Manitowoc Travel Guide

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Facts and practical information

Manitowoc, located in the beautiful state of Wisconsin, is a charming city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and a vibrant cultural scene. Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, this picturesque destination is a perfect getaway for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

One of the highlights of Manitowoc is its stunning lakefront, which offers breathtaking views of the vast expanse of Lake Michigan. Visitors can take leisurely walks along the shoreline, go fishing or boating, or simply relax and soak in the serene atmosphere. The nearby Mariner's Trail is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a scenic route for walking, biking, or jogging.

For those interested in history, Manitowoc has a rich heritage waiting to be explored. The Wisconsin Maritime Museum is a must-visit attraction, showcasing the city's maritime legacy and housing a collection of historic vessels. Visitors can learn about the region's shipbuilding history and even step aboard the USS Cobia, a World War II submarine.

Manitowoc is also home to several fascinating museums and cultural institutions. The Rahr-West Art Museum boasts an impressive collection of American and European art, while the Manitowoc County Historical Society provides insights into the area's past through its exhibits and historic buildings. The city's downtown area is dotted with charming shops, art galleries, and restaurants, offering a delightful mix of local flavors and unique finds.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in the surrounding area. The nearby Manitowoc Breakwater Lighthouse is a popular spot for stunning sunset views, and the nearby Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.

Alternative names: Population: 33 thous.Area: 18.17 mi²Elevation: 600 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 44°5'22"N, 87°39'34"W

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WisconsinUnited States

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Manitowoc Top Attractions

Manitowoc Attractions - What to See and Explore

Manitowoc offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Rahr West Art Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo, Wisconsin Maritime Museum, Manitowoc Breakwater Light. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Specialty museum • Museum • History museum
Rahr West Art Museum
The Rahr–West Art Museum is an art museum on U.S. Route 10 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. It is located in the Joseph Vilas Jr. House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Free zoo with native and barn animals
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo is a small municipal zoo located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The zoo has just under 200 animals, including black bear, bald eagle, cougar, lynx and others. It is situated along the Little Manitowoc River and provides a deck for viewing ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, and many other birds that gather along the river.
Military museum • History museum • Museum
Wisconsin Maritime Museum
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum is a museum in the Lake Michigan port and shipbuilding city of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, U.S. that preserves and teaches about the history of the Great Lakes.

Lighthouse • Vernacular architecture
Manitowoc Breakwater Light
The Manitowoc Breakwater Light is a Lake Michigan lighthouse located near Manitowoc in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, at the end of the north pier defining Manitowoc's harbor.
Boat or ferry • Ship
USS Cobia
USS Cobia is a Gato-class submarine, formerly of the United States Navy, named for the cobia. Cobia was designated a National Historic Landmark for her service in World War II, which included service in the Pacific, where she earned four battle stars.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
St. James' Episcopal Church
St. James' Episcopal Church, named for James the Greater, is a historic Episcopal church located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The only Episcopal church in Manitowoc County, St. James' is a "broad church" parish in the Diocese of Fond du Lac.
44°3'39"N • 87°39'25"W
Silver Creek Park
Park

Day trips

Manitowoc – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Manitowoc, it's worth seeing attractions such as: EAA Aviation Museum (Oshkosh), National Railroad Museum (Green Bay), Fox Cities Stadium (Appleton).

46 milesW
Museum, Specialty museum, Event space
EAA Aviation Museum, Oshkosh
The EAA Aviation Museum, nestled in the heart of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is an aviation enthusiast's dream and a fascinating destination for tourists of all ages. This museum stands as a tribute to the history and innovation of flight, showcasing an impressive collection...
33 milesNW
Exhibits showcasing railroad history
National Railroad Museum, Green Bay
The National Railroad Museum is a railroad museum located in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, in suburban Green Bay. Founded in 1956 by community volunteers, the National Railroad Museum is one of the oldest and largest U.S. institutions dedicated to preserving and interpreting the nation's railroad history.
42 milesW
Arenas and stadiums, Sport venue, Baseball
Fox Cities Stadium, Appleton
Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium, formerly Fox Cities Stadium and Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium, is a baseball park in Grand Chute, Wisconsin.
34 milesNW
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Resch Center, Green Bay
The Resch Center is a 10,200-seat multi-purpose arena, in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, United States built in 2002. It is the home of the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay Phoenix men's basketball team, the Green Bay Gamblers ice hockey team, and the Green Bay Blizzard indoor football team.
5.6 miNE
Specialty museum, Museum
Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum, Two Rivers
The Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum was founded in 2000 and is located in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, United States. The museum is run by the Two Rivers Historical Society. It is dedicated to the preservation, study, production and printing of wood type used in letterpress printing.

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Best Time To Visit Manitowoc

Learn when is the best time to travel to Manitowoc weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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July is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in June and August.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February. Most of it rains in August and September.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Manitowoc?

The top attractions to visit in Manitowoc are:

What is the best time to visit Manitowoc?

July is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in June and August. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.