigan!"
Score
4.0 / 5
BEAUTIFUL VIEWS OF LAKE MICHIGAN. QUAINT AREA.
Linda S., from 25-Jul-2023
"Lake Michigan, beaches, Riverwalk, fishing, good food."
Score
4.0 / 5
What else is there to say. Lake Michigan, beaches, Riverwalk, fishing, good food.
Daniel D., from 27-Jun-2023
"Beaches!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Beaches!
Lori M., from 18-Apr-2023
"Caberfae Peaks"
Score
5.0 / 5
We loved Caberfae Peaks. We will stay here again.
David M., from 04-Jan-2023
"Very nice place to stay."
Score
5.0 / 5
Very nice place to stay.
Mary L., from 20-Oct-2022
"Great facility and polite staff."
Score
4.0 / 5
Easily found, centrally located in Manistee on US31. Close to drive to downtown or casino.
Arlene A., from 26-Sep-2022
"Great Service!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Inn staff was helpful and great!
Bridget W., from 06-Sep-2022
"Beautiful!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Beautiful!
Calvin J., from 23-Aug-2022
"Great location near Lake Michigan"
Score
4.0 / 5
Location near Lake Michigan is the best!
Steven B., from 17-Jul-2022
"Painted Lady Saloon!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Painted Lady Saloon!
Kevin B., from 02-May-2022
"Beautiful Town"
Score
4.0 / 5
Friendly folks in Manistee; a beautiful little town.
Michael W., from 13-Nov-2021
"Friendly Area "
Score
4.0 / 5
People were friendly, pace is slow, food is pricey but good. Simple living it seams.
Bryan D., from 24-Jul-2019
The average traveler rating of the city of Manistee, MI shown above is
4.3 out of 5 based on 16 reviews