23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Manitowoc (WI)

In search of the best and fun things to do in Manitowoc, WI?

Manitowoc is a delightful town in Wisconsin and the county seat of Manitowoc County in Wisconsin, United States. This city can be found on Lake Michigan and around the Manitowoc River.

At the 2020 census, this city had over 34,626 city residents. Manitowoc has a total land area of 46.59 square kilometers; some well-known cities close to Manitowoc are Sheboygan, Appleton, Green Bay, and Milwaukee.

Manitowoc is the best producer of beer, dairy, and lumber in Wisconsin. It also features historic Native American culture. This city is also a popular vacation and holiday destination.

This historic city features various museums, recreational sites, delightful pubs and diners, and beautiful scenery. This city is an incredible and entertaining place to visit.

Here are the top things to do in Manitowoc, WI.

Things to Do In Manitowoc, WI

1. Wisconsin Maritime Museum

Wisconsin Maritime Museum is one of the best places to visit in Manitowoc, WI. This museum is popular because of its comprehensive maritime historical information.

Wisconsin Maritime Museum can be found beside lake Michigan. This Museum is the perfect educational destination in the city as it offers an interesting and informative approach to maritime history in the town.

This facility is over 60,000 square feet large. Visitors can explore the museum and see interactive and captivating galleries containing photographs, documents, and historical artifacts.

This Museum also contains multiple well-preserved Submarines of World War II; the submarines are from the Country’s Navy. This amazing historical place is open between 10 am and 4 pm on most days.

Address: 75 Maritime Dr, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States.

2. West of the Lake Gardens

West of the Lake Gardens is one of the best places to visit in Manitowoc, WI. This place is a popular tourist attraction and photography spot in Wisconsin.

It is a 6-acre property filled with a beautiful and well-kept garden containing various flowers, including multiple species of cacti, roses, and roses.

This garden is in full bloom between May and October every year. This beautiful spot also serves as a perfect scenery for photos and videos.

John and Ruth West, a philanthropist couple in the city in 1934, formerly owned West of the Lake Gardens.

This amazing garden once contained more than 30,000 tulips before featuring different ornamental plants and flowers. A major sight of this attraction is the West of the Lake Gardens house that John West designed; the house was also known as Shoebox Estate.

Visitors are allowed on the grounds between 10 am to 5 pm,

Address: 915 Memorial Dr, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States.

3. Rahr West Art Museum

One of the top things to do in Manitowoc, WI, is to visit Rahr West Art Museum, a unique and educative museum. Rahr West Art Museum was built in the 1800s by Joseph Vila, a former mayor of the city.

Mainly due to Reinhard Rahr’s efforts, this place underwent renovation after Joseph Vila passed away. This place is currently one of the most beloved museums in Manitowoc.

Numerous unique art sculptures and artifacts from various parts of the world can be found at the Rahr West Art Museum. This museum’s popular sculptures and exhibits include antique dolls, ivories, and Simon Schwartz.

Rahr West Art Museum also contains various artworks of Isadore Bonheur, Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Georgia O’Keefe.

Many events, exhibits, and conventions are held year-round at this museum.

Address: 610 N 8th Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States.

4. The Pinecrest Historical Village

The Pinecrest Historical Village was once farmland in Manitowoc. This place is located on a 40 acres piece of land and was made a historical site in 1977 by the Manitowoc Historical Society.

This place also offers an educational experience, as it teaches about the city’s culture and history. Over 30 historic structures from around the country were moved to this place for preservation.

The Pinecrest Historical Village can also be described as an open-air museum, and visitors can start the exploration of this facility from either of its sections; the Civic Center, New Comer Era, and Growing Community.

Guests are advised to begin their tour of the facility at the Newcomer era, where the area history of the 1800s is taught. The Growing Community also educates about the 1900s, and the Civic Center talks about the development and transformation of Manitowoc.

Address: 924 Pine Crest Ln, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States.

5. Sputnik Crash Site

The city of Manitowoc has always been a beautiful place and a popular tourist destination. Still, it became more in demand when the Russian Sputnik IV spacecraft residue landed there.

