Tippy Dam in Michigan
Tippy Dam Recreation Area is located on Manistee River and the upstream, dammed portion of the river, known as Tippy Dam backwaters.
Tippy is Consumer Energy’s second largest hydro dam producing up to 20,000 kilowatts and provding electricity to approximately 6,500 customers.
Tippy Dam was known for its innovation and design when built, but today, most of the people you will find around Tippy are not there for a tour.They are there fishing the very popular “tailwaters” (the water immediately flowing from the dam) trying to land that large salmon or steelhead.
Tippy Dam or Tippy Hydro was built in 1918, and is a hydroelectric dam operated by Consumers Energy. The original name of the dam was Junction Hydro, but it was renamed to honor a Consumers board of directors member, Charles W. Tippy. The dam spans the Manistee River about 170 miles west from its headwaters, and approximately 20 miles east of its mouth with Lake Michigan, which includes Manistee Lake in Manistee as well.
Near Tippy Dam in Manistee County, Michigan, you can enjoy activities like fishing, paddling, hiking, and exploring the Manistee River and its surrounding areas, including visiting attractions like the Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse and First Street Beach
Outdoor Recreation:
Fishing: Tippy Dam is known for its world-class fishing, especially for salmon in the fall and steelhead and sturgeon in the spring.
Paddling: Paddle on the Manistee River and the upstream, dammed portion, known as Tippy Dam backwaters.
Hiking: Explore the Arcadia Dunes CS Mott Nature Preserve or the Manistee River Trail.
Cross-Country Skiing/Snowshoeing: Enjoy winter activities in the area.
Winter Camping: Camp during the winter months.
Suicide Hill: Check out the overlook and 208 stairs down to the river.
Little Mac Suspension Bridge: Hike to Little Mac, a half-mile hike from the Hodenpyl Dam canoe launch.
Attractions & Points of Interest:
Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse: Stroll the pier and enjoy views of Lake Michigan.
First Street Beach: Enjoy a beach day on one of the nicest beaches on Lake Michigan.
Manistee Riverwalk: Take a pleasant walk along the river and enjoy the views.
Arcadia Overlook: Enjoy a great view of Lake Michigan.
The Vogue Theatre: Catch a movie at this local theater.
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts: Explore the arts and culture at this center.
S.S. City of Milwaukee/USCGC Acacia: Explore this preserved Lake Michigan car ferry, which offers tours and doubles as a unique hotel in the summer.
Manistee River: Explore the river with high, white dunes and bordered by forests, flowing into Lake Michigan.
Manistee County Tourism: Visit the Manistee County Tourism website for more information on attractions and events.
https://www.visitmanisteecounty.com/web-2-0-directory/tippy-dam
Hey everyone! I just had to share my recent trip to Tippy Dam in Michigan – it was absolutely incredible! If you're looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, seriously, add this to your list. I'd heard about the Tippy Dam Recreation Area for its amazing fishing, but experiencing it firsthand was something else entirely. One of the things that surprised me most, especially after seeing all those gorgeous Tippy Dam photos online, was how stunning it is in winter. I'd initially wondered about the best visit time for Tippy Dam in winter, but let me tell you, it's magical. Imagine snow-covered evergreen bushes, the Manistee River winding through a quiet, white landscape, and those iconic concrete stairs descending into a serene, snow-dusted forest. It’s perfect for some peaceful cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. My camera was working overtime capturing the snowy banks and the view of the Tippy Dam backwaters – truly picturesque! And speaking of fishing, wow! The Tippy Dam fishing scene is legendary for a reason. I saw so many anglers trying their luck for salmon in the fall and steelhead in the spring. While I'm still honing my skills, just being by the Manistee River and feeling that vibrant energy was amazing. If you're serious about fishing, definitely look into a Manistee River fishing map beforehand to pinpoint the best spots. The tailwaters right below the dam are a hotspot, but exploring further upstream can yield great results too. For those planning to stay a while, like I did, checking out the Tippy Dam campground is a must. It offers a fantastic base for exploring. I loved being able to wake up practically right by the river, ready for a day of hiking or paddling. Always keep an eye on the Tippy Dam weather forecasts, especially if you’re visiting in the colder months, as conditions can change quickly. Beyond the dam itself, the surrounding Manistee County, Michigan has so much to offer. I hiked to the Little Mac Suspension Bridge – a lovely half-mile trek from Hodenpyl Dam! And exploring the Manistee River Trail gave me some breathtaking views. If you're into history, definitely check out the informational signs around the hydroelectric plant; they provide such a cool glimpse into its past and the Manistee River's significance. For a broader experience, I highly recommend swinging by the Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse and walking along First Street Beach. Even in winter, the views of Lake Michigan are spectacular. The combination of historical sites, abundant wildlife, and diverse recreational activities makes Tippy Dam and the Manistee River area a truly special destination. I can't wait to go back and experience it in another season!
