Manitowoc

Wisconsin's Maritime Capitol

Manitowoc, known as Wisconsin’s Maritime Capitol, is truly a waterfront treasure. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Manitowoc features a varied heritage of agriculture, shipbuilding and maritime attractions as well as the natural beauty of forests, lakes and beautiful beaches. Explore specialty shopping, Victorian mansions and a historical village. On a clear crisp winter night, some claim to be able to see the lights of Ludington, the “sister” carferry port, across the 66-mile-wide expanse of Lake Michigan.

Take a cruise aboard the S.S. Badger Carferry. Bring your car as you enjoy this relaxing four-hour trip from Ludington, MI to Manitowoc, WI. Enjoy free movies, children’s play areas, gift shop, spacious decks, and staterooms. The Badger offers spacious outside decks for walking or lounging, buffet-style restaurant, deli-style snack bar, free movies in the movie lounge, satellite television, live entertainment, video arcade, KidsPort playroom, gift shop, quiet area/museum, private staterooms, aft end lounge and an upper deck lounge with plenty of room to spread out and relax.

With over 60,000 square feet of space, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum explores the rich maritime history of Wisconsin through exciting and interactive exhibits. Get an up-close look at life in the “silent service” by touring the World War II submarine USS COBIA. Tours are conducted seven days a week, weather permitting, throughout the year. Each tour lasts 45 minutes, with the last tour of the day scheduled for one hour before the Museum’s closing.
You’ll find something for everyone as you browse through charming boutiques, specialty & gift stores, art galleries, antiques, and hand-crafted items. After a busy day, you’ll find an abundance of delicious restaurants to choose from, including gracious lakeside hotel dining, family style home cooking, authentic bistros, coffee houses, and specialty foods. Manitowoc also offers travelers an excellent selection of accommodations from award-wining hotels and full-service conference centers to rustic log homes, historic bed and breakfast inns, family lodging, and wooded campsites. Don’t forget to visit Betsy, the Cedar Crest Cow, out in front of the dairy after you have ice cream!