To Explore

Explore to your hearts content in Manitowoc County!

When Life's All Here, you'll find  a lot of things to do.   You can do this safely, while practicing social distancing, and still experience a great place to be.

Whether you are a visitor or a long time resident, you might be surprised at what you will find if you just take the time to EXPLORE!  Incredible outdoor resources abound in our area.  We have more accessible lake front on beautiful Lake Michigan than any other area on the western shore. 

You can walk, bike, run, boat, kayak and explore throughout Manitowoc County.   Our  outdoor natural resources are second to none.   And they're all here, ready for you to explore.   

Our stores and restaurants have opened safely and take care of both their staff and customers.  Many have added outdoor dining options with tasty food and people that will make you smile.

Life’s all here means that you have many fabulous and safe options to spend your free time and enjoy every minute. 

 

Access the Manitowoc County Visitor's Guide - Get the Guide

Explore inTwo Rivers too!  https://www.exploretworivers.com/

Manitowoc, Two Rivers Featured on Discover Wisconsin

 - Click Title to Connect to Video

In this episode of Discover Wisconsin, Mariah and Eric explore the wonders of Manitowoc and Two Rivers from sunken ship to stunning shore. Eric begins by learning about the history and industry of the rivers that flow through Manitowoc and Two Rivers. 

Two Rivers’ Newest Hotel Officially Open for Business

Aug 21, 2020 9:00 AM

Local News

 

With roughly 75 people on hand, the ribbon was cut yesterday afternoon at the Cobblestone Hotel in Two Rivers. Sitting on the former Suettinger Hardware property this modern yet rustic looking hotel overlooks Lake Michigan, and the harbor.

City Manager Greg Buckley started the ribbon cutting ceremony off by speaking about the history of the city, and specifically the land the hotel sits on. We asked Buckley about why this plot of land was perfect for the hotel.

Two Rivers City Manager Greg Buckley

“We’ve recognized for quite a while now the need to pursue redevelopment in our downtown waterfront, and the incredible assets that this area offers,” Buckley explained. “This new hotel, 55 guest rooms right in the heart of the community, $6.3 million investment, really puts an exclamation point on those efforts.”

The two men who really brought this vision to life were Ross Niemi, and Rick Carrey from Two Rivers Hotel Group.

Neither man was real familiar with the hotel industry, but Carrey, who is also the President of The Metal Ware Corporation, explained they chose the Cobblestone Hotel Group because, “They are based out of the Fox Valley, they were local. Everything we did with this project was to try to keep it local. Quite frankly we liked their mission statement which was ‘Big city amenities with small town values.’ We really like that. We thought that resonated with what we wanted to do with our community, and they were the right partners for us to build this project with.”

Niemi spoke about the pandemic, and how they addressed the potential issues it brings to a hotel.

“We actually had some hard conversations before we opened…One thing we looked at is our market studies said we expected a high number of tourists vs business,” Niemi explained. “With what is going on with COVID, people are traveling locally. They are not getting on airplanes. We said we are not going to have a normal year, but it’s not time to pivot. It’s time to keep going on the same path that we were.”

To learn more about Cobblestone, the fastest growing Hotel chain in the U.S., or to book a stay,  visit StayCobblestone.com.

EXPLORE BLUE WATERS

EXPLORE BLUE WATERS

 

Bring on Lake Michigan and our amazing waterways and rivers!  Many ways to connect with miles of clean beaches and opportunities to suit your pleasure - be active or find fun, peace, solace and great exercise on the water.  Public Beaches In Manitowoc define the perfect small coastal town vacation. We think it would have some of this and some of that.

