Tourist Appeal
Arguably the City of Manistee's downtown is one of the community's best assets with its intact collection of historically significant downtown buildings and its relationship to the area’s natural geographic features. This marriage of both built and natural environments gives a strong aesthetic appeal, and has loomed large in the city’s emergence as a regional tourist and cultural center.

Riverwalk
The construction of the Riverwalk that runs along the Manistee River Channel behind the buildings on the north side of downtown Manistee is a destination for many people. The ability to stroll the Riverwalk and access many of the storefronts from the Riverwalk brings an element that is not available in many communities. By incorporating this natural feature into downtown Manistee we have provided an element that is both unique and pedestrian friendly.

Marina
The City Marina and Triangle, where the fountain is located, provide an anchor to the west end of River Street. The Marina provides a beautiful view of the Manistee River Channel and access to and from the Riverwalk. This is the location of a second public restroom.

Restrooms
Public restrooms are located in three locations in downtown Manistee. These provide accommodations for visitors to the community and incorporate the welcoming theme of the downtown. The public restroom plaza is located on the second block of River Street is home to Santa Claus every winter when “Santa’s House” arrives for the little ones to share their Christmas wishes with the jolly gent.

Central Business District
The Manistee Central Business District is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Historic District Commission reviews changes to all the buildings located in the Historic District to ensure that the secretary of the interior’s guidelines are followed and that these treasures are maintained for generations to come.

Streetscape Project
The Streetscape Project brought many historical elements that had been removed from downtown, back into the community. Embracing the historical elements that are unique to Manistee and not found in other communities makes our downtown stand out.

When entering downtown from Cypress Street (U.S. 31), you pass through an arch of limestone and wrought iron that welcomes you to downtown. Hexagonal pavers were installed to replicate the first sidewalk in the community. Along your walk, Victorian light posts, planters, trash receptacles and benches bring back the charm of an earlier era. You will find a Victorian clock near the corner of Oak and River streets, and your visit to downtown will end by a beautiful fountain. Careful considerations were made during the streetscape design that highlights our heritage.