Downtown Manistique

Manistique [1] presents a few curiosities for history buffs. The siphon bridge, built across the Manistique River in 1919, is a strange engineering feat, partially supported by the water underneath it. In fact, the roadway sits four feet below water level. Its construction was prompted by a paper mill just upstream, which needed to dam the river for its water needs, thus raising the river.

Also interesting is the historic Manistique Water Tower, a fancy neoclassical brick structure built in 1922, now serving as the town’s landmark. From the boardwalk, strollers can view the vivid red Manistique East Breakwater Light, constructed in 1916 and still operational today.