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How to stay cool on the water this summer
Summer weather has arrived—thankfully, there are lots of ways to stay cool in Manitowoc and Two Rivers, from scenic swimming beaches on Lake Michigan to serene kayaking routes along the East and West Twin Rivers. Here are a few suggestions on how to get out on the water this summer.
Beaches
Manitowoc and Two Rivers offer easy access to miles and miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, so there’s no lack of beaches to check out in the summertime. Neshotah Beach in Two Rivers is a beautiful 50-acre sand beach that’s a great place for swimming or launching your jet ski or kayak (the jet ski launch is located in the parking lot closest 22nd Street), and it’s also home to volleyball courts, basketball courts, and picnic areas.
Red Arrow Beach on the south side of Manitowoc covers 30 acres and offers a handicapped-accessible lakefront and beach walkway, as well as volleyball courts, picnic areas, ballfields, and restrooms. Point Beach State Forest is home to 6 miles of sandy beachfront along Lake Michigan that’s open for swimming, including a separate pet swim area.
Discover more beaches in Manitowoc and Two Rivers here.
Boating, canoeing & kayaking
All that water access also makes Manitowoc and Two Rivers a great destination for boating, canoeing, and kayaking. Klein Kayak Rentals in Two Rivers has a wide selection of sit-atop single and tandem kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for visitors to use when they’re exploring the East Twin River and the West Twin River. The 20-mile Twin Rivers Water Trail allows paddlers to explore downtown Two Rivers, the harbor, and other attractions like the wetlands of Woodland Dunes.
Launch your boat—or rent bikes and kayaks—at the Manitowoc Marina, a full-service facility that’s also home to the Ship’s Store, which sells clothes, shoes, novelties, and boating supplies. Seagull Marina & Campground in Two Rivers offers 100 waterfront campsites for RVs and tents, a repair shop, pier, sand beach, and charter fishing opportunities.
Boat launches can be found throughout the area, including at the Manitowoc Marina and Manitou Park (Manitowoc River), Vets Park (West Twin River), and Seagull Marina (Two Rivers Harbor).
Charter fishing
Get out and explore the wonderful fishing waters of Lake Michigan, which boasts the largest sport fishery on the Great Lakes. Anglers will have a great time going after trout, salmon, and other species on a chartered fishing expedition with one of the many experienced guides in the Manitowoc and Two Rivers area. Local charter options include: