There’s a new tourist attraction in northern Michigan and this one takes a look back at the past of Manistee.
Origin is an educational sculpture walking experience that looks at the history of Manistee. From it’s roots with the Anishinaabek people, to where it is today.
The Manistee County Visitors Bureau worked closely with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and the Manistee County Historical Museum to come up with the idea for Origins.
Executive Director for the Manistee County Visitors Bureau Sammie Lukaskiewicz says she expects it to be a great educational experience for tourists and the community.
“Travel has changed in general, and tourists expect more of the places they go. And places like [Origins} make them want to come back again and again,” Lukaskiewicz states.
The sculpture walk follows the natural pathways of Douglas Park and the Riverwalk. Each piece gives a peek back at the history of Manistee and features influential people like Tribal Elders and past community leaders.
The Executive Director for the Manistee County Historical Museum, Mike Fedder, says he didn’t want Origins to just be lumberjacks. He says it was very important for Origins to represent the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.
“It’s very important that the people visiting Manistee know the history of it. Manistee was a very big industrial city later on. It played a big role in the formation of the state of Michigan. And all of that is highlighted on this walk,” Fedder explains.
They say they’re excited to share Manistee’s past while they look forward to the future.
“A piece like this is always going to be growing. There could be the next set of silhouettes on here of people who are leading our community right now,” Lukaskiewicz says.
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