Things to do & places to visit in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, United States

Manitowoc city in Wisconsin, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Wednesday, May 08, 2024, 5:54.

Top things to do (27)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 What The Lock? Escape Rooms (176 reviews)
- New Year’s Eve adventure
Wednesday: Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games • Game & Entertainment Centers

What The Lock? is a real-life room escape game and physical adventure game in which people are left in a room with their team and have to use the elements of and within the room to solve a series of puzzles, find clues, and escape the room or complete a mission within one hour. Participants get to become part of a plot and a cohesive unit that actively controls the storyline of their session. Gone are the days when we only had the option to just go to a movie and watch the action unfold. With this, you impact the game as you, your friends and co-workers become the protagonists who race against the clock to determine your own fate. At What The Lock?, you must explore your surroundings in order to escape. Players must be observant and use their critical thinking skills to escape the room. Some games include sub-plots. You have to unravel the mystery of a hidden room, working as a team to solve a variety of quirky and inventive puzzles to escape. See more..
5.0 West of the Lake Gardens (144 reviews)
- Cool down and enjoy the beauty on the Lakeshore.
Gardens

Beautiful public gardens made possible by the West Foundation. Stunning gardens, fountains and peace and quite on the Manitowoc lakeshore. Want to come back in July when the 80000 annuals are in full bloom. Perfect way to enjoy a peaceful walk. See more..
5.0 Pine River Dairy (79 reviews)
- Good place to visit
Speciality & Gift Shops

The Olm family has owned and operated Pine River Dairy for more than 75 years at the current location. Today the Olm family, now in its sixth generation of dairy food producers, continues to operate the business manufacturing and selling butter and butter blends at a wholesale level. Pine River Dairy boasts having over 250 varieties of cheese available in the retail store located in the manufacturing facility. See more..
5.0 Capitol Civic Centre (32 reviews)
- Great shows and entertainment
Spent 2-3 hours Theaters • Civic Centres • Theatre & Performances

The Capitol features a large, ornate auditorium with seating on the main floor, two balconies, and box seats on the side walls, and multiple bars. The theatre, restored in 1987, now serves as the Capitol Civic Centre, an 1,000-seat community performing arts center home to the annual Marquee Season and 13 resident companies. See more..
5.0 Great Lakes Relaxation Center (5 reviews)
- Massage Therapy
Wednesday: 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Spas

Christine has over 16 years of experience. She provides therapeutic massage therapy by appointment. Hot stones, hot towels, and essential oils are included if needed. Sessions can be full body or focused on back, shoulders, and neck or legs and feet. Sessions range from 45 minutes to two hours. Online scheduling and gift certificates are available at her website. See more..
5.0 Bonkers Saloon (4 reviews)
- EYE CANDY OVERLOAD
Bars & Clubs
I went to Bonkers while I was staying in Oshkosh for an event. I went to a place nearby and it was the same old thing.. very typical of a Gentleman's Club and really the reason I typically stay away... One of the Dancers said that if " I want to have fun" go to Bonkers which was about a 45min drive. It was already about 11pm but really, I had nothing better to do and the place I was at had nothing to offer.. so I went.. I was met at the Door by a very nice guy who was the MGR. He asked if I had been before and when I told him no he laughed.. I was curious why and he said "you'll see" BOY DID I!! Eye candy OVERLOAD!!! This place is AWESOME.. Girls are laid back.. Drinks are inexpensive.. NO Pressure at all.. and FUNNNNNNNNN!!! I can see myself going back QUICKLY!! LOL!! See more..
5.0 Heart & Homestead (3 reviews)
- Great fun
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Antique Shops
Loved the customer service. The selection of items were fabulous. And the location was perfect. Walked from our room then went onto dinner. See more..
5.0 Martin Pottery Studio And Gallery (2 reviews)
- Cool pottery store and studio
Art Galleries

Pottery art gallery and working pottery studio. See more..
4.5 Wisconsin Maritime Museum (525 reviews)
- Exceptional
Wednesday: Spent 2-3 hours Military Museums • History Museums

Welcome to a great place to learn, play and explore the rich maritime history of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum offers visitors a unique place to spend hours learning about the sailors, shipbuilders and submariners who made that history, and to have some great family fun! Founded in 1970 as the Manitowoc Submarine Memorial Association, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum has grown into one of the largest maritime museums in the Midwest. In addition to commemorating the maritime heritage of the Manitowoc-Two Rivers area and the submarines built here during World War II, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum is now a leader in preserving the maritime history of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region. See more..
4.5 Rahr-West Museum and Mansion (100 reviews)
- Beauty inside and out
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums

This art museum is housed in a Victorian mansion and has a wide range of displays throughout the gallery spaces as well as in the rooms of the mansion itself. There are numerous rooms which showcase life in Victorian times as well as a beautiful library and other exhibits. This (free!) museum is worth your trip any time of year, but is at it's most beautiful during "Christmas in the Mansion" throughout the month of December. See more..
4.5 Pinecrest Historical Village (44 reviews)
- I may be bias
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums

I may be a bit bias here, as I have done volunteer work at the village. I love the place. There are special events that are taken right out of the 19th century. I very nice way to spend an afternoon exploring old buildings, breathing fresh air, and learning some history. There are usually staff or volunteers about to inform and converse. If you are in the Manitowoc area, pay a visit to the Village. Especially if you are a history buff. See more..
4.5 Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center (41 reviews)
- An informative place to go, even for Wisconsinnites
Wednesday: Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

We strive to connect visitors' curiosity to the wonders of farming. Guests enjoy interactive exhibits on Wisconsin agriculture, a farm tour, and birthing barn, where they might see the miracle of a calf birth! Our onsite Wisconsin Cafe brings the farm-to-table quality to a delicious reality--but check to make sure it's open before planning a meal, as COVID threw a temporary road block on our foodservice. Our gift shop features Wisconsin products like cheese, sausage, honey, cranberries, syrup--as well as beer and wine. See more..
4.5 Manitowoc Marina (32 reviews)
- Kayak rental
Spent 2-3 hours Marinas

The Hobie pedal kayaks are the best! Rent from Mary in the office. The young summer hires give excellent instructions and assist with kayak cast off. We have rented the tandem kayak several times, and find the trip up the river a pleasant experience. See more..
4.5 The Hearty Olive (11 reviews)
- A wonderful find
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

We finally decided to stop at this store. We were quite impressed with the selection of olive oils and vinegars. Sam took us around the store and explained each of their offerings. There are small plastic cups and samples of bread for dipping that allow you to taste as many samples as you want. The labels on the dispensers tell you the qualities and flavors of each oil. They also tell you the press date. I sensed no oxidation of their oils. This is a place for people who enjoy the healthy and delicious. They have a nice selection of organic spices. They also offer various mixes for baking and sauces. Customer service was excellent. If you are a connoisseur of olive oils and balsamic vinegars you owe it to yourself to patronize this fine establishment. See more..
4.5 Silver Creek Park (11 reviews)
- WALK THE BEACH, WOODS OR PLAY BALL ON THE GROUNDS
Spent 1-2 hours Parks

What a great place for a picnic, kids can walk in the creek looking for crayfish, and other water life. How about a morning walk on the beach as the sun comes up, it's just beautiful, or sit on the tables on top of the hill watching the boats going back and forth. See more..
4.5 Henry Schuette Park (9 reviews)
- Something for everyone
Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Hiking Trails • Playgrounds

I walk this park at least twice a month. This area has two levels. On the top level is a community built playground. It is very popular with families and kids. Lots of options to wear out your kids an keep them happy while doing it. The bottom area runs along the Manitowoc River. Quiet and accessible for nature lovers and birders. Woods and wetlands and fishing along the river bank. Part of the Ice Age trail runs through the park. In the winter, it is popular with cross-country skiers and snowshoers. A nice picturesque place to spend some quiet time. Bring your binoculars. See more..
4.5 YMCA (5 reviews)
- Weight lifting
Spent 1-2 hours Sports Camps & Clinics
I really liked this place. Lots of people cheap gives you something to do people to meet. Awesome staff. See more..
4.5 Manitou Park (3 reviews)
- River watching.
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks • Hiking Trails

Very nice hangout spot for people. Always super nice being very close to the river. Very nice for paddling along the river. See more..
4.5 Cato Falls County Park (2 reviews)
- Nice disc golf course
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Enjoyed playing 18 holes of disc golf and afterwards went down the stair path to see the flow of water. It had rained a little earlier but easily played through the course with no trouble. The park also has a 4 whole challenge course that I didn't have time to complete. See more..
4.0 Lincoln Park Zoo (115 reviews)
- Nice local zoo
Zoos

We enjoyed this park immensely. there were no wolves at this time. We saw a bear, several big cats, hawks, an eagle, bison..... "local" wildlife, rather than worldwide. It didn't charge admission and the staff was helpful and friendly. I like to take photos and it was hard with all that mesh fencing, but of course fencing is very necessary. The prairie dogs would have been nice to see but they were all hiding. See more..
4.0 Sputnik Crash Site (41 reviews)
- History....you gotta check it out.
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

We are a history-loving family, so this was an important stop for us. Our GPS and phone were giving us two different locations, but we found it. A little slice of history, just off the beaten track in Manitowoc. It doesn't take long, but I wouldn't miss this place. See more..
4.0 Petskull Brewing Company (19 reviews)
- Good beers but expensive to do a flight.
Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

