It's simply great!

One thing is clear about Manistee County:  the people who live here are passionate about their quality of life.

Increasingly, communities measure quality of life by examining indicators like education, employment, energy, health, infrastructure, public safety, recreation and other factors.

In a recent survey about the quality of life in Manistee County, respondents said that the following factors were most valued:  public safety, the natural environment, the community as a place to live, public education system, recreational opportunities, civility of people toward one another

What makes Manistee County special and different from the rest?

While the most accurate answers may be in the eye of the beholder, here's a start...

Life's a beach. We have over 25 miles of Great Lakes shoreline with the finest sugar sand beaches.  We have majestic sand dunes and three coastal lakes connected to Lake Michigan.

Water, water everywhere.  In addition to Lake Michigan with its unrivaled fishing for Great Lakes salmon and trout, we have some of the most scenic waterways in the world, with 276 miles of rivers and streams.  Like the Big and Little Manistee Rivers, bear Creek, the Pine River.  We have 45 miles of state or federal wild, scenic or natural rivers.  There are nine inland lakes with 9,600 acres of water in Manistee County's inland lakes which hold some of the nation's finest cold and warm-water fisheries.  There are 73,000 acres of wetlands that serve as the lifeblood of our aquatic ecosystem.

"Spirit of the Woods"  Woods and forests dominate Manistee County, with 73% of the county being forested.

A city, villages and townships.  Manistee County has one city, five villages and fifteen townships, dating back to the 1860's.  Each is uniquely distinct with their own character, often shaped by their ethnic heritage.

A Tribal Government.  The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians is a sovereign Tribal government based in the City of Manistee, within the boundaries of a 70,000 acre reservation along the Manistee River established under the 1836 Treaty of Washington.

Planes, trains and automobiles.  From our new commercial terminal at Manistee County's Blacker Airport to the high speed internet broadband system now being installed to reach all county schools, to our deep water commercial port and customer-friendly, mid-size rail line, the county's infrastructure is positioned for growth adn development.  County roads are rated the highest among all of the 10-county northwest Michigan region and the County's 30-year old public transit system continues to provide safe, reliable public transportation throughout the county.

Education.  Manistee County has five public School systems, a state-approved charter school and is served by West Shore Community College, one of 38 community college in Michigan.  The County has six public libraries, a new training and education facility that is collaboratively operated by the Community College and West Shore Medical Center and eight museums.

Health Care.  Manistee County has a strong health care system, spearheaded by West Shore Medical Center.  As a member of the Munson Healthcare Network, the Medical Center provides quality health care and access to all of the care and services typical of much larger communities.  The county is also served by strong community mental health and public health organizations.

But wait, there's more.  Much more.  Like 13 locations that are part of the National Register of Historic Places and Districts; 24 local, state or federally owned park and recreation areas; seven public golf courses, including some of the finest in the nation; a strong and growing manufacturing base; a Manistee Art Institute; some truly fine dining; and the freshest produce from county farms.

Search our website or give us a call.

Let us show you the qualities that make life in Manistee County simply great!