Much of the crash residue was vaporized during its re-entry, but a large 20-pound piece of the Sputnik IV crashed on 8th Street in Manitowoc.

The debris and crash residue was eventually given to Russia. However, the famous crash site is still a popular tourist attraction in the region.

On 8th Street in Manitowoc, the Crash site is easy to locate due to the brass ring surrounding the exact location. Some small debris and remains of the Sputnik IV can also be found at the amazing Rahr West Art Museum.

Address: 610 N. Eighth St., Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States.

6. Manitowoc Lincoln Park Zoo

The Manitowoc Lincoln Park Zoo is a unique establishment in the city that offers fun and memorable experiences for visitors. Touring this Zoo is one of the best things to do in Manitowoc, WI.

Visitors to Manitowoc should endeavor to check out its only Zoo. This place is a great place to have fun with friends and family.

Manitowoc Lincoln Park Zoo offers visitors an up-close view of various wild animals, including leopards, bears, tigers, lions, and many more.

This Zoo is open to the public year-round. It features exotic animals of unique species and also aquatic animals.

Address: 1215 N 8th St, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States.

7. Heart and Homestead

Are you looking for a gift and souvenir shop on your city tour? Heart and Homestead is a popular gift shop and shopping location in Manitowoc, WI.

This shop can be found in downtown Manitowoc. It features gifts, Home decór, Souvenirs, and Cheeseheads. This establishment was founded in 1998 and is situated within a historic brick-and-mortar building built in 1867.

Heart and Homestead have been a favorite of locals and visitors since its founding. This store has multiple floors with many items on display.

This gift shop features baby gifts, city souvenirs, Badger’s souvenirs, Willow Tree Angels selections, Yankee Candles, Bereavement Gifts, Packers Souvenirs, Brewers and Bucks, House and Garden flags, and seasonal decorations and ornaments.

Shopping for gifts and souvenirs at Hearts and Homestead is one of the best things to do in Manitowoc, WI.

Address: 909 S 8th Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States.

8. The Courthouse Pub

The Courthouse Pub is an amazing establishment in Manitowoc. This pub is a well-known pub in the city. This place is a popular attraction in the city.

The Courthouse Pub is a diner featuring a comprehensive menu of tasty meals. It is also located in an 18th-century historical building in Manitowoc.

The features and designs of this building are still beautiful and comfortable. The building’s look and size help complement the food, wine selection, and cozy atmosphere.

The Courthouse Pub is the place to go if you need amazing meals in a historic location.

Address: 1001 S 8th St, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States

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9. Manitowoc County Ice Center

Manitowoc County’s Ice Center is a unique place featuring fun and recreational activities. This entertaining indoor ice establishment was opened in Manitowoc in 1995 and features numerous fun activities like ice hockey, skating, and many other ice skating-related activities.

It is a great place to learn and master your ice skating skills. Manitowoc County Ice Center offers ice skating classes; visitors can visit this place between 1 pm to 3 pm on the weekends.

Skating and Ice Hockey at Manitowoc County Ice Center are some of the fun things to do in Manitowoc, WI.

Address: 4931 Expo Dr, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States.

10. Manitowoc Marina

Are you still looking for what to do in Manitowoc, WI? Manitowoc Marina is a wonderful destination for you. It is situated next to the beautiful Lake Michigan.

Manitowoc Marina is a famous and unique tourist location in Manitowoc. This place is clean and contains multiple docked boats.

This Marina serves as a perfect relaxation spot for most and a place where visitors can relax and enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.

Numerous parks, shops, and diners can also be found near the Marina to cater to your every need. The major feature of this place is its lighthouse.

The Beautiful lighthouse of this Marina is a great place to take pictures and videos for social media.

Address: 425 Maritime Dr, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States.

11. Henry Schuette Park

An amazing and beautiful place in Manitowoc is Henry Schuette Park. This amazing park is situated adjacent to the popular Manitowoc River, offering visitors an amazing view of the river.

Henry Schuette Park is ideal for outdoor recreation activities like hiking, biking, picnicking, and fishing. This park is also a perfect relaxation location.

Visitors enjoy and explore the large outdoor space in this place. This amazing park also contains amazing natural features.

