Manitowoc is a city with an interesting maritime history. It is known for constructing submarines during World War II and it hosts the annual Sputnikfest, celebrating the 1962 crash landing of a piece of the Soviet Sputnik 4 satellite. It is also the Wisconsin port for the SS Badger ferry.
Manitowoc is situated at the mouth of the Manitowoc river on the western shore of Lake Michigan. It is the county seat of Manitowoc County, with a population of around 35,000 inhabitants.
Lighthouses at Manitowoc, WI
The closest major urban center to Manitowoc is Green Bay to the northwest.
Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) - just over 40 miles northwest of Manitowoc. GRB serves several major airlines with flights to various cities in the United States.
General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) - the Milwaukee airport is located just under 90 miles south of Manitowoc. It serves both domestic and international destinations and is the primary airport for the Milwaukee area.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - this Chicago airport is around 155 miles south of Manitowoc. O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, offering numerous domestic and international flights.
The I-43 interstate highway between Chicago to the south and Green Bay to the north skirts the western side of Manitowoc.
US-10 crosses Lake Michigan from Ludington on the SS Badger car ferry. It continues west past the I-43 to Appleton.
US-151 heads west to Lake Winnebago and eventually ends up in Fond Du Lac.
Wisconsin state highway 42 heads north to Two Rivers and Sturgeon Bay. To the south, it heads away from the lakeshore to the west of I-43 before eventually ending at Sheboygan.
The SS Badger ferry provides the connection across Lake Michigan to the city of Ludington in Michigan during the summer months. The 100-mile journey between the two ports takes around four hours.
The coal-powered ferry is the last in operation in the United States and has been designated a National Historic Landmark.
The name Manitowoc, meaning 'home of the great spirit' comes from the original inhabitants of the area, the Native American Menominee tribe.
The first Europeans in the Manitowoc area were French fur traders but the land was ceded by the Menominee to the United States in 1835. The new land became a popular location for German, British and Irish immigrants with Manitowoc being incorporated as a city in 1870.
Manitowoc's location on a natural harbor significantly contributed to the city's growth, particularly with the development of shipbuilding in the mid-19th century.
Later the city made an important contribution to naval shipbuilding and produced submarines, landing craft and tankers in World War II.
Discover Manitowoc official video
Proud of its shipbuilding history, the city is home to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, and connects to the port of Ludington in Michigan via the SS Badger car ferry.
There are two different visitor information centers in Manitowoc.
The official Visitor Information Center and Office run by the city is located at 824 South 8th Street in downtown Manitowoc near the Manitowoc River. It is open Monday to Friday.
The Manitowoc Area Visitor & Convention Bureau formerly associated with the city is located at 3733 Dewey Street close to the junction with I-43 and is open Monday through Friday and on Saturday mornings.
Established in 1970, the museum has grown to become one of the largest maritime museums in the Midwest, with over 60,000 square feet of exhibit space and a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and large-scale exhibits.
The museum's main building houses several interactive exhibits, including the popular "USS Cobia" exhibit. The USS Cobia is a World War II-era submarine that is now a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can embark on guided tours of the USS Cobia, exploring its tight quarters and learning about the lives of the sailors who served aboard this historic vessel.
The Rahr-West Art Museum is an art museum that offers visitors a unique look at the region's artistic heritage.
The museum is housed in a historic mansion that was built in 1891-1893 by Joseph and Caroline Rahr. The Rahr family was one of the most prominent families in Manitowoc during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and their former home is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Run by the Manitowoc County Historical Society, the museum of Pinecrest Village near Manitowoc Rapids recreates an early 1900s Wisconsin settlement. Audio guides of the buildings are available.
Rogers Street Fishing Village is located in the neighbouring city of Two Rivers, just to the north of Manitowoc. It houses six historic buildings, including the 1886 pierhead lighthouse and restored fishermen's houses and huts.
Located to the south of Manitowoc just off I-43, the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center offers exhibits explaining the importance of the agricultural industry and a virtual tour of a dairy farm.
The SS Badger car ferry in Manitowoc harbor
The Mariners Trail is a seven mile paved trail along the lakeshore heading north from downtown Manitowoc towards Two Rivers and up to Point Beach State Forest.
Much of the lakeshore between the two cities consists of sandy beach, with more beach areas available to the south of Manitowoc.
Manitowoc Marina is located on the northern side of the harbor. It offers kayak and bike rentals, as well as slips for 250 boats.
The city of Kenosha offers a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. Kenosha's lakefront is a standout attraction, with the Kenosha Public Museum, Civil War Museum, and electric streetcar system that connects to the HarborPark and downtown area.
Port Washington is a historic city of approximately 12,000 people, located on a picturesque bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Unique features include the 1860 Light Station, which is the oldest operational lighthouse in Wisconsin, and the annual Port Fish Day.
Sheboygan is known as the "Malibu of the Midwest" for its excellent surfing conditions. The city's lively arts scene is highlighted by the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and its annual Levitt AMP Music Series, which hosts free concerts in the heart of Sheboygan.
Situated at the intersection of Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Sturgeon Bay is the heart of the beautiful and historic Door County area. The region features unique attractions such as the Door County Maritime Museum and the Cana Island Lighthouse, dating back to 1869.
Visit Manitowoc : www.visitmanitowoc.com
Manitowoc Area Visitor & Convention Bureau : manitowoc.info
Wisconsin Maritime Museum : www.wisconsinmaritime.org
Rogers Street Fishing Village : www.rogersstreet.com
Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center : farmwisconsin.org