EXPLORE WILDLIFE IN MANISTEE COUNTY

YOUR HUNTING TRIP STARTS HERE!

Explore Manistee County’s wildlife and the nature that surrounds them. Here you’ll find all the resources you need to make it happen.

Hunting Seasons

Leave No Trace

Hunting Public Land

DNR

Where to Buy Licenses

Purchase DNR elicense

HELPFUL HUNTING TIPS

Tips for processing your deer

Top 10 hunting violations during firearm deer season

Safety Reminders

Hunters Safety Certificate

Follow the travelers that love Manistee County, enjoy these stories about our incredible outdoor recreation, things-to-do, dining, shopping and unique experiences you will ONLY find here.

Browse our latest #MyManistee perspectives here, or scroll through these top stories in your category.

A Taste of Manistee

by Manistee VB | April 4, 2022 | Beer, Wine & Sprits, Must See Manistee, Self Guided Tours, Spring, Tours, Vacation Rentals | 0 Comments

It’s early spring. The days are a little longer, the sun shines a bit brighter, trees start to sport a little green, and we are ready to get out and start exploring. Manistee welcomes you to the perfect destination for your spring getaway! Begin your exploration with...

Dark Skies and Northern Lights

by Sherri | December 15, 2020 | Outdoors, Uncategorized, Winter, Winter 24-25 blog | 0 Comments

Manistee National Forest/Big M: Just off M 55 between Wellston and Manistee the Big M Recreation Area offers you a beautiful opportunity to experience the clear skies like never before. Big M is a great spot since it is close to the communities, but in the heart of...

Plan Your Staycation

by Manistee VB | March 20, 2025 | First Time Visitors, Must See Manistee, Spring, Stay, Trails, Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Your spring getaway is closer than you think. No need to jet off to some far away location when Manistee has everything you need for a relaxing spring vacation that is both affordable and fun. From outdoor exploration to cultural performances, you’ll find a full range...

Three Rivers

by Maralee Cook | May 30, 2016 | Adventure Sports, Conversations, Rivers & Paddling, Summer | 3 Comments

Is it the opportunity to catch 'the big one', or the wild beauty of the area that keeps anglers returning to Manistee County's rivers to fish? According to a few of the county’s river fishing guides, it turns out to be a combination of the two. Blessed...

Let’s go for a ride!

by Brandon Jensen | January 29, 2019 | Trails, What To Do | 0 Comments

Grab your bike and let’s go riding... Sometimes, the best areas to ride, are not the formal trail systems in the region. Summer beach rides are a blissful way to go for a ride. Generally winds are lower in the summer so it is easy to cruise along the water...

Fat Biking the Swedish Fiddle Loop

by Sherri | February 8, 2021 | Outdoors, Trails, Winter, Winter Trails & Slopes | 0 Comments

Where we gonna ride today, Dyl? Big M is nestled between Wellston and Manistee in the mighty Huron-Manistee National Forest. A trail head for cross county skiing, snowshoeing, and of course, FATBIKING! Today we are riding the Swedish Fiddle Loop! AKA The Beginner’s...

Piloting a Freighter through the Manistee River Channel

by Maralee Cook | June 1, 2016 | Boating & Harbors, Conversations, Spring | 1 Comment

Photos by: Chris Franckowiak From April through December, and sometimes into January, massive Great Lakes freighters will visit the port of Manistee, delighting residents and visitors, who will line the banks of the river channel to watch in awe and...

Top 6 Fall Color Trails 2021

by Brandon Jensen | September 3, 2021 | Adventure Sports, Fall, Featured, First Time Visitors, Seasons, Trails | 0 Comments

If getting out into the fresh air and wide open spaces sounds appealing to you, you are not alone. With all that is going on in the world right now, it is a perfect opportunity to get out, stretch you legs, and enjoy some scenic fall color from our trails. Here we...

Fall Family Fun

by Manistee VB | September 2, 2025 | Fall, First Time Visitors, Seasons, Uncategorized, What To Do | 0 Comments

Something Fun for All Let’s get our hands dirty, breathe in some fresh air out on the trails or take flight. Kids of all ages will find something to spark their curiosity and get inspired in #MyManistee.Take to the Trails Imagine strolling through the woods, colors of...

Discover River Country

by Manistee VB | June 17, 2025 | First Time Visitors, Outdoors, Summer, Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Home to 3 major rivers, it isn’t hard to figure out how this region earned its name. Our southern-most region is the ideal destination for those seeking a place to launch their watercraft, anglers looking for a place to cast a line, and hikers and bikers ready to take...

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