As we take a history dive into Manitou Beach, Michigan it become clear that this lake has many interesting and unexpected stories for us to share with you. 

The Manitou Beach Roller Coaster: In the early 1900s, a roller coaster was built on the shores of Devil’s Lake in Manitou Beach. The coaster was known as the “Manitou Dip” and was a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. The coaster offered thrilling drops and curves, and it was a beloved feature of the Manitou Beach community for many years.

The Manitou Beach Casino: The Manitou Beach Casino was a popular dance hall and entertainment venue in the 1920s and 1930s. The casino hosted live music performances, dances, and other events, and it was a popular spot for young people to gather and socialize. The casino was destroyed by fire in 1934, but the site is now home to a public park and beach.

 

The Manitou Beach Aerial Tramway: In the 1920s and 1930s, an aerial tramway was built at Manitou Beach, offering visitors a unique way to see the sights of the area. The tramway consisted of a series of gondolas suspended from a cable, and it offered stunning views of Devil’s Lake and the surrounding countryside. The tramway was eventually dismantled, but its memory lives on as a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the early developers of Manitou Beach.

The Devil’s Lake Yacht Club: The Devil’s Lake Yacht Club was founded in the early 1900s and has been a fixture of the community ever since. The club offers sailing lessons, regattas, and other events throughout the year, and it has been instrumental in promoting boating and water sports on Devil’s Lake. Today, the Devil’s Lake Yacht Club is one of the oldest and most respected yacht clubs in the Great Lakes region.

At Devils Lake, you’ll find a plethora of activities to enjoy, from boating and fishing to kayaking and canoeing. The lake has inlets from Horton Creek and two unnamed streams at its northwest end, and is also connected to Round Lake by two small channels, perfect for adventurous paddlers. If you’re looking for a more relaxed pace, you’ll find two shallow sandbars that provide the perfect spot for anchoring your boat and taking a refreshing dip in the water.

We can’t wait for you to join us at the Lakeside Cafe on Devils Lake, established in 2023, and experience the beauty and serenity of this amazing natural resource.

Stop by our soft opening Memorial Day Weekend, 135 Devils Lake Highway. Share what you would like to see as we head to our Grand Opening 4th of July Weekend!

We have a lot of exciting ideas for this amazing community by the water.