 

An awesome stretch of beach, that goes without saying.  Map of Beaches in Manitowoc County - Access Map

Manitowoc County Lakes Association works to protect and improve inland lakes in Manitowoc County - Lakes Association Site

You can also connect with over 50 boat owning families who moor their boats at the Manitowoc  Marina and sail frequently!  The Maritime Yacht Club focuses on promoting safe environmentally conscious boating - Connect with Maritime Yacht Club

You can also consider sailing activities on our beautiful Lake Michigan - Connect with Manitowoc Yacht Club

Manitowoc Breakwater Light. A History of the Manitowoc Breakwater Lights by Molly Biddle, Registrar. The Manitowoc Breakwater Light has guided lakefarers in and out of the Manitowoc harbor for over 164 years, with the first lighthouse being established in 1839.  COME SAIL AWAY IN MANITOWOC COUNTY!  Check out the amazing lighthouses of Manitowoc County!  BE A SAILOR FOR A DAY.  - Lighthouse Info

HISTORICAL TREASURES

HISTORICAL TREASURES

 

The Historical Rogers Street Fishing Village is a great place to learn and explore the rich maritime history of Two Rivers, Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region. Rogers Street Fishing Village and Great Lakes Coast Guard Museum exhibits an 1886 historic lighthouse, shipwreck displays and artifacts, and commercial fishing exhibits. - Visit Rogers Street

 

Did you know that submarines were built here during WWII?  You can actually experience one here! The maritime heritage continues in Manitowoc with the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, nationally recognized by the Smithsonian - WMM Site

 

There is also a continuing history of agriculture in our area.  Being one of the largest milk producers and processors in Wisconsin, agriculture is a key part of our local economy.  Do you know where your food comes from? 

You can learn more at the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center - Visit FWDC Site

HUNTING, FISHING & SPORTING

HUNTING, FISHING & SPORTING

We have a deep heritage of conservation, with one of the oldest known sporting organizations in the U.S.  Manitowoc County Fish & Game Protective Association is 112 years old!  It is recognized as a model for conservation groups across the country.  There are over 25 sporting organizations working together under that group.  They offer over 450 acres of publicly available lands and have provided public access to most of the area's inland lakes - Visit the FG Site

Manitowoc County sits in the heart of a world-class salmon and trout fishery and within a short drive from several other unbelievable waters.  Northeast Wisconsin Great Lakes Sportfishermen serve that resource and help members become better big water fishermen - Visit the NEWGLSF Site

Manitowoc County also offers a wealth of great inland lakes for fishing and other recreational needs.  All have public access, some with parks and ammenities - Visit Lakes Association

Mishicot Sportsmen's Club offers great archery fields, trout fishing, picknicking and hiking and is located at Jambo Creek Park,  the site of the first trading post in the county -   Mishicot Sporting

Stock Car Racing at 141 Speedway in Maribel is a fabulous family experience for racing fans - 141 Speedway

TRAILS, CAMPING AND ECOSYSTEMS

TRAILS, CAMPING AND ECOSYSTEMS

 

How about a nice walk or bike ride on the beautiful lakeshore.  Mariners Trail is a 5.5 mile recreational trail along the shore of Lake Michigan between Manitowoc and Two Rivers in east central Wisconsin.  - Learn About Mariner's Trail

Learn about the ecosystem of the area rivers and lands - Visit Woodland Dune Nature Center

Learn about marshes and wetlands - Visit Collins Marsh

Maybe you want to stay and camp one of our picturesque camp grounds - Area Campgroun

MANITOWOC COUNTY MURALS ADD A TOUCH OF COLOR, CLASS AND COOL ART

No blarney here!  It's the real deal.

Wee bit of Irish at Moore's Irish Pub in downtown Manitowoc - July 2020

Largest bobber ever right here in Manitowoc at the Wastewater Treatment facility.  Now that's colorful innovation!

July 2020

Celebrating the rich history of local icon and benefactor Ruth West with a new mural!

Located on North 8th street in Downtown Manitowoc - June 2020

10TH Street Bridge Manitowoc

Manitowoc Crosswalk

Postcard Downtown Manitowoc

Manitowoc Public Library

Local Info

Connect with Leede