At Henry Schuette Park, there’s always a fun activity for everyone. During the winter, the park’s trails are used for skiing.

Exploring Henry Schuette Park is one of the fun things to do in Manitowoc, WI.

Address: 3800 Broadway St, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States.

12. USS Cobia Submarine

USS Cobia Submarine is a famous war exhibit residing in Manitowoc. This submarine is situated in the Wisconsin Maritime Museum’s docks.

This submarine is known for its usefulness during World War II; USS Cobia was launched in 1943 and was a major contributor to the country’s victory in the Pacific Theater of War.

This historic machinery was formally decommissioned on the 19th of March, 1954, and has been at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum since then.

The exterior and interior of this submarine have been restored severally because of age and to preserve its original form.

Address: 75 Maritime Dr, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States.

13. Petskull Brewing Company and Taproom

Petskull Brewing Company is a fun establishment in the city. This brewery is a well-known place and famous for its taproom beers.

Wisconsin is known for its quality craft brewery and amazing tap rooms. Petskull Brewing Company doesn’t let the state down.

The Petskull Tap Room helps to promote the company’s belief in community, friendship, and camaraderie. Varieties of beers can be found in his taproom, including porters, wheat beer, IPA, brown ale, lagers, Kolsch, pale ale, Scotch ale, and more.

A visit to the Petskull Brewing Company and Taproom should be on your list of what to do in Manitowoc, WI, especially if you’re a beer lover.

Address: 1015 Buffalo St, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States.

14. What the Lock? Escape Rooms

What The Lock? Escape Rooms is another spectacular place in the city. This gaming center is a popular tourist attraction and a source of entertainment for the city’s residents.

This gaming experience is an unforgettable one. Participants are locked in a room where they must depend on elements in the room to escape.

What The Lock? Escape Rooms encourage teamwork and creative thinking in Participants. Players are to solve puzzles, find clues, and get out of the room within a time frame.

This place designs every escape room experience differently, using various storylines, themes, secrets, and more. Players must use their observation skills, depending on team members, and think quickly to escape the rooms.

What The Lock? Escape Rooms are a fun and entertaining way to spend time in Manitowoc, WI.

Address: 1130 Washington St, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States.

15. Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center

Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center is particularly recommended for children. Farm Wisconsin Discovery Centre offers visitors and their children the opportunity to interact and spend time with farm animals like goats, sheep, calves, chickens, cows, and many others.

This place offers unforgettable experiences, including how calves are born and how to take care of various farm animals.

Interactive exhibits, like food crop production and rearing of farm animals, can be found at the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center.

This discovery center also features a café that offers farm-to-table food options.

Address: 7001 Gass Lake Rd, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States.

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16. Pine River Dairy

The Pine River Dairy is an establishment that has been operating in the city for over 70 years. The Olm Family owns this organization.

The Olm Family has a popular cheese-making history and has been producing cheese and cheese-related products since 1877.

The Pine River Dairy was purchased in 1932 by the Olm Family to continue their cheese-making traditions in Manitowoc.

The Olm Family’s Sixth generation currently manages the Pine River Dairy. It produces some of the best dairy products in the state.

Pine River Dairy produces over 250 cheese varieties that can all be purchased at their retail stores.

Address: 10115 English Lake Rd, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States.

17. The Fat Seagull Bar and Grill

The Fat Seagull Bar and Grill is a popular dining destination in Manitowoc. The Fat Seagull is a wonderful place to dine with family and friends.

Among the city’s various pubs, shops, and restaurants, The Fat Seagull Bar and Grill is known for its tasty meals and drinks.

This restaurant offers various food options like soups, burgers, meat, wraps, sandwiches, and more. A favorite event of this restaurant is its Friday Fish Fry.

After meals, customers can choose between their large collection of spirits, wines, and other beverages. This place also offers 17 taps of various types of draft beers.

The Seagull Bar and Grill also features musical performances.

Address: 807 Quay St, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States.

18. Capitol Civic Center

The Capitol Civic Center is a performing arts theatre and a famous tourist attraction in Manitowoc, WI.

Capitol Civic Center contains a large auditorium with seating on multiple bars, boxes on the side walls, the main floor, and two balconies.

This performing art theatre was renovated in 1987 and currently seats about a thousand audience members; this theatre hosts various music performances, dances, comedies, and more.

Free tours of this center are available and can be booked on their website. Capitol Civic Center is a nice place to spend time in Manitowoc, WI.

Address: 913 S 8th St, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States.

19. Manitowoc Family Aquatic Centre

Manitowoc Family Aquatic Centre is another delightful place in the city. This aquatic center is the perfect location for aquatic-based activities and events. This aquatic center offers numerous features and is a great place to swim with loved ones.

Several pools, a mushroom waterfall, an open waterslide, diving boards, floor fountains, an enclosed water slide, and a heated pool are some of the amazing amenities at the Manitowoc Family Aquatic Center.

This place is also a perfect relaxation spot. It features lounge chairs, a bathhouse, a spacious deck, diners, and a playground to make your visit more enjoyable.

Address: 940 N 18th St, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States.

20. YMCA – Two Rivers

Another unique attraction in Manitowoc is YMCA( Young Men’s Christian Association)- Two Rivers. This association was created in London, England, in the year 1844.

YMCA- Two Rivers aims to continue and follow the original spirit of the club, which is to practice Christian Principles through programs that improve the mind, spirit, and body.

The Manitowoc branch of the YMCA introduces the spirit of society to visitors through recreational means and youth and senior programming.

This place offers a program that lasts year-round, and the agenda focuses on the fitness and well-being of visitors. They offer fun activities like aquatic sports, basketball, meditation classes, weight training, tennis, gymnastics, martial arts, and special needs programs.

Address: 205 Maritime Dr, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States.

21. Martin Pottery Studio and Gallery

Martin Pottery Studio and Gallery is another unique place in Manitowoc. This art studio and gallery is a fun place to spend time.

This place is an entertaining and educating location with an experienced potter with almost fifty years of ceramics pottery. This place teaches visitors about the processes and possibilities of pottery.

Visitors can see Stoneware Clays, porcelain, Lake Michigan Sands, agateware pottery, and more at Martin Pottery Studio and Gallery.

This studio and Gallery is the perfect place to shop for holiday and wedding gifts. It is also a great place to visit in Manitowoc, WI.

Address: 1304 Memorial Dr, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States.

22. Silver Creek Park

Silver Creek Park is a fun park in Manitowoc. This incredible park can be found on the shores of the popular Lake Michigan.

This park is over 71 acres large and features various breathtaking views and topography in the state. Silver Creek Park is a great place to spend quality time with friends and family.

Silver Creek Park contains some amazing features, including Green hills, fishing areas, sheltered pavilions, open wooded areas, a winter sports area, skiing areas, and a 36-hole golf course.

The golf course within this park contains a 6 ft. lighthouse surrounded by beautiful views of the lake. Silver Creek passes through this park, picnic areas, and beaches.

Address: 3001 S 10th St, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States.

23. The Flower Gallery

The Flower Gallery is another shopping store offering a large assortment of beautiful flowers. The Flower Gallery has been operating in Manitowoc County since 1984. It has delivered some of the best floral arrangements and gifts.

This flower shop specializes in Tropical Plants, Contemporary and Traditional Arrangements, Silk Arrangements, Funeral designs, Gourmet and Fruit baskets, Greeting Cards, Ladies’ Accessories, Wall Decór, Various Fresh Flowers, European gardens, High style floral arrangements, Weddings, Extensive gift line, Gift baskets, Candles, Unique gift items, and more.

The Flower Gallery strives to provide perfect products and prompt deliveries. This place offers a memorable experience in Manitowoc, WI.

Address: 102 N, 8TH Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States.

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Plan Your Trip to Manitowoc

Manitowoc is a prominent city in Wisconsin. It is known for unique artifacts like the Sputnik IV and USS Cobia Submarine.

This city also features various breweries, diners, gift and souvenir shops, historical landmarks, and parks. Manitowoc offers everyone a chance to have fun.

Above are a few of the best places and things to do in the city. Add them to your itinerary and check them out during your vacation in Manitowoc, WI.