First Street Boat Launch

There's a $10 daily fee ($30 season pass), and Manistee police actively check for payment. The fee station isn't super obvious — look carefully before heading to the ramp, because they will ticket you $40 without hesitation. Don't assume it's free just because you don't see a big sign.

Despite the listed capacity, the lot feels tight on summer weekends, especially during salmon runs. If you're heading out on a Saturday morning in August or September, aim for pre-dawn or you'll be circling. No real overflow option nearby.

The ramp itself is in good shape and wide enough to run two boats side by side comfortably. Easy grade, no drama backing in. You're sheltered from Lake Michigan chop here on the river, so loading and unloading is calm even on windy days.

This is a prime staging point for fall salmon runs on the Manistee River, and the perch fishing right off the small pier can be surprisingly good. That also means it gets absolutely slammed from late August through October — weekday launches are a different world compared to weekends.

Clean restrooms, a fishing pier, and a nice view of the river — it's a proper city park setup, not just a slab of concrete next to the water. Good spot to hang out if someone in your group isn't fishing.