[5] The city borders the adjacent Manistique Township, but the two are administered independently.

The city lies on the north shore of Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Manistique River, which forms a natural harbor that has been improved with breakwaters, dredging, and the Manistique East Breakwater Light.

The Manistique Area Schools athletic teams are referred to as the "Emeralds."

Several local businesses include "Emerald City" in their names.

Originally named Eastport, Manistique replaced Onota as the county seat.