Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull, Piping Plover, Spotted Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Sanderling, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, Baird's Sandpiper

Considered to be one of Manistee’s most beautiful beaches, 5th Avenue Beach is ideal for those looking to walk the North Pier. The Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse is also located off of the north pier. The beach has a bathhouse, a food vendor, a shower facility, a playground, and tennis courts.

You can walk the pier in the evening and enjoy a Lake Michigan sunset.

Manistee's North and South Piers are both worthwhile for migrant waterfowl and gulls in spring and fall and for shorebirds in the fall. The North Pier does not attract as many species as the South Pier but does provide a good vantage point for scoping out the ducks and gulls on Lake Michigan. The South Pier is better for closer looks at shorebirds and waterfowl, with the possibility of Purple Sandpiper and Harlequin Duck in late fall to early winter. Either way, be sure to wear very warm clothing.

Caution: do NOT walk the piers in high winds or waves.