The Art of
MANITOU
An artistic heartbeat pulses through Manitou Beach a heartbeat that brings life and energy to this charming lakeside community. This is a place where art is celebrated, a place where
art can grow, and a place where art is always at home. From galleries to festivals to everyday life, art can always be found in the sweet lakeside village of Manitou Beach.
LAND
AND LAKES LADIES CLUB PRESENTS:
Devils Lake SUMMER FESTIVAL
Festival Date: June 21st 11:00 to 4:00
Come join us at Manitou Beach Village for a day packed with excitement, entertainment, and community spirit! Enjoy live music, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a variety of crafts and games. Bring the whole family—our activity-packed kids' area is sure to delight children of all ages. Don't miss out on the 50/50 raffles and other fun surprises throughout the event. Whether you're here for the activities, the camaraderie, or just to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, there's something for everyone. We can't wait to see you there!
YoungARTISTS GALLERY
Located in Cafe
The Young Artists Gallery is a yearround exhibit where the art rotates every three months, showcasing the work of the young artists who attend the Manitou Summer Art Camps.
Lock ARCH
This art installation by Greg Earle was created in memory of Marie Parker. This installation features a metal structure in which visitors may attach locks as a way to lock in their lake memories. Visitors may bring their own locks or purchase locks at area businesses. As a bonus, the installation is surrounded by charming, personalized pavers.
103 Walnut St., Manitou Beach
Things to do IN MANITOU BEACH
Embrace the history
of Manitou Beach by visiting the downtown Lock Arch.
Explore the shops
around the lakes and in downtown Manitou Beach. Everything from beach gear to art and souvenirs.
Gaze upon the art
in the area by visiting local galleries and discovering art instillations through the Manitou Beach area.
Bask in the sun
while you cruise on the beautiful lake. Boat rentals are available at multiple locations.
Plan a getaway
by booking a stay at various Inns and house rentals.
Make it a tradition
to go somewhere fun, memorable and inviting. Make it Manitou.
Calendar Calendar of Events of Events
February
June
Manitou Beach Village Art Camp
June 16-20
Manitou Beach Village Art Camp
February 1
Tip Up Festival
February 7, 8 & 9, Friday-Sunday
Devils Lake Watersports Open House
Devils Lake Summer Festival
June 21
Irish Hills Lake & Home Tour
June 21
Manitou Beach Village Art Camp
June 23-27, June 30-July 3
December
September
Men’s Club Golf Outing
Sept 7, Sunday
Manitou Beach Village Sip & Shop
Devils Lake Parade and Tree
Lighting
Dec 5
Holiday in the Hills
TRIBE
A name born from a legend TOLD BY THE POTAWATOMI
that once lived on its shores.
According to the legend, the daughter of the chief decided to leave the tribe to marry her lover.
As she and the man she loved crossed the lake in a canoe, an evil spirit rose from the water and took her. She was never seen again. The lake became known to the Potawatomi as Michemanetue (misheh-MAN-eh-too) the Lake of the Evil Spirit.
By the early 20th Century, what is now known as Manitou Beach had vastly transformed from the once quiet Potawatomi village. The area had grown to become a tourist destination, alive with lake-view hotels, bath houses, a dance pavilion, boat rentals, water slides, and restaurants. Steam launches ferried visitors to various attractions around the lake. It was a place to fish and boat and picnic and dance and relax.
For nearly a century, Manitou Beach thrived as a premier vacation destination. Then, on April 11, 1965, an F4 tornado tore a path of destruction through Manitou Beach, destroying many buildings, businesses, and homes. Soon after, when economic downturn met this already wounded community, the once vibrant resort town began to fall into disrepair.
However, this sad moment of Manitou history was not to be the end of its story. In 2011, Manitou Beach would find a new start from the dreams of successful businessman DavidGajdaGajda. had
fond memories of summering in Manitou Beach when he was a child, however, when he returned as an adult, he found only a shadow of the lively resort town he remembered. Yet when Gajda looked at Manitou Beach, he saw hope.
Gajda and his partner, Jose Malagon, had already worked on highly successful revitalization projects in Hollywood, South Beach, and Times Square, and when they looked at Manitou Beach, they saw similar potential. The duo invested in the community, bringing area leaders and businesses together to bring Manitou Beach back in line to its vibrant past.
Since 2011, the area has transformed into a quaint beach town and has become a year-round resort and artist community with galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and farmer's markets. The once hard hit area now brings in thousands with festivals like the Devils Lake Festival of the Arts.
Manitou Beach has once again become the essence of true Michigan. It is a place where waters are alive with sport, fishing, boating, and swimming. It is a place to shop within quaint beach town boutiques. It is a place where the sun sets in brilliant red and orange streaks across the rippling lake. It is a place to find quiet and stillness as you stand on the lapping shores of the ancient Michemaneutue, pondering legends of old.
792 Manitou Rd | Manitou Beach
