Manistee National Forest
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Manistee National Forest is located in the state of Michigan and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts due to its vast natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The forest spans over 540,000 acres and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and bald eagles.
One of the best reasons to visit Manistee National Forest is the abundance of hiking and biking trails. The North Country Trail is a popular hiking trail that spans over 4,000 miles and runs through the forest. The forest also boasts over 330 miles of bike trails, making it an ideal destination for mountain bikers.
Visitors can also explore the many lakes and rivers within the forest, including the Pere Marquette River, which is known for its excellent trout fishing. The forest also has several campgrounds and picnic areas, making it a great spot for a family vacation.
Interesting facts about Manistee National Forest include that it was established in 1938 and was originally called the Michigan Interstate Forest. It was renamed in 1945 to honor the Manistee River, which flows through the forest.
The best time of year to visit Manistee National Forest is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the forest is alive with wildlife and foliage. However, the forest is also a beautiful destination during the fall, when the leaves change color and the air is crisp.
In conclusion, Manistee National Forest is a wonderful destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With its vast natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and interesting history, it is a must-see for anyone visiting Michigan.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Mayo Lake
Orion
Ojibwa
Leo
Sagittarius
Illinois
Gayl M Beals Wolf Lake Park
Westley Avenue Park
Sheldon Playfield
Aamodt Playfield
Smith Ryerson Playfield