
He was instrumental in the growth of Manistee, opening the first hardware store, helping produce the first newspaper, and founding 1st National Bank. Ramsdell wanted to bring culture to Manistee, and after the Scandinavian Opera House burned, he donated $100,000 of his own money to create what is now at the corner of 1st and Maple streets.

Contact:
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts
101 Maple St.
Manistee, MI 49660
(231) 723-9948
More History in the West Michigan Area...
- Father Jacques Marquette Shrine
- History of Ludington
- Ludington, Michigan History - James Ludington, City Founder
- Port of Ludington Maritime Museum
- History of the Village of Hamlin Near Ludington, Michigan
- History Comes Alive at Historic White Pine Village
- The Colorful Murals of Ludington
- History of the Lake Michigan Carferry, the S.S. Badger
- Mason County Lumber Heritage Trail
- Hamlin Lake Cottage at the Historic White Pine Village
- History of the Wrens Roost on Hamlin Lake
Discover More Things To Do in Northwest Michigan...

Things to Do in Grand Traverse County -- There's such a variety of things to keep you entertained while you're in the Traverse City area! Boredom is never a problem here in Traverse City!
Things to Do in Leelanau County -- In addition to Fishtown in downtown Leland, be sure to visit some of the other attractions found in Leelanau County.
Things to Do in Benzie County -- In addition to sandy beaches along the Lake Michigan shoreline, the county is home of part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, lighthouses at Point Betsie and Frankfort, and the Betsie Valley Trail for hiking and biking along 22 miles from Elberta to Thompsonville.
Have Fun in Manistee, Michigan -- Explore Manistee's historic downtown district and riverwalk, hike the Manistee National Forest, canoe on the Manistee River, and more.
More Things to Do Around Lake Michigan...
Northern Michigan Activities & Things to Do -- Northern Michigan offers many fun things to do for the entire family whatever the season, whatever the reason!
West Michigan Things to Do -- Check this site out for our largest list of West Michigan Activities.
Eastern Wisconsin Things to Do -- There are a variety of activities in Eastern Wisconsin. Visit an amusement park, take a train or trolley tour, go kayaking, go for a cruise, visit a lighthouse, check out a garden, visit Lambeau Field, home to the Green Bay Packers, and much more.