1997 to Present
Manitowoc is a city of 33,736 located on the shores of Lake Michigan, 7 miles south of Two Rivers. It is also the county seat of Manitowoc County. My husband Al grew up near here in the suburb of Branch and I have grown to love this city by the lake. A great resource to learn about this city and county is the Wisconsin Historical Society. Here you can find historical markers and museums in this county and all the others in the state. Be sure to stop at the Visitor’s Center to pick up all the info you need about the area, and much more!.
Manitowoc is the gateway to fun on Lake Michigan and beyond! This sign is located near the S.S. Badger Car Ferry, taking passengers to Ludington, Michigan and back. We finally took the voyage to Ludington on June 20, 2016. Read more about our visit here. Take the trip with us here.
When we were visiting on 8-19-16 we saw a lot of activity in the port. It was being dredged with the job expected to be completed in September before conditions get more challenging. We were also lucky enough to see the S.S. Badger depart!
Manitowoc County Airport for those wanting to fly-in on their private plane.
Once you get here, the fun continues! Enjoy the historic downtown and view the many landmarks there. This one is a favorite!
The Courthouse across the street. You can eat at the Courthouse Pub.
The Manitowoc Savings Bank building with its beautiful clock on the corner.
The Capitol Civic Center downtown.
We even saw a one-room schoolhouse building. School District 4, 1891.
If you are here on a Saturday from May-Oct., stop by the Farmers Market.
Stop by the Lincoln Park Zoo too.
This restaurant no longer exists, this picture is from 2010. It was demolished 11-19-12. The Penguin was a place my husband went to with friends when he was a teen. Too bad it couldn’t be saved.
We discovered more buildings on the chopping block when we came back 8-7-14. It was the Alf Muchin Furniture House in 1930. 
Also the former Mirro cookware company factory is coming down. They moved overseas, many jobs lost. In 2016 it’s still not completely demolished.
Now back to the history that has been preserved. There are many museums in Manitowoc. The one we have been to most is the Maritime Museum. This museum is a fun place to visit, and you learn about Manitowoc’s rich heritage on the lake, and in WW II. Permanently docked is the Cobia sub, whose crew defended our country in the war. You can take a tour of the sub too with one of the museum guides!
On 8-19-16 we were back for a final visit for the year and were able to view the annual Balloon Glow festival across from the Maritime Museum. We were attending an event on the rooftop and we had a great view!
Another place is the Rahr-West Art Museum near downtown.
We had a great time at the Pinecrest Historical Village, a lot of great history here. There also is a historic marker for a bridge there. And a train too! We had fun posing next to it.
For a great walk or bike ride, the Mariners Trail is worth the time. It is 7 miles long and goes between Manitowoc and Two Rivers.
All that exploring can sure work up an appetite! We have eaten at Four Season’s Family Restaurant a few times, good food there.
Friar Tuck’s is also a great place to eat.
Late’s is also a very popular place in Manitowoc.
To get away from the hubbub of the city, Silver Creek Park offers a quiet retreat. You can get some food at Late’s which is nearby and enjoy it there.
We also paid a visit to West of the Lake Gardens, also accessible on the Mariners Trail. Peaceful views of Lake Michigan in many spots.