manistee north pierhead lighthouse

The Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse is one of the most beautiful lighthouses on the Great Lakes and is perhaps the most famous landmark in Manistee. Unfortunately, it needs a good coat of paint which I understand the city is trying to raise money for.

Went to visit this lighthouse over the weekend. It was Cold winds around 30 mph and only 40 degrees out. Here's a tip bring a coat and gloves.The waves where breaking about 3 ft over the piers. Nice park to walk around and a sandy beach also.

Well maintained. Historic. Lovely walk out. People are always friendly on the pier. It was sad that we couldn't see the ship at the Coast Guard station because of homeland security.

I always take a stroll on the pier to the lighthouse whenever I am in town and just enjoy the view; the lighthouse is in poor condition right now but I am confident that the $ will be raised in the near future to get it looking good once more.

Epitome of Great Lakes light houses: resolute in its loneliness, resolve, and beauty. It's slight disrepair, to me, adds to its power. A lone beacon in the storm, battered but guiding.

I read the reviews but I know better on items like this. If you like lighthouses this one is fine. Besides needing a paintJob it was nice. Really you are going for a walk out on the pier and the breeze off the water. Good stop.

You need to walk out quite aways to get to the Lighthouse. Money is being raised to put it back in top notch condition. You'll enjoy your walk. Then you can spend the rest of your time on First Avenue Beach, which is quite large.

It's sad to not be properly taking care of this beautiful lighthouse.. In desperate need of a paint job. It's still a beautiful view, still worth the visit, cool square lighthouse w/ it's own weather type cat walk, very interesting.

We walked out the Boardwalk on a Monday forenoon. It was very gorgeous and refreshing, to sit for some time and soak in the Sun and wind that came blowing off the waves. It is really nice when other places are too warm since there is generally a breeze that is nice and cool.

Spectacular experience: park right there by the Coast Guard Station or at the Fifth Ave. Beach and walk out on the very safe pier to the lighthouse. Lots of views and fishing. If a freighter visits: you can almost touch it from there! Swimming, food, bathrooms, etc. right there at the Fifth Ave. beach. Small sand dunes are a great back drop for great pictures.

The only negative thing that I have to say about Manistee period...is that somebody needs to give this nice little lighthouse a paint job! For the past several summers, I have driven 380 miles to camp in Manistee and also to return here many times to vacation. Our family loves this little town and it feels like a home away from home. With at least 3 public beaches in town, plane rides available over Lake Michigan, a casino, charter & public fishing, a very nice river walk, ect..ect..ect... if you cant find something to do around here you had better check your pulse!As always, be safe and enjoy your travelsJ.

This is on the North side of the Manistee River outlet into Lake Michigan. Nice beach to fly kites and walk in the sand, even swim, weather permitting. Walk down the pier to the small lighthouse and there may be fisherman after steelhead, salmon, perch, or pike.If your lucky, you get to watch the boats out in the lake. Ever so often, a huge freighter comes into the river channel going up to Manistee Lake.

If you are passing through Manistee or coming for a visit....a walk on the pier is a must. FREE located at Fifth Ave Beach at the US COAST Guard Station. You might see fisherman landing a big fish, or see a Great Lake freighter passing through the channel. Sit at the end of the pier and watch the sunset.

The lighthouse is located at the end of a pier which is easily accessed from the parking lot next to the public beach. A new development has complicated the directions to get there if you are using "A Travelers Guide to 116 Michigan Lighthouses". Just get directions to the 5th Avenue Beach and go behind the Coast Guard Facility. There is a restored catwalk which the keepers of the past used to reach the light during storms and rough weather. Makes for some great photos.