Manitou Beach, nestled between Devils Lake (1300 acres) and Round Lake (550 acres) is in the Irish Hills area of Lenawee County. According to the 2000 census the population is 2,080 residents. First discovered by pioneer settlers in the 1880s, the name “Manitou” is derived from the Potawatomi name of Devils Lake, “Michemanetue” meaning “Lake of the (evil) Spirit.” According to local folklore, the daughter of Potawatomi Chief Meteau tragically drowned in this lake. Since her body was never recovered, the chief proclaimed that she was taken by evil spirits. “Manitou” is the Potawatomi word for “great spirit,” either good or evil.

In the early 20th century, Manitou Beach developed as a summer vacation area primarily visited by train from Toledo. While only 40 miles northeast of Toledo, Devils lake and Round Lake were considered “up north” for the northwest Ohio residents. Weekends were spent at the Dance Pavilion on the south shore of Devils Lake, where entertainers like Frank Sinatra and Sandra Dee played and sang every summer weekend. The area was heavily damaged by two tornadoes over Easter weekend in 1965. The hundreds of cottages destroyed were rebuilt into year-round homes. Manitou Beach continues to attract a number of residents who choose to live in this resort community, with nearly 40% living here all year. Most of the old cottages have been replaced or remodeled to allow this trend in home ownership.