Looking for a charming Great Lakes getaway? Head to Two Rivers, Wisconsin! Nestled along Lake Michigan’s shores, Two Rivers offers sandy beaches, outdoor adventures, and a welcoming small-town vibe. Whether you're into kayaking, biking, history, or just relaxing by the water, Two Rivers is the perfect spot for coastal Midwest fun.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Two Rivers is from late spring to early fall (May through September). Warm temperatures make it ideal for beach outings, kayaking, hiking trails, and attending local festivals.
Tips for getting There
- If you are traveling by car: Two Rivers is located along Highway 42, about 40 minutes from Green Bay and 1.5 hours from Milwaukee.
- By Air: The nearest airports are Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (about 45 minutes) and Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (about 1.5 hours).
- By Bus: Intercity bus services are available to nearby Manitowoc, with local taxis or rideshares to Two Rivers.
Where I like to stay
- Lighthouse Inn on Lake Michigan – If you want lakefront rooms with a private beach and onsite dining.
- Cobblestone Hotel & Suites – A modern downtown hotel close to Neshotah Beach and local shops.
- Red Forest Bed & Breakfast – Quaint, historic lodging offering cozy rooms and homemade breakfasts.
Unique Attractions
1. Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum
Located in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, the Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum is dedicated to the study, preservation, production and printing of wood type used in letterpress printing. The museum was originally located in the former Hamilton Manufacturing Company factory building but was moved in 2013 to the former Formrite Company building. The museum has a collection of more than 1.5 million pieces of wood type in more than 1,000 styles. The museum also includes the presses and vintage prints. The museum organizes a range of workshops and conferences throughout the year and welcomes students from universities from across the United States. The museum is run by the Two Rivers Historical Society.
1816 10th St, Two Rivers, WI 54241, Phone: 920-794-6272
2. Rogers Street Fishing Village
Located on the banks of the East Twin River, near Two Rivers, Wisconsin, Rogers Street Fishing Village is a museum and heritage park with four historic buildings that feature exhibits on America's commercial fishing. Visitors can board the 1936 wooden fishing tug BUDDY O, visit the fishing sheds, watch the antique Kahlenberg Marine Oil Engine start up, listen to the whistles and horns. The highlight of the visit is climbing up to the 1886 Two Rivers' North Pier Lighthouse for a spectacular bird's eye view of the entire Fishing Village. A part of the museum is also the Great Lakes Coast Guard Exhibit SHIPWRECKS!, with artifacts rescued from the depths of Lake Michigan's most famous shipwrecks.
2102 Jackson St, Two Rivers, WI 54241, Phone: 920-793-5905
Attractions for Couples
3. Woodland Dunes Nature Center
Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve is a 1,500-acre area of hardwood and conifer forests, wetlands, and prairies between the towns of Two Rivers and Manitowoc, Wisconsin. There are about seven miles of hiking trails winding through verdant marshes, wooded ridges and lush meadows. Center’s 14 ridges and swales are home and a stopover to neo-tropical songbirds, Monarch butterflies, bats, amphibians, mammals and more than 400 plant species. Visitors can observe about 260 species of birds, including 36 species of warblers. There are environmental education programs year around for adults and youth. The center serves as an outdoor classroom for thousands of students in the region.
3000 Hawthorne Ave, Two Rivers, WI 54241, Phone: 920-793-4007
4. Bernard Schwartz House
The Bernard Schwartz House, known as Still Bend, is a magnificent 3,000-square foot house in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The Life Magazine considered it Wright's "Dream House," and a unique example of a two-story Usonian house. Wright designed the house originally for Life in 1938. The house is believed to have the oldest in-floor heating system in the country. It is located on the East Twin River about a mile from Lake Michigan. When he wrote in Life Magazine about the house plan, Frank Lloyd Wright mentioned that it reflects the American family unique lifestyle, with its special private spaces, super conveniences and great style. The Schwartz House is one of the few Wright homes open to the public that allow guests to spend the night.
3425 Adams St, Two Rivers, WI 54241, Phone: 612-840-7507
5. Spirit of the Rivers
Spirit of the Rivers is a majestic group of bronze sculptures placed on shore of the Lake Michigan, between Manitowoc and Two Rivers, Wisconsin. The monument celebrates the history and culture of the area’s earliest inhabitants and reminds us that native people lived on the lake shore for centuries before the timber was all cut to develop present cities. A group of portageur hold on their shoulders the birch bark canoe as a tribute to the first vessels to sail the lake waters and start the area’s rich maritime history. The statues, created by Richard Wallen, are over ten feet tall and weigh three tons.
