This Tiny Michigan Town Has a Historic Lighthouse, Cozy Inns, and the Largest Spring in the State—All Without the Crowds

Travel + Leisure

19 hours ago

Visit the largest freshwater spring in Michigan at Palms Book State Park.
Catch the East Breakwater Lighthouse at sunset from the town's picturesque boardwalk.
Have a frozen treat at the "best little ice cream shop in Manistique," aka, the Dairy Kream.
Stay the night at The Blue Mystique Inn, a 100-year-old property with just five bedrooms.
Spot wildlife like bald eagles and bears at the nearby 95,000-acre Seney National Wildlife Refuge.
With its breezy lakefront boardwalk, historic lighthouse, and easy access to Michigan's largest natural freshwater spring, the quiet harbor town of Manistique feels like the kind of place where time slows down—and that's precisely the point. Tucked into Michigan's Upper Peninsula (U.P. for short), this former logging community blends rich history with small-town appeal and unspoiled natural beauty, with easy access to forested trails, wildlife habitats, and quiet stretches of shoreline.
'Manistique is its own hidden gem,' says Mark Giannunzio, a Manistique local and owner of Blue Diamond Travel Agency. 'The area around Lake Michigan is really where the beauty pops, with several shops, restaurants, and scenic views.'
While Giannunzio notes that driving is the easiest way to explore the surrounding area, downtown and the boardwalk are both easily walkable, offering a laid-back way to take in the lake views and local atmosphere.
Here's what you need to know before planning a trip to Manistique, Michigan. A natural spring in Palms Book State Park.
No visit to Manistique is complete without a visit to Palms Book State Park, home to Michigan's largest freshwater spring, Kitch-iti-kipi ("The Big Spring"). Tucked into the dense forest of the Upper Peninsula, this serene, emerald-hued pool gushes more than 10,000 gallons of water per minute from ancient limestone fissures, maintaining a steady temperature and crystal-clear visibility year-round.
The spring is best viewed from a self-operated observation raft that glides silently across the surface, revealing a mesmerizing scene below: swirling sand, centuries-old sunken logs, and schools of trout swimming in crystalline water. While swimming is prohibited here, head to the nearby Indian Lake, which is fed by the spring.
For the fewest crowds, it's best to arrive early in the day. 'This can be a very busy area, especially in the summer months,' says Giannunzio.
Stretching nearly two miles along the Lake Michigan shoreline, the city's namesake boardwalk has sweeping water views and offers a gentle, breezy stroll through some of Manistique's most scenic spots. Along the way, visitors can stop at a local gem—Mackinaw Trail Winery and Brewery—for a relaxed tasting with a view. Highlights of the route include a public fishing pier, picnic grounds, and the historic East Breakwater Lighthouse, which has watched over the harbor since 1916. Be sure to also keep an eye out for local wildlife, including nesting shorebirds and deer grazing near the water's edge.
A half-hour from Manistique lies one of Michigan's most underrated wild spaces: The 95,000-acre Seney National Wildlife Refuge. Dense forests, bogs, and marshes create a rich habitat for wildlife—from trumpeter swans and bald eagles to deer and bears. Spectacular sightings are almost guaranteed along the seven-mile Marshland Wildlife Drive, open seasonally from May to October.
An easy bike ride or quick drive from downtown Manistique, Seul Choix Pointe Lighthouse (pronounced Sis-Shwa , French for "only choice") in nearby Gulliver is the only active lighthouse along Lake Michigan's Upper Peninsula shoreline. In continuous operation since 1895, the tower is now open to visitors, who can climb its 96 steps for panoramic views of the rugged coastline and sparkling lake beyond.
If time allows, Giannunzio recommends a day trip to Munising, located about 50 minutes from Manistique, to explore Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Established as the nation's first National Lakeshore, this stunning stretch of protected shoreline features pristine inland lakes, awe-inspiring rock formations—including the iconic Miners Castle, a turret-like sandstone outcrop overlooking Lake Superior—serene beaches, and nearly 100 miles of scenic hiking trails. The park offers something special in every season: kayaking and boating in summer, fiery foliage in fall, frozen waterfalls in winter, and migratory birding in spring. Interior of The Boudrose Lounge.
Arguably Manistique's most beloved eatery, Upper Crust Café Bakery & Deli, comes highly recommended by Giannunzio as a "great lunch spot" with "the best soup and sandwiches around." The menu spans hearty favorites from the self-proclaimed "Best Ever Turkey Club" to decadent desserts. Its scenic lakefront location is just the icing on the (salted caramel) cake.
"The Boudrose Lounge is a great place to grab a cocktail," says Giannunzio. Located along the Manistique River, this local favorite stands out for its seasonal craft cocktails made with regional spirits, plus an impressive lineup of Michigan-made wines, ciders, meads, and more. Current highlights include the Michigan Stand—a mix of muddled Michigan cherries, maple bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ginger beer—and indulgent chocolate and salted caramel-flavored E.B. Tinis, crafted with locally produced vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso.
Conveniently located next to The Boudrose Lounge, Flatiron Brewery "has great pizza," says Giannunzio. Wash it down with standout brews like the Blueberry Fruit Tart and Lakeview Haze, an IPA with notes of pineapple, mango, kiwi, and white grape with a sweet citrus finish. While the Detroit-style pizzas are clearly loved by locals, diners can also choose from a variety of pastas, salads, and appetizers, including wings and breadsticks.
"You can't come to Manistique without stopping at Clyde's for the best burger in the Upper Peninsula!" exclaims Giannunzio. This nostalgia-inducing drive-in keeps it simple with a menu of classic burgers, sandwiches, chicken tenders, fries, and other pub grub. Best of all? Most items clock in under $10.
After visiting Big Springs in Palms Book State Park, make a beeline to the neighboring, eponymously named tavern for lunch or dinner. With 26 beers on tap and a laid-back, lodge-style vibe, it's a great place to refuel. The menu features crowd-pleasers like wings and wraps, plus fried seafood favorites, including perch, bluegill, shrimp, and cod.
Dairy Kream proudly calls itself "the best little ice cream shop in Manistique," and we're inclined to agree. With 20 hand-dipped flavors, 24 soft-serve options, and a menu packed with sundaes, flurries, malts, shakes, and slushies, this mom-and-pop favorite is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. You can't go wrong with a classic cone or, if you're feeling nostalgic, a banana split.
Stairs leading down onto the Manistique Lakeshore.
"The Blue Mystique Inn is definitely the best place to stay, but [it's] very difficult to find availability," says Giannunzio. With just five bedrooms, the boutique inn—which occupies a historic 100-plus-year-old home—fills up quickly, so it's key to book well in advance. He's also quick to call out the inn's central location, "in the heart of town across from Lake Michigan."
While not technically a hotel or resort, this scenic campground offers a prime location along Lake Michigan, within easy walking, biking, or driving distance of the town's top spots. Expect RV sites with full hookups, a kids' playground, laundry facilities, and easy beach access. All in all, it's a convenient and family-friendly home base for exploring Manistique and the surrounding area.