Photo by Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts
For anyone interested in historical architecture, the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts in Manistee is one of Michigan’s great landmarks. Opening in 1903, it was named after local lawyer and entrepreneur Thomas Jefferson Ramsdell.
He was instrumental in the growth of Manistee, opening the first hardware store, helping produce the first newspaper, and founding 1st National Bank. Ramsdell wanted to bring culture to Manistee, and after the Scandinavian Opera House burned, he donated $100,000 of his own money to create what is now at the corner of 1st and Maple streets.
Throughout the years, the Ramsdell Theatre has gone through many changes. Many plays were performed in the early 1900s, followed by movies. The theater portion was closed in 1930, and reopened in 1936 to show first-run movies.
The Manistee Civic Players were formed in 1939 and used the Ramsdell for their productions. Restorations were performed in the late 1940s to early 1950s. Famous actor James Earl Jones, then known as Todd Jones, started at the Ramsdell as a stage carpenter, and later portrayed Othello in 1955. The Ramsdell Theatre was listed on the National Register for Historic Places in 1972, and many improvements were made in the 1980s, thanks to grant monies and donations. James Earl Jones himself has returned to the area twice to help raise funds.
Today, the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is a cultural center in West Michigan, and plays an integral part in Manistee’s history. It is the home for the Manistee Civic Players’ productions–and hosts ballet performances, art exhibits, proms, weddings, and other special events. It opens its doors for public tours on specified dates in the summer.
Here’s a complete list of performances at the Ramsdell Theater and other venues.
Wednesday-Sunday, 12-3pm or by appointment
101 Maple St.
Manistee, MI 49660
(231) 723-9948
West Michigan is home to numerous artists with so many different talents. Groovy music, vivid paintings, gorgeous photography, and more!
Visit the new Value of Sports Museum located at Historic White Pine Village just a short drive from Ludington.
Michigan has a public ORV trail system for four different riding opportunities–motorcycles, ATVs, ORVs, and scramble areas.
The Manistee Riverwalk follows the Manistee River from Jones Street, under the US-31 bridge, behind downtown, and ends at First Street beach.
Pere Marquette River, with it’s moderately fast current and clear water, is an extremely popular river for canoeists and kayakers.
A site to behold along Lake Michigan, these structures with a rich history give both a sense of safety and a beautiful site.
Manistee National Forest together with the Huron National Forest occupies almost a million acres of land in Michigan’s lower peninsula.
Along the Lake Michigan shoreline between Ludington and Manistee, you’ll find natural splendor- the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area.
Created in 1980, this trail has 1,000 miles running through Michigan, which also runs through the Huron-Manistee National Forest.
Dune Rides in your ATV or ORV are popular at Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Michigan, but many rules and regulations apply.
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