Message From The Chamber President
Dear Mantons Chamber Members and Friends:
On behalf of The Manton Area Chamber of Commerce, we welcome you to our Chamber’s website. As one of the oldest business organization in Wexford County, we are proud to promote our businesses and community to our members, local residents, and visitors to our beautiful quiet town.
With its record of extraordinary growth throughout the years, the small town has earned its position in the region as one of the fastest growing towns in Northern Michigan. With its rich legacy of leadership, be assured the Chamber will continue to build a greater Manton area.
We are an active chamber that looks to advance its members’ growth and prosperity, and provide increased opportunities and value for its membership. The Chamber advocates for and unites the business community, conveys business interests to policy-makers and advances the region’s economic health. To carry out this mission, the Chamber serves as the voice of business and involves the public sector in community leadership. From the community sponsored events, for those in need in our community, to the ongoing member programs, to the monthly gatherings that meet to address critical issues in the community – the Chamber is Where Business & Community Connect! Membership in The Manton Area Chamber of Commerce offers opportunities and access for your business and partnership in building a stronger community.
If you are not already a member of the Chamber, we invite you to join us. If you are already a member, please take full advantage of your membership investment and get involved. If you don’t have time to attend meetings and events, know that we are here for you and your business and will continue to be your resource for information and assistance.
Please do not hesitate to send us an email at business@mantonchamber.com
Sincerely,
Mike Moffit
History
The idea of Manton was started in the 1860’s by a small group of men that were located around the area. At the time, Manton Bostick’s Drug Store, Museum display was a heavily wooded forest, mostly hard maple. The only semblance of a break in the woods was a narrow cut where the town was platted.
The first plat was called Cedar Creek, but the railroad company subsequently platted a tract of land adjoining the first plat and named it Manton. The railroad had already named the station Manton and soon the entire village was known by that name. The railroad plat was the first one registered (1874). The Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, after delays due to financial difficulties and poor management, finally reached Cadillac (known as Clam Lake then) in 1870. Construction continued to move north and within months it was completed through Manton. The station was built early in 1873. An early newspaper account read: “The town plat contains thirty acres lying on both sides of the G.R. and I.R.R. and is situated in the midst of a splendid farming country. As yet few buildings have been erected, but Mr. Manton informs us that over thirty will be erected in the spring. Good building lots are presently worth $125 to $150. A saw mill has been erected by Mr. R.W. Corson.”
Visit the Manton Area Historical Museum, located on the east side of US-131, three blocks north of the M-42 and US-131 intersection. The Museum is open May-October, Tuesday – Saturday, 12-4 pm and on Sunday, 1-4 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission By Donation. Phone (231) 824-3208
Visit the Veteran’s Memorial Museum, located adjacent to the Manton Area Historical Museum at 310 N. Michigan Ave. The Veteran’s Memorial Museum is open every year from May-October, Thursday – Saturday, 12-4 pm Contact information Neal Bennett 231-824-9504. These museums are open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
More Resources on the History of Manton
Manton Michigan – Wikipedia
Manton Michigan History – Facebook
Manton Michigan History Museum – Pure Michigan
City of Manton Michigan
Wexford County Genealogy – Manton
Chamber Team
Mike Moffit - President
Shelly Emery - Vice President
Robert Priest - Treasurer
Dawn Price - Secretary
Patrick Otto - Trustee
Sherry Sisco - Trustee
Priscilla Shaffer - Trustee
Manton Neighborhoods
MESICK - MICHIGAN
Mesick is a village in Springville Township, Wexford County. The population was 397 at the 2020 census.
For more information, please visit:
www.villageofmesick.com
CADILLAC - MICHIGAN
Cadillac is the county seat of Wexford County. The population was 10,355 at the 2010 census. The city is situated at the junction of US 131, M-55 and M-115.
For more information, please visit:
www.cadillac.org
TRAVERSE CITY - MICHIGAN
Traverse City is the county seat of Grand Traverse County. The population was 14,674 at the 2010 census, with 143,372 in the Traverse City micropolitan area.
The Traverse City area is the largest producer of tart cherries in the United States.
LAKE CITY - MICHIGAN
Lake City is a city in and the county seat of Missaukee County. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 836.
Lake City is locally known as the “Christmas Tree Capital,” because of the millions of Christmas trees produced annually.
For more information, please visit:
www.cityoflakecity.com
P.O. Box 313, Manton, MI 49663 | business@mantonmichigan.com | COPYRIGHT © 2026 MANTON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Website created and designed by Robert Priest
