Manistee River
Manistee River
4.5
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Shared by canoeists and fishermen, this majestic river with high, white dunes and bordered by forests, flows into Lake Michigan.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
86 reviews
Excellent
66
Very good
19
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
BoardingPass15517
Holly, MI1 contribution
For 2 years, as a camp trip leader, I took the beginner canoeists on the Manistee River. The River is nice because is offers wide, fairly well-kept routes. There are quite a few homes on the river banks, but numerous spans of just nature. Most of the campgrounds are in good shape and easy the access. Overall, the river is just difficult enough to offer a beginner a challenge without frustrating them and I would reccomend it to anyone who would like a nice relaxing canoe trip.
Written June 9, 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bryan G
Frankenmuth, MI29 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
We took a morning stroll down the boardwalk from the beginning to Lake Michigan - maybe a couple of miles. It was very scenic and very well maintained. Past the restaurants downtown, and the vacation cottages and condos. We read every one of the historical markers and enjoyed seeing all the fishing charter boats. There were plenty of benches to stop and rest, if needed, and beautiful little gardens along the way. We were particularly impressed by the municipal marina (where else can you pull into a slip, cook on a charcoal grill, eat on a picnic table, use clean public restrooms, and visit a quaint downtown - all without charge?). Well worth the visit.
Written July 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jimnhelen
Brisbane, Australia1,964 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
We spent a day Canoeing with a group on the Manistee River. It is definitely the best way to see the river and a lot of fun
Written September 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traverse City
Traverse City, MI400 contributions
Sep 2012 • Couples
We had a great experience Kayaking the Manistee River this weekend. We had our own Kayaks so we went to Chippewa Landing in Fife Lake, Michigan (just a short distance from Traverse City) and left our car at their landing and for $30 they drove us and our Kayaks up river for a very nice 18 mile (3.5 hour) float. The river is very wide and free of fallen trees to navigate around. The water is flowing at about 3-5 mph and there are no heavy rapids to worry about. There are many sandy spots along the shore to stop for a break or lunch. The staff at Chippewa Landing were great and very helpful. When we landed four people met us at the shore and carried our Kayaks to our car for us. They were all great!
Written September 4, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PadawanMenace
Manistee, MI15 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
One of, if not the most amazing river in Michigan. Compares to some Alaskan rivers in beauty and abundance. Packed with different fish at all seasons. Great for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. Lined with Petosky stones. Wildlife packs the shores and surrounding woods. There are places to stop and rest and islands to get out on to eat lunch. Also great for boating. If you enjoy the recreation that rivers offer you definitely want to spend some time in, on, and around the Big and Little Manistee Rivers.
Written March 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mjongrav G
Traverse City, MI33 contributions
Oct 2017 • Friends
Very good fishing, canoeing & kayaking and hiking. A beautiful section of the North Country trail runs along the river through Manistee County.
Written January 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
duane17
Manistee, MI16 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
Beautiful day on the river
Geese landing
Turkeys and deer along the bank
Even a black mink was seen!
Unbelievable the numerous Bald Eagles
Fishing along the river seen one fish heading for the nest.
God's country for sure
Geese landing
Turkeys and deer along the bank
Even a black mink was seen!
Unbelievable the numerous Bald Eagles
Fishing along the river seen one fish heading for the nest.
God's country for sure
Written May 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
janelleantes
Manistee, MI4 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
We love kayaking the Big or Little Manistee rivers. If you're up to a more challenging trip try the Little Manistee.
Written June 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jlschuit1
Grand Rapids, MI36 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
We spent a great afternoon salmon fishing with Terry from 5-19 At Ease River Charters. My wife landed her first salmon and we ended up with six nice fish. This is a beautiful river with an abundance of wildlife.
Written October 5, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AJ&ERtravel
Vancouver Island, Canada308 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
From downtown you can pick up the river walk for a couple of miles all the way to the lighthouse if you so choose. We did it on a bright, sunshiny Saturday before lunch. It works up an appetite. it is very well done and very well maintained. it varies from concrete to boardwalk. you get to admire the river and pass all the boats moored along the way. The charter boats were out discharging their catches, gutting and cleaning the fish. It was all very interesting. And, for us, our first chance to see Lake Michigan up close instead of from a speeding car or a high flying aeroplane. We couldn't think of a better way to spend an hour, a river walk, a bit of exercise and a great lake.
Written August 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you hike only the river part of the manistee river trail and not the whole thing? Where would you start and how would you get back to starting point?
Written June 6, 2015
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