Manitou Beach, first noted by Euro-American settlers in the early 1830s, quickly became a favored resort in southeast Michigan by the turn of the 20th century. It quickly outgrew the comparably sized community of Devils Lake at the north end of the lake. Steam launches ferried tourists from the depot to the hotels and attractions, which included bath houses, a dance pavilion, pleasure craft rental facilities, a water slide, picnic areas and eating establishments. The name 'Manitou Beach' is derived from the Potawatomi name of Devils Lake, "Michemanetue", meaning, "Lake of the (evil) Spirit".
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The Manitou Beach post office was established on March 20, 1889, with Columbus F. Becker as the first postmaster. The office was discontinued on December 31, 1892, and reestablished on January 17, 1893. Manitou Beach was also as station on the Cincinnati, Jackson and Mackinaw Railroad (later part of the Cincinnati Northern Railway).
Devil's Lake was said to have been named by the Potawatomi leader Meteau (or Mitteau) after his daughter, who was an able swimmer, drowned in the lake and her body was never recovered. Meteau believed her to have been taken by evil spirits. The first white settlers here arrived in 1833. SEARCH DEVILS/ROUND LAKE HOMES!
The Manitou Beach region was devastated by an F4 tornado during the Palm Sunday tornado outbreak of April 11, 1965. Most of what was destroyed was rebuilt, including the dance hall and two churches. Over the course of the past four decades, the resort has few reminders of the tornado. A book on the tornado was compiled from 2000 to 2002 by local author Dan Cherry, and published in the summer of 2004.
Other books published on the lake resort include Lake Reflections by Margaret Brighton and the Lakes Preservation League (1996), Ho! For Devils Lake by Barbara Page Roys (1998), and Along the Trails of Michemanetue, released by Cherry in 2009.
In 2010, the community of Manitou Beach continues to draw vacationers, and because of its popularity, one by one the small seasonal cottages are being replaced by large, year-around homes. FIND YOUR HOME HERE!
The Devils Lake Drive-In, a drive-in movie theater, closed its doors after 58 seasons due to the death of its owners.
The Manitou Beach Inn, a long-time staple of the business community, was destroyed by fire January 3, 2010.
Early 2010 a new staple has opened its doors thanks to a long time Toledo entrepreneur replacing "The Other Side" bar and restaurant. This new attraction is called "Captain Chucks Sandbar and Grill"!
If you're ever in the area on a Tuesday stop out to the lakes and enjoy our "Taco Tuesday" Celebrations that last all day long and are held every week! SEARCH LAKE FRONT PROPERTIES HERE!
While in the area dont miss the chance to stop at these other hot spots!
Lyons Family Dining The Shores Restaurant Artesian Wells Tavern
This area of Lenawee County is well known in Michigan for its "Irish Hills."
A short distance north of Devils and Round Lake, the Irish Hills are named for the lush green hills that roll across the landscape in this area of Michigan. Summer in the Irish Hills is a great time for recreation on the water. Boating is a favorite activity because of the many clear blue lakes. Devils Lake is a popular destination for water skiing and sailing. Autumn in Southern Michigan is alive with fiery orange trees. In winter, the snow-covered Irish Hills are welcoming to cross-country skiing and other cold weather sports.
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