Manitowoc County

  Manitowoc-Two Rivers-Lakeshore Area

Manitowoc County, known as the Maritime Capitol of Wisconsin, is truly a waterfront treasure. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Manitowoc County features a varied heritage of agriculture, ship building and maritime attractions as well as the natural beauty of forests, lakes and beautiful beaches. Whether youre strolling along the white sand beaches of the Lake Michigan shoreline or soaking up the pristine beauty of natures handiwork while wandering through hundreds of acres of parks, youll never cease to be amazed by the splendor and beauty that embrace Manitowoc County.

Business and Community

Manitowoc County has a rich maritime and shipbuilding heritage. Officially founded in 1836, Indians nicknamed Manitowoc Mundeowk, Home of the Good Spirit because of the beautiful harbors and rivers. The shipbuilding industry played a major role in the growth of the county and was especially crucial during times of war. Today, the City of Manitowoc is recognized worldwide as the manufacturer of spectacular yachts and large cranes. Manitowoc is also the sole Wisconsin port for the SS Badger, the only upscale, steam-powered car ferry still sailing on the Great Lakes. Agricultural and dairy farms are also important to the area's economy and visitors and residents can sample fresh cheese from local cheese factories. The cities of Manitowoc, Two Rivers, Mishicot and many others celebrate their heritage with festivals and local events and offer a great quality of life for their residents.

Recreational Activities

Outstanding marinas, parks and beaches provide just the right setting to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Manitowoc Countys Lake Michigan shoreline. Sailing, fishing and water-skiing are just a few of the water sports available in this incredible waterfront location. Many area marinas offer boat rentals and boat docks. Inland, Manitowoc County's lakes and streams invite anglers and fly casters to catch their limit of trout, bass, northern and delectable pan fish. In spring, the annual smelt run yields nets full of silvery finger fish, and smelt harvesting festivals are held throughout the county. 

In addition to water sports, several other outdoor activities are available in Manitowoc County. The newly completed and paved, six-mile long scenic lakeshore recreational trail, the Mariners Trail, is perfect for hiking, biking, walking or jogging. Manitowoc County's numerous parks and trail-ways offer a variety of outdoor activities for the whole family year-round, including hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and camping. Point Beach State Forest, provides six miles of sandy shoreline; the perfect place to catch a wave, watch the seagulls and shorebirds, observe the passing of great ships over the edge of the horizon, or simply take a walk in the sand. The area is also a golfers paradise with several beautiful courses that are fun for the beginner yet challenging for the experienced golfer! In the wintertime, be sure to visit the Manitowoc County Ice Center for a chance to play ice hockey or figure skate.

 
Historical & Cultural Attractions

Manitowoc County is full of cultural experiences. To learn about the rich heritage of this maritime county, visit the Wisconsin Maritime Museum where you can see the Model Ship Gallery, as well as take a tour of the USS COBIA, a WW II submarine and national historic landmark. Pinecrest Historical Village and many other attractions showcase early pioneer  homes, shops,  schools and more. The Historic Walking Tour of Downtown Manitowoc reflects a downtown rich in history and civic pride with unique shops, restaurants, pubs, theaters, art galleries and hotels preserved along the lakefront. The Capitol Civic Centre, once an opulent 1920s movie house, now hosts local theater, music groups and touring Broadway plays and symphonies. 

Dining, Shopping & Lodging

Browsing through the numerous charming boutiques, specialty and gift stores, art galleries, antique shops, collectible and craft marts across Manitowoc County provides more great fun. From one-of-a-kind heirloom  jewelry and handcrafted items to the latest kitchen gadgets from the nation's largest kitchen store, there's a lot of great and varied shopping for everyone in Manitowoc County. And after a busy day, you'll find an abundance of delicious restaurants to choose from, including gracious lakeside hotel dining, family style home cooking, authentic bistros, coffee houses, and lots of wonderful specialty foods. Manitowoc County also offers travelers an excellent selection of accommodations from award-wining hotels and full-service conference centers to rustic log homes, historic bed and breakfast inns, family lodging, and wooded campsites.

Manitowoc - Two Rivers - Lakeshore Area

Manitowoc County

Visit the Manitowoc Business Directory

Click here for parks, museums, attractions and things to do in Manitowoc County

Manitowoc Calendar of Events

Upcoming Events

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Area Attractions

• Historic Walking Tour of Downtown Manitowoc

• Pinecrest Historical Village, Manitowoc

• Capitol Civic Centre, Manitowoc

• Lincoln Park Zoo, Manitowoc

• Rahr-West Art Museum, Manitowoc

• West of the Lake Gardens, Manitowoc

• Wisconsin Maritime Museum, Manitowoc

• Manitowoc County Expo, Manitowoc

• Manitowoc Marina, Manitowoc

• Manitowoc County Ice Center, Manitowoc

• Seagull Marina & Campgrounds, Two Rivers

• Two Rivers History Museum, Two Rivers

• Historic Washington House, Two Rivers

• Point Beach State Forest, Two Rivers

• The Old School Shops, Norman Rockwell Center, Mishicot

• Devils River Campground, Maribel