Manitowoc, Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Maritime Museum at Manitowoc is located on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. The museum spans 60,000 square feet of high tech, interactive exhibits designed for families and marine enthusiasts of all ages.

The museum is the premier destination for exploring the distinct maritime history of shipbuilders, sailors, and submariners of Wisconsin. The exhibits celebrate the heritage of the Manitowoc, Two Rivers regions and the submarines built during the Second World War. The museum boasts a multimedia theatre, model ships, an operating steam engine and the opportunity to tour the World War II submarine, the USS Cobia.

Address: Wisconsin Maritime Museum at Manitowoc, 75 Maritime Drive, Manitowoc, WI, 54220, Phone: 866-724-2356 or 920-684-0218

West of The Lake Gardens is a 6 acre manicured garden property acquired in 1934 by John and Ruth West, philanthropists from Manitowoc Wisconsin. The garden, formerly a streetcar right of way, was transformed after its purchase and has evolved from only tulip beds, once growing more than 30, 000 tulips, to today's elaborate Eastern influenced beds of cacti, succulents, roses, and colored gravel beds.

The original home, designed by John West, nicknamed the "Shoebox Estate" for its similarities to a Frank Lloyd Wright design, is another feature of the property. The garden blooms from May to October.

Address: West of The Lake Gardens – West Foundation, 915 Memorial Drive, Manitowoc, WI 54220, Phone 920-684-6110

Attractions for Couples

The Rahr West Art Museum is a heritage home, built in the late 1800s by former Manitowoc mayor, Joseph Vila. After Vila's death, it was restored by Rahr Malting president, Reinhardt Rahr, in 1905. The house is an impressive 13 room mansion with original architectural features and furnishings. The museum is home to art and sculpture from around the world including the Simon Schwartz collection of Chinese Ivories, spanning 300 years of history, an antique doll collection and, works of art from Georgia O’Keefe, Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Isadore Bonheur. There are special exhibitions throughout the year.

Address: Rahr West Art Museum, 610 - 616 N 8th Street, Manitowoc WI, Phone 920-686-3090

This 40-acre piece of farmland was donated to the Manitowoc Historical Society in 1977. Since then, it has been transformed into the Pinecrest Historical Village celebrating the history of the Manitowoc region. It features more than 30 structures gathered from across the country and relocated to the Village site. The museum property is divided into three sections; the Newcomer area, dedicated to the 1800s, The Growing Community, with buildings from the 1900s and, the Civic Centre with structures that re-tell the story of transformation from a stagecoach stop to a lively ballroom and boarding house.

Address: Pinecrest Historical Village, 54220, 924 Pinecrest Road, Manitowoc WI 54220, Phone 920-684-4445

At the intersection of 8th Street and Park, Manitowoc WI, is a brass ring marking the exact spot where aa 20-pound piece of Sputnik IV, the famed Russian Satellite, crashed on September 5, 1962. Most of Sputnik burned in the atmosphere except for this one piece that landed in the middle of town. The brass ring is a memorial to the crash and the embarrassment suffered to the Russian space program after Sputnik failed to remain in orbit. Visitors come to the Sputnik Crash Site to visit the brass ring, learn about the crash, and celebrate the annual Sputnikfest and other extraterrestrial events.

Address: Sputnik Crash Site, 8th Street and Park Street, Manitowoc WI

Henry Shuette Park, located along the picturesque Manitowoc River, is over 65 acres of natural beauty and recreational space. Henry Shuette Park offers activities and facilities that range from picnic shelters, fishing spots, walking trails, a canoe and kayak launch, and fitness stations along the scenic river. Facility and equipment rentals are offered through the website. Cross country ski enthusiasts can enjoy the trails in winter months. A portion of Henry Shuette park trails belongs to the Ice Age Trail Community which tracing ice age formations across Wisconsin.

Address: Henry Shuette Park, 3700 Broadway Street, Manitowoc WI, 54220, Phone 920-686-3580

Recommended Activities for Families

Silver Creek Park sits on the shores of Lake Michigan. The park is over 71 acres and hosts some of the most picturesque views and topography in Wisconsin. Features of the park include open wooded areas, green hills, a winter sports area, fishing, skiing, sheltered pavilions and even a 36-hole disc golf course featuring a 6ft lighthouse on the 22nd hole surrounded by lake views on three sides. Silver Creek runs through the park with beaches and picnic areas dotted along its route. Facilities may be booked online.

Address: 3001 S., 10th Street, Manitowoc WI - Phone 920-686-3580

The Young Men’s Christian Association was started in 1844 in London, England. The mission of the YMCA - Two Rivers is in keeping with the original spirit of the association, “To put Christian principles into practice through programs which build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all”. The Manitowoc YMCA brings the spirit of community to residents through recreational, youth and seniors programming. The center offers year-round programs that focus on fitness and well-being with activities ranging from aquatics, sports like tennis, basketball and gymnastics, classes on meditation, healthy living, weight training for seniors, martial arts and programs for individuals with special needs.

Address: YMCA - Two Rivers, 205 Maritime Drive, Manitowoc WI, Phone 920-682-0341

Manitowoc County Ice Centre is an indoor, temperature controlled ice skating facility. The program was originally started in the early '80s inside the cattle barn on the Manitowoc County Fairgrounds. With little more than 20-30 participants to start with, the facility grew in popularity so by 1995, the new indoor facility was built. Programs at MCIC include figure skating, hockey, recreational skating as well as learn-to-skate programs. The Manitowoc County Figure Skating Club calls MCIC its home.

Address: 4931 Expo Drive, Manitowoc WI

Where to Eat in Manitowoc, WI

The Courthouse Pub, originally the F. Willinger Beer Hall, was renamed the Court Cafe during prohibition. In the 1930s the Pekel family purchased the property and renamed the establishment the Pekel Colonial Inn. Over the years, the exterior of the building has been remodeled but much of the colonial look of the interior remains untouched. The Courthouse Pub is now also a microbrewery featuring seasonal brews and customer favorites.

Address: 1001 South 8th Street, Manitowoc WI, 54220