Life in the North Woods
Really looking to get away from the rigors of city living to reconnect with the Michigan’s northern splendor? Sheltered by mature hardwoods and pines indicative of Northern Michigan landscape, the beauty of Manistee is in full effect in the North Woods region. Allowing both small town living and remote privacy, the North Woods provides your passport to relaxed northern living and the best of what outdoor recreation has to offer.
Experience the North Woods

Twisted Trails Off-Road Park
An over 200-acre “people’s park“ managed by a group of very committed individuals that are dedicated to giving you the best off-roading experience possible. No matter what your style is, from the slow and easy trail ride to the down and dirty mud bog, we have it for you. Twisted Trails offers year around wheeling for all ATVs, dirt bikes, and 4×4 off road vehicles. Activities include a full sand drag racing facility, numerous miles of mild to wild trail rides, mud bogs, or rock crawling on our featured obstacles.
Northern Michigan Dragway
An 1/8 mile dragstrip 3 miles north of Kaleva that features E.T. Bracket Racing and Heads-Up Racing. Featuring exciting racing action for over 48 years, Northern Michigan Dragway offers a family-friendly environment with opportunities for car enthusiasts of all ages to learn all about racing.
Top Spots in the North Woods
Northern Natural’s tasting room offers several premium hard ciders made from Michigan organic heirloom apples. Tasting of by the glass, bottles & growlers. We also offer a nice selection of our award-winning wines.
Delicious home-cooked meals, friendly service, large portions. Fresh hand-made blueberry, cherry and apple bear claws from scratch every morning. Home of the Grizzly Burger. Daily specials and seasonal hours.
Bring the family to Michigan’s first farm distillery, where spirits including vodka, gin, rum and whiskey are produced, distilled, bottled and barreled on site featuring soil-to-spirit estate releases. Our Tasting Room offers a cozy setting to enjoy free tastings and sample appetizers within view of small craft state-of-the-art distilling. Our patio, fire pit and tasting room is open year-round, with music and food trucks most weekends. Stop by or book a tour in advance.
Northern Michigan Dragway
Twisted Trails
Ironfish Distillery
Bear Claw Cafe
Northern Naturals Cider House
Let Us Be Your Guide
Let us help you explore everything there is to love about the regions of Manistee County.