Light House Manitowoc Two Rivers
Light Houses

Thirty miles of pristine coastline. Thirteen beaches. A seven-mile trail that parallels the lake, connecting the cities of Manitowoc and Two Rivers. Twin rivers that meet at a sandy point extending into Lake Michigan. A coastal destination with a deep maritime history. A place where clean breezes off the lake keep summers cool and turn the fall season into an explosion of color, and where winter works its magic.

We’re the refreshing stretch of Lake Michigan.

Explore our Downtown

Check out Manitowoc’s 8th Street Historic District and the surrounding shops, restaurants, parks, and entertainment. The Main Street District has 63 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Some things you will not want to miss include a micro-brewery, a historic theater which hosts national touring acts and local theater groups and weekly farmers’ markets.

An Abundance of Activities

Dine on local specialties like perch and smelt at more than 30 local restaurants, then catch feeding time at the Lincoln Park Zoo and Big Red Barn petting zoo. Weekly concerts at Washington Park, Thunder over the Lakeshore Airshow, Manitowoc County Fair, Sputnikfest and other events provide entertainment every weekend. Visit Harbor Town Retail Center for your shopping, dining and accommodation needs.

Historical Manitowoc

Shipbuilding has played a role in Manitowoc’s past from the schooners of the 19th century, to the world-class, luxury yachts built by Burger Boat Company of today. Stroll the riverwalk to the lake and watch freighters move tons of materials in and out of our hard working port. You might even catch glimpse of a yacht bound for the Mediterranean.

Dive into history at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum and step aboard the USS Cobia, representative of the 28 submarines built in Manitowoc during WWII; explore the classic yachts and sailboats in the museums galleries or get-hands on in the children’s waterway room. Take in the galleries at the historic mansion which houses the Rahr-West Art Museum; seek out works by Picasso, O’Keefe and Warhol. Immerse yourself in history at Pinecrest Historical Village tour historic buildings, and interact with costumed interpreters who share what life was like at the turn of the century and before.

A Quaint Coastal Community

TWO RIVERS – A community defined by water where the scenic East & West Twin Rivers meet at a sandy point extending into Lake Michigan. The Native Americans who were the first to settle this beautiful spot called the area “Neshotah” meaning “a junction of two rivers.” The rivers play host to kayakers, fishermen and other recreational enthusiasts in every season. Check our calendar of events for their special events.

With refreshing breezes off Lake Michigan in the summertime even the hottest days in Two Rivers are comfortable. Cool off at Neshotah Beach, a 50 acre lakefront jewel, with a groomed Lake Michigan beach, concession stand, picnic areas, restrooms and changing facilities. You can splash in the water, or just enjoy six miles of unspoiled coast as you head north towards the white sand beaches and dunes of Point Beach State Forest.

The State forest is a 3,000 acre natural wonderland of campgrounds, nature trails (cross-country skiing in winter), beautiful unspoiled beaches, and the scenic Rawley Point Lighthouse.

Explore more nature at Woodland Dunes Nature Center. Come in October for Owl Fest and the banding of Saw-whet owls, the smallest owl in North America.

History & Heritage

The first people to settle in Two Rivers were European’s looking to make a living off the rich fisheries of Rawley Point. The city remains a center for both commercial and sport fishing today.

Since its opening 115 years ago Schroeder’s Department Store has been a landmark downtown. From shoes and sportswear to dresses and formalwear Schroeder’s has something for everyone. Just around the corner from Schroeder’s is the Hamilton Wood Type Museum; where historic wood type is used to create modern works of art. For a look at the history of the community visit the Two Rivers History Museum.

The Event City

Summer concerts in a vintage band shell under the stars, vintage cars during the Cool City Classic Car Show, fresh produce and hand-made goods at the Farmers’ Market, and everyone’s favorite ice cream on Sundae Thursday. Celebrate Two Rivers’ claim to fame as the birthplace of the ice cream sundae with your favorite flavor at Ed Berner’s Ice Cream Parlor inside the Historic Washington House.

Bring your fishing gear to the 3-day Kiwanis Fish Derby; enjoy Carp Fest and watch anglers from around the world participate in the Wisconsin Carp Fishing Championships, celebrate Labor Day with Kites Over Lake Michigan & hunt for bargains during Maxwell Street Day.

The end of summer doesn’t mean the end of festival season. With beautiful fall colors and cool autumn days it is the perfect time to enjoy great food at Ethnic Fest and Apple Fest

Call Manitowoc-Two Rivers Home

In our community there is a strong entrepreneurial spirit – from vibrant downtowns and industrial parks serving diverse manufacturers and services – to gatherings of local businesses and community leaders engaging on important community issues.

Both Manitowoc & Two Rivers offer business opportunities and advantages, including low rates for public utilities and high quality water supply. We have fully improved industrial sites/campuses, affordable housing, tax exempt bond financing, tax credits, and low-cost loans for small business.

For details about relocating or establishing a business in our area please visit the City of Manitowoc website www.manitowoc.org or the City of Two Rivers website at www.two-rivers.org.