Manistee Lake — Kalkaska County

Larger inland lake with recreational flexibility

Overview

Manistee Lake is one of the county’s larger inland lakes, offering more open water and variety in use.

Lake Character & Lifestyle

Boating, fishing, and family recreation with moderate activity.

Shoreline & Water Considerations

More varied shoreline types with broader water exposure.

Zoning, Preservation & Long-Term Value

Size and flexibility contribute to broad buyer appeal.

Best Fit Buyer

Manistee Lake works well for buyers wanting space, variety, and moderate recreational energy.

Lake Size & Key Facts

• Surface area: approx. 530 acres
• Average depth: approx. 20 feet
• Water type: inland lake
• Drive time to Traverse City: ~45 minutes

Manistee Lake — Kalkaska County

$599,000

4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 1948366 MLS ⋅ Birch Terrace BLDG.

Imagine arriving at the lake with nothing more than your overnight bag. This turn-key Manistee Lake cottage makes that dream a reality! Featuring 4 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and a beautifully maintained interior, this waterfront retreat is ready to be enjoyed from day one. Spend your evenings watching unforgettable Northern Michigan sunsets from the lakeside deck before hopping onto your pontoon or Jet Skis, already waiting for you at the dock. The premium aluminum dock system, additional boat hoist, and detached 2-car garage make storing and enjoying your water toys effortless. With most furnishings included, this is the perfect opportunity to own a fully equipped lakefront getaway where every day feels like a vacation.

4791 E Shore Drive NE, Kalkaska

$229,000

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 1947854 MLS ⋅ Woodards Sub BLDG.

Whether you're looking to purchase your first home, find a Northern Michigan getaway, or settle into a comfortable place for retirement, this 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home offers easy main-floor living and shared access to Manistee Lake! Spend summer days boating, fishing, and enjoying the water, with a shared lake access point just down the road. A community dock has historically been installed and used by area residents; buyers to verify. For those who love the outdoors, adventure is right outside your front door, with approximately eight nearby ORV trails to explore by side-by-side, dirt bike, dual-sport bike, or snowmobile. The oversized garage provides plenty of room for vehicles and outdoor toys. Plus, you can walk to Manistee Lake Pizzeria for homemade pizza, cinnamon rolls, and donuts! Recent updates include a new water heater in 2026, central air, washer, dryer, and refrigerator in 2024, vinyl plank flooring throughout much of the home, and a furnace in 2019. New septic lines to the front tank with risers were also installed in 2024, and both tanks were pumped at that time. Located approximately 15 minutes from both Kalkaska and Mancelona and 30 minutes from Meijer in Acme, this is your opportunity to enjoy the Northern Michigan lake lifestyle—without breaking the bank!

5251 E Shore Drive, Kalkaska

$1,499,000

5 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 1945582 MLS ⋅ Metes And Bounds BLDG.

Turnkey, exquisite Manistee Lake waterfront home offering 4,700 square feet and up to six bedrooms. Relaxed, elegant, and built for lake life, this property has been cherished by the same family since the 1940s. Generations of boating, swimming, walking to the store, and now strolling to the beloved Manistee Lake Bakery have made this a true family legacy property. The original grandmother’s cottage was removed and replaced with a masterfully designed and built home by Brian Andersen. Rock-solid construction, sound and weather protection, thoughtful design, and exceptional care make this home feel nearly untouched. It is hard to tell anyone has ever lived here, it is that well maintained. Designed for gathering, the granite kitchen features two sinks in the island, a waterfront bar perfect for serving a crowd, and a 10 x 6 butler’s pantry for extra prep and storage. Flexible living offers up to six bedrooms, or use the waterfront loft as a beautiful office or creative space. The full unfinished walkout basement is framed and ready to finish. Hot water heat plus ducted forced air add comfort and efficiency. Low maintenance by design, this home is easy to enjoy year-round or close up and leave for the winter. Two garages offer up to four indoor parking spaces, and dog lovers will appreciate the custom dog yard and bathing area already in place. Manistee Lake is an 860-acre, crystal-clear, all-sports lake known for easy swimming, boating, and peaceful summer evenings where Taps can be heard across the water. Stunning yet humble, elegant yet easy, this is a lakefront estate built for family, friends, dogs, and decades of memories.

4805 E Shore Drive, Kalkaska

$147,900

2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ 1945021 MLS ⋅ Woodard's Sub BLDG.

What a charming Cottage !! check out some of the history. 2005-2013 : Cottage strip to the studs, Rewired (100 & 200 amp panels installed), insulated, windows, kitchen cabinets, septic system & more. 2013- 2026: Door & window installed in laundry room, Stone coated steel roofing & Vinyl Siding all installed by "ALL-WEATHER SEAL" Company, some items may have a transferable warranty. Short walk to shared 50 ft access on Manistee Lake, May be just the place to take in a lake view , or dip your toes. Must view to appreciate ...

7939 NE Beechnut Street, Kalkaska

$195,000

1943803 MLS

Manistee Lake 6.56 acres with 610 feet of water frontage. Currently surveyed into three parcels being sold together. Mature hardwoods on this all sports lake. Camping is permitted 120 days of each year (see documents). Easy access off of Kalkaska county's Cunningham rd. Centrally located between Traverse City, Gaylord, and Petoskey. There is no power easily available to this property.

Cunningham Road, Kalkaska

$35,000

1933508 MLS ⋅ Chwastek's Sub BLDG.

Tucked beneath a mature canopy of hardwoods with convenient access to Sands Park, these two adjoining partially cleared lots offer the opportunity to create a Northern Michigan getaway with the conveniences of year-round living and nearby public access to all-sports Manistee Lake. Sunlight filters through the trees, providing a naturally private setting while keeping you only minutes from the park's public boat launch, swimming beach, picnic pavilion, playground, and lake access. Whether you're planning a seasonal retreat or a year-round home, the level, wooded landscape provides flexibility while preserving the character of the surrounding forest. Launch the boat for a day on Manistee Lake, spend the afternoon on the water, then return home to the quiet of the woods. Conveniently located with easy access to Kalkaska, Grayling, and Traverse City, this property combines the feel of a secluded Up North setting with nearby recreation and everyday amenities. A rare opportunity to purchase two adjoining lots near one of Kalkaska County's most popular lakes.

00 NE Chwastek Road, Kalkaska

Start Your Search