4815 Memorial Dr, Two Rivers, WI 54241
6. Waverly Inn and Pizzeria
Located in the historic building in downtown Two Rivers, Waverly Inn and Pizzeria is a popular local pizza restaurant and bar known for the best thin crust pizzas in the area. What makes all the difference is their signature Waverly pizza sauce, premium toppings, and large portions. There is a fish fry on Friday, which is also a karaoke evening. Saturday is reserved for steaks – the choice is between tenderloin, New York strip, or rib eye. The dining room is spacious with exposed brick walls and high ceiling. There are plenty of TVs above the fully stocked bar and occasional live music. During the warm months, the guests can enjoy dining al fresco on the cozy patio.
1402 16th St, Two Rivers, WI 54241, Phone: 920-794-1709
Recommended Activities for Families
7. Point Beach State Forest
Point Beach State Forest is located along 6 miles of scenic Lake Michigan shoreline, where it provides a popular recreation area. Here you will find sand dunes, a light house and plenty of fun activities for the whole family. The forest campground offers 120 campsites, of which 70 have electrical hook-up, and there are restrooms and a shower block. Activities are many and varied; you can simply enjoy the 5+ miles of undeveloped beach on foot or enjoy swimming, paddling, boating and other water activities. In addition, the forest offers 11 miles of hiking and skiing trails as well as paved trails for biking and mountain biking.
9400 Country Road O, Two Rivers, WI 54241, 920-794-7480
8. Van der Brohe Arboretum
More than just a collection of trees, the Van der Brohe Arboretum will incorporate a community Art Park and an essential sanctuary for migrating birds. The arboretum covers 65 scenic acres, which was formerly home to a golf course. The arboretum was established in 2018 to provide and protect a community green space where residents and visitors can come to learn more about the environment and about trees and shrubs in general. Although the arboretum is still very young, trails have been laid to enable visitors to access the interior of the site and the art nodes. As more and more visiting birds find this sanctuary, it is hoped that the arboretum will become a popular bird-watching site.
3800 Lincoln Avenue, Two Rivers, WI 54241, 920-726-4850
9. LondonDairy Alpaca Ranch
The whole family will enjoy spending a few hours meeting and learning about alpacas at the 9. LondonDairy Alpaca Ranch in Two Rivers. On your tour of the ranch you will get the chance to meet some of the friendly resident alpacas, feed them and even take photos with them. You will also learn about their unique wool and its uses. At the end of the tour you can buy a wide range of alpaca products and a selection of South American wines at the shop. The ranch offers regular events for those who are considering setting up their own alpaca farms. Visitors are invited to book their tour of the ranch at least 48 hours in advance, as this is a working ranch and walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
6827 State Highway 147, Two Rivers, WI 54241, 920-793-4165
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Relax on Neshotah Beach – If you love soft sands, swimming, and beautiful Lake Michigan sunsets.
- Bike the Mariners Trail – Scenic paved trail linking Two Rivers and Manitowoc, perfect for biking or walking.
- Kayak or paddle the East and West Twin Rivers – Enjoy peaceful water trails flowing through town and into Lake Michigan.
Where I Like to Eat
- Casa Mexico – If you are craving hearty Mexican cuisine in a casual, colorful setting.
- Kurtz’s Pub & Deli – Family-owned spot for craft beers, sandwiches, and Wisconsin comfort food.
- Schroeder’s Department Store Café – Historic café inside a century-old store, great for coffee and light bites.
My favorite local events:
- Two Rivers Beach Bash (July) – Live music, food vendors, and family fun at Neshotah Beach.
- Cool City Classic Car Show & Cruise (June) – Car enthusiasts’ paradise with classic vehicles and parades.
- Two Rivers Ethnic Fest (September) – Celebrate global cultures with food, crafts, music, and dance downtown.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Two Rivers, Wisconsin:
- Manitowoc (10–15 min) – Tour the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, explore historic downtown, or visit the Rahr-West Art Museum.
- Point Beach State Forest (10–15 min) – Hike wooded trails, camp, or visit the Rawley Point Lighthouse along Lake Michigan.
- Branch River Golf Course (25–30 min) – Enjoy scenic fairways and a relaxing round of golf in nearby Manitowoc County.
- Silver Creek Park (20–25 min) – Explore trails, play disc golf, or enjoy sledding hills in wintertime in Manitowoc.
- LondonDairy Alpaca Ranch (20–25 min) – Visit an alpaca farm offering tours, fiber arts demos, and shopping experiences.
- Woodland Dunes Nature Center (5–10 min) – Birdwatch, hike, and enjoy native wetland habitats just outside of town.
- Lincoln Park Zoo (15–20 min) – Free zoo in Manitowoc featuring native and exotic animals, perfect for families.
- Devil’s River State Trail (25–30 min) – Bike or hike scenic rail-trails through forests, farms, and rolling hills.
- Still Bend - The Bernard Schwartz House (5–10 min) – Tour a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Usonian house in Two Rivers itself!
Plan Your Trip