Why Choose Arcadia?

Arcadia offers abundant natural beauty to explore around every corner. Each season in our region brings new opportunity to experience the very best of Northern Michigan outdoors. Discover the beauty of forest floors blanketed by wild flowers in spring and rich autumn hues in the fall, breathtaking sunsets on un-crowded beaches, and abundant preserve land for your favorite outdoor activities.

Arcadia is located along Lake Michigan on M-22, a route that was nominated Michigan's most scenic drive by National Geographic Traveler Magazine. The region is a water lover's delight offering sandy beaches, Lake Michigan access, excellent fishing, boating, and kayaking. Home to Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course, named one of the top 50 courses in the America by Golf Digest, boasting spectacular Lake Michigan views.  Visit the Historic Arcadia Museum and learn about the rich history of this area and the home of Harriet Quimby, the First Lady of Aviation.

A special point of interest, and perfect picture spot, is Inspiration Point. There you will find the highest point on the west shore of Lake Michigan, a park, and lookout area with a deck furnished with telescopes by the local Lions Club.  

After having made the move from Lansing to Arcadia people ask “Why Arcadia?” My family has always vacationed in Northern Michigan and I think that the draw for me has always been the ability to unplug and slow things down. In our busy lives we are constantly inundated with obligations, deadlines, traffic, noise, complaints, and the like. When we arrived in Arcadia we immediately could feel that we had found a place that offered something special.

Arcadia is centrally located on the scenic M22 highway in Northern Manistee County. It is not a bustling resort town. It is not a place where it is difficult to find a place to park your car, nor a place that you have to get to the beach by 9:00 am to find a spot for your towel on the already crowded beach. The streets are not lined with kitschy gift shops, or the latest fusion restaurants. Arcadia is however, the perfect spot for those inflicted with an overburdened lifestyle to really slow things down and find a space to breathe, a place for recreation.

Take a walk on the beautiful, sandy beach, discover the hiking and biking trails, and feel what it is to like to wander in the woods again like you did when you were a kid. Venture out under the dark night skies and experience being blanketed by stars. Leave the shore behind and drop your oars in the peaceful waters of Arcadia Lake or Marsh Preserve. You will be surprised by how quickly the giddy excitement of childhood comes back, having open ended time to explore nature.