Manistee

Planning a trip to Manistee, you are setting off for a picturesque corner on the shores of Lake Michigan, located in the United States. This city, known for its Victorian architecture and magnificent sandy beaches, offers ideal conditions for a peaceful holiday away from the noise of metropolises. You can get here in various ways: by a direct flight, by bus, or by taking an exciting drive along the scenic roads of the region.

The fastest way to reach the city is to use the local Manistee County Blacker Airport (MBL), which receives regular flights from Chicago. This allows tourists to land directly at their destination, saving time on transfers.

Alternatively, many travellers choose to fly to the city of Traverse City (TVC), located 80 km to the north. This airport serves a larger number of airlines, and from here it is easy to continue the journey by rented car, enjoying the coastal views.

There is no direct rail service to the city of Manistee, as there are no active passenger stations in the immediate vicinity. The nearest major Amtrak railway hub is located in Grand Rapids, from where you will have to reach the coast by other transport.

Although neighbouring cities such as Traverse City or Muskegon are popular with tourists, they also do not have direct passenger rail connections. Therefore, train enthusiasts should plan a route with a transfer to an intercity bus or a rented car for the final leg of the journey.

Regular bus service connects Manistee with other settlements in the region thanks to the carrier Indian Trails. The routes pass through picturesque places of the state, making the trip not only budget-friendly but also pleasant for sightseeing.

Often, tourists arrive with transfers through major transport hubs such as Traverse City or Grand Rapids. Travel time depends on connections, so it is recommended to check the schedule in advance on the official websites of the carriers.

Travelling by car is one of the most convenient options, offering freedom of movement. From the city of Traverse City, the journey will take about 1.5 hours (approximately 100 km) along the beautiful US-31 highway running along the coast.

If you are driving from the city of Muskegon, expect to spend about 1.3 hours on the road, covering a distance of 128 km. The journey from the city of Grayling is also comfortable: the distance is about 110 km, which will require approximately 1 hour 15 minutes of driving time.

To ensure your visit to the city of Manistee goes smoothly and leaves only pleasant impressions, check out a few useful recommendations.

1. Seasonal clothing. The weather by Lake Michigan is changeable. Even in summer, evenings can be cool, so be sure to take a windbreaker or a warm sweater.
2. Transport. Public transport is not well developed, so to comfortably explore natural attractions and the surroundings, it is highly recommended to rent a car.
3. Finances. The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but a small amount of cash is useful for tips or purchases at farmers' markets.
4. Health. Medical services in the USA are expensive. Before the trip, be sure to take out full travel insurance. In emergencies, call 911.
5. Communication. The main language of communication is English. Locals are friendly and willing to help if you know at least basic phrases.
6. Tipping. In restaurants and cafes, it is customary to leave tips of 15–20% of the bill amount, as they make up a significant part of the staff's earnings.
7. Road caution. Be especially careful when driving at dusk and at night: in this region, deer often run out onto the roads.
8. Walks by the water. Do not miss the opportunity to walk along the famous Manistee Riverwalk promenade, which leads directly to Lake Michigan and the lighthouse.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor troubles and fully enjoy the atmosphere of this cosy American city.