Manitowoc is full of things to do, including immersive museums, fascinating history, ice cream, gardens, and breweries. Whether you're into hands-on adventures, artsy vibes, or just good food with good people, Manitowoc delivers in a big way. Here are some of the highlights of what you can do around the area!
1. Wisconsin Maritime Museum
Manitowoc is an American World War II Heritage City! Step into WWII history as you board the USS Cobia submarine at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum and tour the extensive Great Lakes and shipping exhibits within the museum.
2. Lake Michigan Carferry
The S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Carferry is one of the last coal-fired steam engine carferries built in the United States and became a National Historic Landmark in 2016. Sailing 1-2 times daily between Manitowoc, WI, and Ludington, MI, the S.S. Badger is Lake Michigan’s very own cruise experience from May to October.
3. Rahr-West Art Museum
Located inside a historic mansion, the Rahr-West Art Museum has works by Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso and more. Make sure to visit year-round for both permanent and rotating exhibits!
4. Beerntsen's Confectionary
An old-fashioned candy parlor, Beerntsen’s Confectionary is known for its chocolate molding creations, unique dining experience, and creative listing of sundaes.
5. Breweries
Manitowoc is home to Briess Malt & Ingredients, which means it’s a hotspot for brewers. This includes PetSkull Brewing (pictured), which hosts live music and has a great nightlife scene all year round. For a smaller, more relaxed vibe, head to Craft Creek Brewing, where you'll find locally themed brews and one that's even safe for pups. If you are hungry, go to Courthouse Pub for their fantastic food and microbrewery.
6. West of the Lake Gardens
Take in some color on the lakeshore at West of the Lake Gardens. Here you will find six acres of nature, including a Japanese garden, geraniums, fibrous begonias, tulips, roses, and other seasonal trees and flowers all overlooking Lake Michigan.
7. Cedar Crest Ice Cream
One of the biggest ice cream distributors for the Midwest is right here in Manitowoc, which makes sense since cows outnumber the residents in Manitowoc County! Get a lick of this regionally renowned ice cream with 36 rotating flavors and "Bernice the Big Cow" welcoming you from the front lawn at Cedar Crest Ice Cream.
8. Pine River Dairy
In its 6th generation of dairy manufacturers, Pine River Dairy boasts an impressive butter factory and store with over 250 varieties of cheese and 50-cent scoop ice cream cones. Not only are the cheeses delicious, but they make great souvenirs to bring back home and share with friends.
9. Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center
Explore hands-on exhibits featuring Wisconsin’s robust agriculture industry at Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center. Learn about the food journey from farm to table and then enjoy locally sourced breakfast or lunch on-site at the Wisconsin Café.
10. Pinecrest Historical Village
Become a pioneer at Pinecrest Historical Village, a 60-acre interpretive museum with a collection of over 30 historic Manitowoc County buildings curated by the Manitowoc County Historical Society.
