Opening: Up North Riverwalk leads to Michigan’s best beach, $1.25 million in upgrades delayed

MANISTEE, MI – This Up North river trail leading to Michigan’s most beautiful beach is open.

A $1.25 million upgrade to the Manistee Riverwalk was planned for this summer, but problems with the bidding process have caused delays, officials said.

That means it’s open and available for leisurely strolls along the Manistee River Channel between downtown Manistee and the award-winning First Street Beach/Douglas Park. Along the way, there are views of parks, gardens, boats and bridges, and you might even see a cargo ship.

First Street Beach/Douglas Park was recently named the best beach in Michigan by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

RELATED: The beach in the north of Lake Michigan was named the best beach in the state

Created in the 1990s, the 1.5-mile-long Riverwalk begins near the intersection of US-31 and River Street and runs along the canal behind shops and restaurants, ending at the stump pier of the beach and park complex. It provides access to marinas, charter fishing and motels, and features community gardens and benches, as well as historic signage.

With a budget of $1.25 million, the city of Manistee sought bids for a list of improvements to the waterfront earlier this year. Officials hoped to have work begin in early June.

RENTHUSIASTIC: This beautiful Up North Riverwalk leads directly to a beach on Lake Michigan

However, no bids were received, said Bill Gambill, Manistee’s city manager. A second call for bids in early August received two bids, but both were “extremely high,” he said.

RENTHUSIASTIC: The Lake Michigan overlook offers breathtaking views from a 100-foot cliff

The work would be re-tendered with some changes, with some items likely to be combined, he said.

“I don’t have a timeline for what’s next,” Gambill told MLive. “I wish I had better news.”

Work is expected to focus on one mile of waterfront, from US-31 to Spruce Street:

• Areas with treated wood flooring will be replaced with new ones

• Railings are cleaned and painted; light poles are cleaned, painted and converted to LED

• ADA compliant sidewalk access will be added at the Manistee Municipal Marina.

• Rain gardens will be created at the eastern end of the waterfront near the Manistee Chamber of Commerce.

• New signage will be added, including six markers for future cultural exhibits and up to five kiosks with historical information and directions.

• An observation deck and patio seating will be installed behind West Shore Community College.

RELATED: There is another tunnel of trees in Northern Michigan

In 2022, the city received an $850,000 federal grant to enhance the waterfront with rain gardens, arts and cultural exhibits, and general accessibility. The local Downtown Development Authority is contributing $240,000. The rest of the $1.25 million will come from the city’s Capital Improvement Fund.