I opted for a flight of various beers. I admit they all tested very good. I would have given a five tasting but they overcharge you when doing flights. The menu shows the price for each item. So when you get a flight they charge $20 and then you give a tip. The actual price should have been 4 times $3 and then 1 times $3.50 that totals $15.50 so I ended up over paying $4.50. of you get less than 5 selections them they won't overcharge. See more..
4.0 The Fat Seagull (14 reviews)
- Excellent fish fry. Served piping hot.
Bars & Clubs
We stopped for lunch for a fish fry. We had perch and walleye. They had a choice of sides. I opted for potato salad with the coleslaw and rye bread. The place was packed with locals and it took a little while. When it came the plates were hot and delicious. Now I know why they are voted best fish fry. See more..
4.0 Sabbatical Brewing Company (2 reviews)
- Random Stop - Very Worthwhile!
Wednesday: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Breweries

New, local brewery with some roomy space in an old industrial building. With 24 beers on tap (some of them collaboration brews), it offered a great selection of beer to keep everyone happy. My favorite was Bernie Mittens, a take off on the meme from January 2021 - a yummy maple whoopie pie pastry stout with plenty of marshmallow and chocolate to balance the maple. It was very quiet when we stopped, so it was hard to get a feel for the vibe of the place. Based on the beer alone, this is definitely a stop that we would repeat if back in the area. See more..
4.0 Silver Lake Park (1 review)
- A nice find
Spent 2-3 hours Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
This park is a hidden little gem just west of Manitowoc. The lake used to be pretty polluted; but efforts have been made to remediate this. Now a days the lake is much cleaner. The lake is about 55 acres surrounded by 12 acres of woods and riparian habitat. This is a nice place for fishing and wildlife observation. There seems to always be yellow-rumped warblers in the wooded area. This is a quiet lake as no gasoline motors are allowed. Canoes, kayaks and paddle boards are the way to go. Efforts have been made to reduce trash fish in the lake. You can look forward to catching bass, pike, bluegills and perch. There is no size limit; and you can catch 10 fish a day. If your idea of boating is to go fast and make a lot of noise, this lake is not for you. However, if you want to quietly paddle out and catch your supper this is a fine place to do so. There are bathrooms and a rotunda for a rainy day picnic. There is a small pier for offshore fishing and a small boat ramp. See more..
4.0 Chief Mexico, The Wampum (1 review)
- Learn about a great man
Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

Chief Mexico, or The Wampum was a major historical figure in the history of Manitowoc County. He was the chief of three tribes in the area. He was considered a friend of the first settlers in the county; and represented the local Indians in treaty organizations with the whites (history will prove the treaties were not a good idea for the local tribes). This is one of those attractions that you seek out, read the inscription, look at the bronze plaque of this phenomenal man, and take a few pictures. It made me curious enough to Google the man to learn about him. The dedication of the monument, a six foot column was a big deal in 1909. 4000 people showed up to honor the great chief, their cheers could be heard for miles. Tribal members from the reservation in Shawano and other places attended the ceremony along with one of Mexico"s surviving sons. The monument is within a few feet of the actual burial spot. The site sits on a bluff which overlooks the Manitowoc River. If you're in the area and want to find a piece of history, this impressive tombstone/monument is worth the couple minutes to check it out. See more..
4.0 Manitowoc County Ice Center (1 review)
- Icy cold
Spent 1-2 hours Sports Complexes
When we were kids, we would wait for the river to freeze to play hockey. Now Manitowoc has a great indoor skating facility. Wow, you can skate in the summer. Just watched a youth hockey game there last week. The kids really put out the effort. Lessons in figure skating and hockey are available. There are open skating times. Skates are available for rental. There are concessions available. If you like to skate, this is a fine place to pursue your hobby. Although I miss skating on a river; and occasionally falling through the ice, this ice center is a lot of fun. Hours are always changing so I would suggest calling before you go there. See more..
3.0 Washington Park (1 review)
- middle of town
Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Playgrounds
A one square block 3.7 acre park smack dab in the middle of downtown Manitowoc. There is a bandshell in the middle of the park, two basketball courts that are new and improved since last time I shot hoops there. There is also a public bathroom that is fairly well maintained. On any given day during the warm months (yeah, we have a few in Wisconsin) there will be various concerts and other musical events. I've been there when locals just get up on the stage and start playing. There is also the occasional craft market, where locals bring in some nice stuff. Not the biggest or wildest park in town; but a nice gathering place for the people of Manitowoc. Jenn's Java and the Get Reel movie house are just across Washington Street. See more..
The Flower Gallery (0 review)
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Art Galleries
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Graced Gift Shop (0 review)
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 5:00 PM Antique Shops
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