Manistee Fall Color Tour
Beautiful color emerges come Fall. Take it all in with an afternoon drive, or stroll, through the many forests of West Michigan.
Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
Art can be complicated to explain, due to the diverse range of activities that are involved, including painting, photography, music, dance, theater, and more. The communities within West Michigan are alive with an array of cultural events that take place throughout the year. Combined with the beauty of lake views and richly forested land, this area of West Michigan has emerged as a venue for those who truly love all kinds of art.
Nothing brings people together more than music, and there is certainly no shortage of concerts and performances in West Michigan. Summer music fills the air with events such as the Pentwater Civic Band concerts, Thursday night concert series in downtown Ludington, and live music during the Final Friday Experience events. Many of the local bars and restaurants host live music throughout the summer, as well. Not a week goes by that you can’t find a musical performance somewhere in West Michigan.
Our very own West Shore Community College presents its Performing Arts Series which includes entertaining plays, jazz and choir concerts, and unique artists gifted in piano, guitar, saxophone, and numerous other instruments. The hilariously funny and talented Scottville Clown Band has been entertaining crowds for well over 100 years. Members of the band come from all walks of life and all across the country. They are definitely the highlight of summer parades throughout the state.
A movie is a nice escape from life, but a good live performance is hard to beat. Here in West Michigan we have three venues for outstanding plays. The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is where the famous actor James Earl Jones got his start and features top-notch performances by the Manistee Civic Players. West Shore Community College and the Ludington Area Center for the Arts also showcase local talent in their theater productions. Outdoor theatre performances of Shakespeare and other classical works come alive each summer during the Stratford on the Avenue Theatre Festival in downtown Ludington’s Rotary Park.
Amateur and professional photographers love the beauty of West Michigan and its spectacular scenery to create digital memories. Places like the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, the Manistee National Forest, and Ludington State Park provide the perfect backdrop for memorable vacation photos.
Small towns are known for arts and crafts fairs, and Ludington has two separate events during the summer. The first, the West Shore Art Fair, is a juried fine arts fair held in early July. The second event is the Gold Coast Artisan Fair held in mid-August. Pentwater has its Fine Arts Fair in mid-July on the Village Green, and other local communities such as Manistee also hold Art Fairs.
Beautiful color emerges come Fall. Take it all in with an afternoon drive, or stroll, through the many forests of West Michigan.
The Pentwater River provides opportunities to experience a paddle sport for the first time or take on a challenge for those more experienced.
Pere Marquette River, with it’s moderately fast current and clear water, is an extremely popular river for canoeists and kayakers.
A magnificent display of color; the Northern Lights can be viewed at the right time of year at the right place in West Michigan!
There’s so much to do in Silver Lake! From hitting the dunes to camping out at the state park — it’s an outdoor adventure for everyone.
Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes has miles of sand trails and hills, where hikers are rewarded at the end with spectacular views of Lake Michigan.
Pet live animals, enjoy fresh produce and dairy products, and more! Lots of experiences are available for the family when you visit the farm!
Much of West Michigan is bicycle-friendly, and you’ll find many nice paths on which to ride. It’s great exercise with great scenery to enjoy.
A magnificent display of color; the Northern Lights can be viewed at the right time of year at the right place in West Michigan!
Manistee National Forest together with the Huron National Forest occupies almost a million acres of land in Michigan’s lower peninsula.
A site to behold along Lake Michigan, these structures with a rich history give both a sense of safety and a beautiful site.