Orchard Beach State Park
🌅 Michigan’s Most Spectacular Sunset Bluff — A campground perched 100 feet above Lake Michigan on a dramatic bluff, legendary sunset views over open water, 3.5 miles of old-growth forest trails, a relocated 850-ton historic structure, and the charm of nearby Manistee — on Michigan’s scenic west coast
Three miles north of the charming Victorian-era town of Manistee on Michigan’s scenic west coast, Orchard Beach State Park commands one of the most dramatic positions of any state park campground in the Midwest. Perched on a 100-foot bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, the park delivers what many consider the finest sunset views in the Michigan State Parks system — an unobstructed western horizon where the sun sinks into the largest freshwater lake by surface area in the United States.
The Bluff
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 100 feet above Lake Michigan |
| Views | Unobstructed western horizon — legendary sunsets |
| Beach Access | Currently NOT accessible from park (erosion) |
| Historic Structure | Relocated 850-ton structure — recently restored |
Trails
Over 3.5 miles of trails wind through old-growth forest and former farmland. The trails are peaceful and lightly used compared to more famous Michigan parks — passing through stands of mature hardwoods, offering occasional glimpses of the lake through the canopy, and connecting to scenic overlooks along the bluff edge.
Camping (Currently Under Renovation)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED through June 30, 2026 (renovation) |
| Upgrades | New shower/toilet building, accessible playground |
| Normal Season | Modern campground with full hookups, mini-cabin, walk-in tent sites |
| Setting | Bluff-top sites with Lake Michigan views |
Nearby: Manistee
- Historic Downtown: Victorian-era buildings, shops, restaurants
- Manistee Riverwalk: Scenic walkway along the Manistee River
- North Country Trail: Passes through the area — long-distance hiking
Essential Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 2064 N. Lakeshore Road, Manistee, MI |
| Parking | Michigan Recreation Passport required |
| Phone | (231) 723-7422 |
| Trails | OPEN (east side of road) |
Is Orchard Beach State Park open in 2026?
The campground and day-use area at Orchard Beach State Park are closed through June 30, 2026 for a major enhancement project including a new shower/toilet building and accessible playground. However, trails on the east side of the road remain open for hiking. Check the official Michigan DNR website for reopening updates.
Park Location
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