Manistee County, State-designated "Community of Economic Excellence," is located on Lake Michigan, a part of northwestern Michigan. Historic Manistee, the Victorian port city, is the County seat, with the downtown on the state and national Historic registers, and a river walk running through downtown to Lake Michigan. Coastline villages include:
- Arcadia
- Bear Lake
- Brethren
- Copemish
- Kaleva
- Onekama
- Wellston
The County is a paradise for water and sports enthusiasts and is known as the "Fishing Capitol of the Midwest." Lakes within the county include Portage, Bear Lake, and Manistee Lake.
There are also many rivers and streams. The diverse economy includes Morton Salt "When It Rains, It Pours" Company, a large paper products company, and many smaller industries. Manistee County has a vast natural beauty and a "hometown" feeling, and cultural arts include:
- Historic Ramsdell Theatre
- Manistee Symphony Orchestra
- Manistee Art Institute
- Three dance studios
- Three art galleries