Portage Point Beach and Channel
A serene beach and channel offering stunning sunsets, excellent shore fishing, and family-friendly fun with a picturesque lighthouse.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful sunset views
Portage Point Beach and Channel
Best Time
Peaceful sunset views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene beach and channel offering stunning sunsets, excellent shore fishing, and family-friendly fun with a picturesque lighthouse.
"It's so peaceful and calming usually more so towards sunset generally pretty busy spot but great views and great times."
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Aim for sunset for the most stunning views; it's a popular time but worth it!
🎣 Rod Holders Galore
Utilize the convenient rod holders on the channel walkway for effortless fishing.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 823 reviews
Type
Beach
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spectacular Sunsets
Lake Michigan shoreline
Witness breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant colors over the vast expanse of Lake Michigan. A truly magical experience.
Channel Fishing Walkway
Channel leading to Lake Michigan
Fish from a unique walkway with built-in rod holders, perfect for casting lines into the channel or Lake Michigan.
Lighthouse Views
Near Coast Guard Station
Admire the picturesque lighthouse standing guard near the Coast Guard station, adding a classic maritime charm to the scenery.
Family Beach Day
Sandy shoreline
Enjoy a refreshing swim, build sandcastles, or have a bonfire on the clean, white sand beach. Kid-friendly amenities available.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Sunsets & Sunrises
Fishing Fun for All
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Shore fishing on Lake Michigan
I'm going camping in a week and the campsite will be right on lake Michigan, in the Manistee area. However, there is no piers near the campsite, neither are there any lakes/rivers and I would love to go fishing, but how practical is fishing off the shore? Also, what should I…
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Aim for sunset for the most stunning views; it's a popular time but worth it!
🎣 Rod Holders Galore
Utilize the convenient rod holders on the channel walkway for effortless fishing.
Shore fishing Lake Michigan in Manistee
I'm a bowhunter, not a fisherman but we have rented a house right on the lake just north of Manistee and one of my sons loves to fish. Looking to do some fishing from the shore and looking for what we'd have the most success with. Bass, perch, salmon, trout? Just looking to get…
🏖️ Pack for the Beach
Bring swimsuits, towels, and beach toys for a fun-filled day by the water.
🔥 Bonfire Nights
Enjoy cozy evenings with bonfires at the designated fire rings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Aim for sunset for the most stunning views; it's a popular time but worth it!
🎣 Rod Holders Galore
Utilize the convenient rod holders on the channel walkway for effortless fishing.
🏖️ Pack for the Beach
Bring swimsuits, towels, and beach toys for a fun-filled day by the water.
🔥 Bonfire Nights
Enjoy cozy evenings with bonfires at the designated fire rings.
🚗 Ample Parking
Plenty of parking is available, though it can fill up on busy weekends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Portage Point Beach and Channel for its stunning natural beauty, particularly its breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over Lake Michigan. The accessible fishing walkway and family-friendly amenities like a playground and fire rings are frequently praised. While generally peaceful, it can become busy during peak sunset hours.
"This is my fav spot to watch the sunrise and set with my person. Also love to take the kids here for a nice swim or a midday or early night fire at the fire rings. It's so peaceful and calming usually more so towards sunset generally pretty busy spot but great views and great times."
James Sisson
"Beautiful area. Went in October and weather was cool but hardly anyone there. There was some fisherman on the walkway to the lighthouse and a periodic beach walker. The park was empty and the pavilion concession was closed. Didn’t check the restrooms to see if they were open. But a great place for a sunset"
Alisha T
"Came here while attending tight lines for troops fishing tournament on 18 May 2024. Another veteran showed me this awesome place. The place is a beautiful place. The lighthouse near the Cg station is a nice sight to see. You can fish along the channel, in the cement walkway it has holes to place fishing pole and lean against the railing, incase you hook that special beast!!! It has bathrooms. Breath taking sunset. Hampton Inn is across the street at the circle. The coast guard station across the channel. Public access. You can walk along the water across from the CG building. I would recommend anyone to go visit! Beautiful, clean, and definitely refreshing!A+++"
Tara M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Portage Point Beach and Channel is located near Manistee, Michigan. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. The Hampton Inn is located across the street at the circle, making it a convenient landmark.
Information on public transportation options to Portage Point Beach is limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of access.
While specific directions can vary, using a GPS with 'Portage Point Beach, Manistee, MI' should guide you directly to the location. The Coast Guard station is also a key landmark across the channel.
Yes, there is a parking lot available at Portage Point Beach. It's generally sufficient, but can get busy on weekends and during peak season.
Absolutely! You can walk along the water across from the Coast Guard building, offering a different perspective of the channel and its surroundings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of an entrance fee for Portage Point Beach and Channel in reviews. It appears to be a public access area.
Portage Point Beach is generally accessible during daylight hours for recreational activities. The concession stand may have seasonal hours.
No, booking tickets in advance is not necessary as Portage Point Beach is a public park and beach area.
No specific entry restrictions are mentioned, but standard park rules regarding behavior and safety would apply.
The pavilion concession was noted as closed in October, suggesting it operates seasonally. It's best to check locally for current operating hours.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Activities
Anglers can potentially catch bass, perch, salmon, and trout from the shore or the channel walkway.
Yes, the cement walkway along the channel has holes specifically designed for placing fishing poles, making shore fishing convenient.
Families can enjoy swimming, building sandcastles, and having bonfires at the designated fire rings. There's also a playground for kids.
Yes, Portage Point Beach is a great spot for swimming, with clean and clear waters.
Yes, there are fire rings available for bonfires, perfect for enjoying a cozy evening by the water.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire shoreline offers stunning views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The lighthouse and the channel walkway also provide excellent photographic opportunities.
Absolutely! Many visitors highlight Portage Point Beach as a favorite spot to watch the sunrise, making it ideal for early morning photography.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography.
The lighthouse near the Coast Guard station and the fishing walkway with its rod holders offer unique, maritime-themed photo opportunities.
Besides your camera, consider bringing a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for capturing distant views or wildlife. A tripod can be useful for low-light sunset shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a snack bar at Portage Point Beach that offers delicious options. However, it may be closed during the off-season.
Reviews mention 'delicious options' at the snack bar, suggesting typical beach fare. Specific menu details are not widely available.
While the snack bar is convenient, Manistee offers a variety of dining options a short drive away if you're looking for more choices.
There are fire rings for bonfires, and it's likely that picnicking is permitted. Bringing your own food and drinks is a good option.
Information regarding alcohol consumption at Portage Point Beach is not readily available. It's advisable to check local regulations or err on the side of caution.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit