Where can you find a city with a small town feel that boasts lovely water views, a thriving performing arts scene often hosted inside a century-old theater, a walkable downtown with a variety of retail spaces, and a festival celebrating a piece of smoldering space junk that fell from the sky and landed in the middle of a major intersection there?
If this place sounds too idyllic to be true, a bit like Oz with a sci-fi twist, know that just down the road about an hour from Appleton, you will find this magical place and you don’t even have to go over the rainbow.
In our backyard since 1870, Manitowoc continues to offer big city amenities inside a charming setting that leans into its most desirable feature: Lake Michigan.
With a history as unique as Manitowoc’s, Mayor Justin Nickels could possibly be an answer to a Jeopardy question asking, “Who is the youngest mayor in the state of Wisconsin?”
Elected at age 22, Nickels was elected to office while still in college. He entered office during a recession and decided then to do something different.
“I was elected in 2009. There was a recession. Manitowoc Company who built the cranes and Mirro Company were the two big companies that were here for 100 years. Just before I got elected, Mirro Company got up and left,” Mayor Nickels says. “Then just after I got elected, Manitowoc Company up and left, so, it was kind of a ‘What’s going to happen in Manitowoc?’”
So, he said, he looked to one of the city’s most valuable assets.
“We turned our face back to the water,” Nickels said, referring to Lake Michigan, which is a major eastern boundary for the city and also the State’s port for the SS Badger Car Ferry, which helps bring visitors to and from the area.
“I really see a renaissance in Manitowoc,” he added. “We’re an old city – 156 years old. And we built all our industry on the lake. We have also really built up downtown and the waterfront.”
With the water always a draw, there is also the walkability of Manitowoc that makes it easy to spend a day or a weekend there, according to Nickels.
“You can spend a half day just walking from the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, take a tour on the USS Cobia and the Manitowoc submarines,” he said. “There’s a lot more shows at the Capital Civic Centre during the day and evening. Or just stroll up and down downtown, which is much different today than it was even 19 years ago. We’ve got music, entertainment, breweries—we have it all.”
DINING TO-DO LIST
Manitowoc’s dining scene offers visitors a little something for everyone from charming brunch and lunch places to pub fare and upscale dining. Any time of the day, there is something that will tempt your tastebuds.
Breakfast + Lunch
If you come to Manitowoc by ferry, step off the boat and you’re hungry, you can literally cross the street and stumble upon Wrap it Up Brews and Food.
Owners Randy and Barb Lueptow hail from Dodge County before moving to Manitowoc.
Randy’s background was in management at companies like McDonald’s and Wisconsin hospitality group and Barb worked in healthcare and had no restaurant experience in her background, but that didn’t stop her from pursuing the dream. When Randy was transferred to the Manitowoc area, Barb told him she wanted to try something new.
“We ended up in this area. She said she wanted to open a restaurant and I said, ‘Yea, you’re crazy.’” Randy said.
He agreed and they found a space downtown that was already called Wrap it Up. They kept the name but expanded the menu and changed the vibe a bit.
“We’re going for a more West Coast, fresh, local, healthy vibe,” Randy said. “And then it just took off. After 18 months I just quit my other job and came here full time.”
With things going so well, they decided to add on to the restaurant. They were able to get the space next store, creating a room with much more seating, a vintage bar and a midcentury modern feel.
“When we were able to add this on it really opened up opportunities for private parties, wedding and bridal showers as well as birthday parties,” said Randy.
With a focus on breakfast and lunch, they are also planning to try dinners for a few days this summer.
“We will be open until 7 p.m. Friday’s and Saturday’s in summer,” Randy said.
If it’s a healthy brunch you crave, check out Bloom and Brunch on York Street. With vegetarian options and listings on their menu for the herbivore and carnivore, they’ve got a little something for every appetite. They also offer traditional breakfast like Breakfast Sandwiches and Biscuits and Gravy, along with several different Benedicts from Classic Eggs Benedict to Salmon Eggs Benedict.
Inspire Coffee House offers a cup of coffee and some quiet time. With an open space and lots of seating, they encourage people to come on in, sit down and stay a while. They also offer some early eats like Peanut Butter Paninis and Breakfast Wraps. They have lunch offerings like Nachos and a variety of Paninis like a BLT and Southwest Chipotle Chicken.
If you’re just looking for some traditional diner food and friendly atmosphere, try Bud Willman’s Lunch. They serve great American fare like Burgers and Fries, Perch Plates and specials like Pork, Potato Dumplings and Sauerkraut. But come with cash in hand. They don’t take cards.
Dinner
Take a few steps up the street and around the corner and you’ll find the Courthouse Pub. Step inside this establishment and you’ll know it’s a piece of Manitowoc’s history when you see the cream city bricks and the brass tap handles in the pub area.
Established in 1885 as Frank Willinger’s Beer Hall and later transitioned into the Court Cafe, it had another makeover in the 1930s when it turned into Pekel’s Colonial Inn.
It wasn’t until 2001 that it became the Courthouse Pub. Set up to brew beer, the food menu speaks for itself, with fun titles like “Small Claims,” “Opening Statements” and “Grand Jury.” But don’t feel guilty if you’re just looking for a burger and fries. The Courthouse Pub serves that too, along with its lunch and dinner fare and has a nice mix of casual and upscale selections on the docket.
Another Manitowoc staple is the Fat Seagull. For fans of “dive” bars, this tavern offers that feel along with hospitality that extends to live, local entertainment or just a fun place to catch a game on TV. With menu items like Firecracker Egg Rolls to warm up your appetite along with flavorful favorites like Lobster Bisque and Fish Tacos, you can never go wrong with a burger there either.
A famous local spot for theater artists and musicians to gather, the Stage Door Pub is an Irish-themed pub set across from the water in Manitowoc’s downtown.
Happy Hour
If your palette craves tannins, the Waterfront Wine Bar is the place to be. Who doesn’t love an expansive selection of wine and cocktails, and a self-dispensing wine machine? The Waterfront Wine Bar has two of them, along with an incredible view of the water through nearly floor to ceiling windows. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy some fine wine and conversation.
For the zythophile, or beer lover, PetSkull Brewery offers a unique variety of their own craft beers. From German styles to experimental flavors, the names of the beers are as fun as the atmosphere. A blueberry scone stout called Good Morning Manitowoc will wake up your taste buds, and a pale ale called Wicked Wango or a pilsner called Blue Collar Krewe are just a few of the other creative craft beers on their menu.
Sweet Treats
If it’s a sweet treat you’re looking for, take a jaunt to Beernsten’s Confectionary on 8th Street. Not to be confused with Bernstein’s Chocolate in Green Bay, but this is also a family-owned business passed down for three generations.
Candy expert Joe Beernsten started the sweet shop in 1932 bringing his expertise from Chicago and Green Bay. When Joe retired in 1958, his son Richard (Dick) and wife, Ione ran the store until 1983. After that, their son, Tom took over.
Passed down from generation to generation, the tradition, and taste, remain the same.
RETAIL THERAPY
Whether you call Manitowoc home or not, Heart & Homestead on 8th street in downtown Manitowoc aims to make you feel at home when you step inside their doors. From your favorite local sports team swag to gourmet goods for your kitchen, the store offers something for everyone. Owned by Cathy Karl, the shop has stood the test of time remaining in business for nearly 30 years.
It’s all about the fabric when you shop at Graced. Nestled between Beernsten’s Confectionery and The Flower Gallery, the store offers visitors a warm and inviting atmosphere with equally cozy clothing.
The Flower Gallery, owned by Dayna Nienow since 2015, is known for creating one-of-a-kind arrangements for any occasion in need of buds and blooms. Nienow, who worked at the Flower Gallery as an Interior Designer before purchasing the business, loves creating natural, original arrangements for customers.
If you’re looking to spruce up your outdoor space, Ivy Trails Lakeshore is all about helping people branch out when it comes to gifts for your home and garden. They even hold events for adults and kids like creating a “Grinch Tree” for the holidays, or painting pots.
If you’re feeling intentional about your style, shop where the items are hand selected. Intention Boutique strives to offer unique items for women of all ages. Owner Annette Schisel grew up in the Manitowoc area and has a background in retail. She always dreamed of having her own boutique. With that dream becoming a reality, she helps not just style her customers but also bring them joy through her clothing creations.
For antique enthusiasts, you won’t want to leave Manitowoc without stepping inside Ebert’s Antiques. A Manitowoc native, owner Reinhart Ebert returned from serving in Vietnam and was in search of something to fill his time. After purchasing a few antiques at an auction, he not only was hooked to finding joy in something old, he wanted to share his finds with other people. Open for 57 years, Ebert can help you find that special item you’re on the hunt for, or a new treasure you didn’t know you needed.
If you can’t get enough antiques, travel on over to the Manitowoc Antique Mall. Celebrating their 4th anniversary, there are items as far as the eye can see. From vintage signs to dishes and one-of-a-kind items, both the Manitowoc Antique Mall and Ebert’s Antiques are a sure stop on your vintage bucket list.
ENTERTAINMENT
After a day of eating and shopping, not necessarily in that order, one might want to sit back, relax and take in a show.
The curtain has been rising at the Capitol Civic Centre in Manitowoc which, much like many of the other businesses, is steeped in history.
“The Capitol Civic Centre is over 100 years old, 105 this summer,” said Executive Director, P.J. Albert. “We have been here always as a beacon of entertainment on the lakeshore.”
Albert, who moved to Manitowoc from Illinois, said he sees how the events they bring in have wide appeal.
“There are great opportunities to enjoy and see art at the Capitol,” he said. “I think it’s been great with the events we bring in. The shows are not just focused on the Manitowoc community but we often have patrons from Sheboygan, the Fox Cities and Green Bay because I feel like we provide a different type of entertainment.”
Besides entertainment they also aim to educate.
“We’ve been really focused on trying to improve our arts educational aspects,” said Albert. “We started a program a couple years ago where we brought in an organization called Missoula Children’s Theatre and they presented a one-week camp with local kids. It’s an introduction to the theater program. That program had about 15 kids the first year, and this year we’re almost tapped out at 60,” Albert said.
From arts education to making the arts accessible, Albert said they also offer free programing at the theatre.
“We want people to come out and enjoy the Capitol without having to pay,” he explains. “We started a program with Community First Credit Union that’s called Rock the Community and they underwrite two free concerts for the community per year. That’s a really great way for people who don’t normally come out to take in an event with us.”
From the young theater practitioners taking part in arts education, Albert said there is also an array of local talent that often dons the stage as well.
“We have some great local organizations here like the Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra,” said Albert. “Manitowoc is one of the smallest cities with a full time, professional orchestra.”
Another one of those great local organizations is The Masquers Inc. community theatre. One of the oldest community theatres in the state, The Masquers Inc. was founded in 1931.
With a rehearsal space right next door to the Rahr West Museum and their shows often performed on the Capitol Civic Centre stage, The Masquers Inc. has been providing an outlet for local talent along with entertainment for audiences from around the state.
President Dean Slaeger fell in love with the performing arts through The Masquers Inc. and help from his mom.
“I have been involved (with The Masquers Inc.) since I turned 17. That was the first time I auditioned,” said Slaeger. “My mom was a season ticket holder… she went to every Thursday night performance. I went a couple of times and just fell in love with theater.”
A love that led him to taking part in shows both as an actor and theater practitioner, he also seemed like the right person to pass the torch on to as president.
“Nobody else was putting their name on the ballot. Our elections are in May and we didn’t have a full slate so we pushed it to June and I thought, ‘I think I can handle it,’” Slaeger said.
To keep the tradition of The Masquers Inc. alive, Slaeger wanted to reach out to the younger generation in Manitowoc. He said he is happy to see new members starting to take center stage.
“We’re bringing in a lot of new, young, fresh faces. The experienced professionals who we have behind the scenes are now shifting over to fresh hands so that the longevity of The Masquers Inc. can continue,” said Slaeger.
“This is our 95th season right now so it’s really exciting that we made it this far,” Slaeger said.
ATTRACTIONS + RECREATION
Manitowoc’s Rahr West Museum is a friendly art museum that is set in Joseph Vilas Jr.’s house, an example of Queen Anne style architecture. There was also an addition added in the 20th century by then owners, Ruth and John West.
Ahoy there, if you’ve ever dreamed of spending the night in a submarine without actually having to join the Navy, you’re in luck. Leaning into its maritime theme and nautical roots, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, known for teaching maritime history, is now offering overnight stays on the USS Cobia submarine. Get ready to drop anchor and stay for the night in the World War II submarine. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in what the seamen experienced during their time on the USS Cobia.
If you don’t want to stay for the night, the museum also offers group tours of all of their exhibits as well as the Sub Pub to enjoy some libations after your time “at sea.”
From sea to sky, one of Manitowoc’s odd claims to fame comes from an event that happened on September 5th, 1962, when, believe it or not, a piece of smoldering space junk fell from the sky and landed right in front of the Rahr West Museum on 8th Street.
This event spawned the birth of Sputnik Fest, an annual festival held at the Rahr Museum to commemorate the uncanny event.
According to the Rahr West Museum’s Executive Director, Greg Vadney, the famous piece of space junk had quite a wild ride into the atmosphere, barely missing the Rahr West Museum upon landing as he pointed to the place outside the building in the middle of 8th Street where it hit.
“The story goes back to 1960 which is three years after the first Sputnik (world’s first artificial Earth satellite) was launched,” Vadney said. “The Russians sent up what is known here in the states as Sputnik 4 and about a month after it’s sent into space, they lost control of it.”
He goes on to share how it then was floating in an uncontrolled orbit.
“In September of 1962, it started to fall out of that orbit. On September the 5th, it crashed in the early morning, like 4:30 a.m.” Vadney said.
The smoking piece of metal didn’t garner too much attention at first glance when two officers first discovered it.
The two officers were Ronald Rusboldt and Marvin Bausch who arrived at the scene and found this steaming unknown object in the street.
“They kicked it off to the side of the road thinking it was a hubcap,” said Vadney. “And it might seem odd, but because Manitowoc is an industrial town and certainly at that point in time, had a lot of different foundries, it didn’t seem out of the ordinary that they would find something like that,” said Vadney. “Like, ‘oh, a piece of metal must have fallen off of a foundry truck.’”
The mysterious object presumed to be a hubcap was actually a piece of Sputnik 4.
“The object was about a 20-pound, round piece. I believe it was the top of a screw (from Sputnik 4). There is a model on display at the Rahr West Museum,” Vadney explained.
He noted that until the officers went back later that morning and saw the piece of metal still smoking, they didn’t think anything of it. They would find out soon what it really was, or how unlikely it was that it happened to begin with.
“The ship itself, when it went up, was about the size of a full size pick up truck. A full size pick up truck is tiny in space. Going through an uncontrolled descent, most of the metal would have melted off and really just disintegrated,” said Vadney.
But it didn’t disintegrate and, like a sci-fi film from the 1960s, there had been reports of people spotting something falling out of the sky that night.
“Farmers all around the state reported that they had seen something coming out of the sky,” Vadney said. “And I think back, and my image of the space race, and the cold war in 1962—that alone would have been incredibly frightening for people to see things streaking across the sky. Beyond that, you’re in the beginning of space exploration and science fiction and all of this space science fiction is entering the general public’s consciousness,” Vadney said.
It’s not long before the two officers, and the rest of Manitowoc realized what had actually landed on 8th Street.
“When the two officers go back to the precinct, that’s when they hear on the radio that the military and the FBI are in Sheboygan looking for pieces from a broken up space ship.” Vadney said.
Then, just like a scene from The X-Files, the mysterious metal piece was gone once those looking for it knew where to find it.
“Within possibly 6 hours, the piece was gone from here,” said Vadney.
“And that’s the history behind Sputnik Fest. I haven’t even got to the festival yet,” Vadney joked.
It wasn’t until 2006 when a question was heard on a popular quiz show that sparked someone’s interest.
“The story that I got (for how the festival was born) was that it was an answer to a question on the show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire back in 2006, asking what crash landed in Manitowoc, Wisconsin and the answer was Sputnik.” said Vadney. “With no commemoration or research done up to this point, someone heard this question and said, ‘Hey, we gotta do something.’”
The festival itself (Sputnik Fest) started like a “block party to commemorate the event,” Vadney said, and then grew into what it is today. Vadney gives credit to his predecessor, Barb Bundie who was instrumental in starting the festival in 2008 before passing the torch off to Vadney.
“It was such an odd thing that happened and Barb connected it with the oddities of what sci-fi was in the ‘60s and that’s how Sputnik Fest was born.”
CLEAR YOUR CALENDAR
Garden Faire Extraordinaire: Held in Washington Park June 13 this year. Enjoy an outdoor celebration featuring fine arts and crafts, yard art, and plant sales (annuals and perennials), along with live music.
Metro Jam: Returning to Washington Park for its 47th year, Metro Jam spans two days with 10 acts. Happening June 19 and 20 with this year’s headliner, Sonny Lendreth. This free summer music festival features national, regional, and local musical acts.
The Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival: Held at Manitowoc’s Red Arrow Park and Beach is a two-day festival featuring competitive semi-pro sand sculptors as well as amateur sculptors. Come watch them carve their sandy sculptures and vote on your favorite one. There are also live performances, food trucks, cold drinks and vendor booths. The festival runs Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, July 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sputnik Fest 2026: Saturday, September 12 from 12-6 p.m. at the Rahr West Museum. Come commemorate the day a piece of Sputnik 4 landed in the middle of 8th Street in 1962. A fun, family-friendly festival with an alien drop raffle, space debris costume contest, and the Captain Space Debris Parade.
LODGING
You can’t beat a room with a water view and both The Inn on Maritime Bay and the Holiday Inn Manitowoc sit along Lake Michigan and offer water views for visitors to the area.
And while both offer breathtaking views, they each have their own unique charm. With The Inn on Maritime Bay providing nautical themed decor, and the Holiday Inn Manitowoc which is known for their conference center and event spaces.
If you’re more of a bed and breakfast enthusiast, Manitowoc won’t disappoint. The Toll House Bed & Breakfast offers a Victorian theme.
Probably one of the most macabre, and terrifying places to stay is Dead by Dawn Dead & Breakfast. A must-stay for Halloween enthusiasts, it boasts an interactive stay with the “Restless Night of Sleep” package.
Owner Dawn Dabeck keeps a tight lid on what happens, but, she said, she is having a blast with the only ‘Dead and Breakfast’ in the U.S.
With a background in the macabre, the thought of starting this business didn’t scare her at all.
“I ran a haunted house for 25 years and, when I thought of this idea, I researched and found I was the only ‘dead and breakfast’ out there,” Dabeck said.
The house was built in 1850, and she said it has a lot of paranormal activity.
“We’ve had a lot of paranormal investigators stay here as well,” Dabeck said.
Her haunted hotel offers guests the chance to stay in either the oubliette, which is the Dead and Breakfast in the basement, or they can choose the ‘Restless Night Interactive Package,’ where they will probably be doing more screaming than sleeping, according to Dabeck, who said she has actually had people leave in the night due to fright.
The next morning, guests who are still there are welcome to take part in the “gore-met” breakfast.
The intrigue of what happens at Dead by Dawn Dead & Breakfast has people coming from near and far to experience this macabre vacay.
“We’ve a couple from London staying for the fourth time this year,” Dabeck said.
Besides the Dead and Breakfast, there is also a store called The Madhatter where every day is Halloween. Dabeck also holds an “Unhappy Hour” for guests in the pub called The Shrunken Head, or “creepeasy,” as Dabeck calls it. The public is welcome to visit for a drink without staying in the spooky spot but Dabeck requests they make reservations first.
Her niche business has certainly gained a following. She is proud to say that her 10th anniversary is right around the corner in—guess what month—October, of course.
“I will probably do something special for that so stay tuned,” Dabeck said.
From fabulous dining experiences, fun festivals and frightening vacation spots, Manitowoc has a little bit of everything for residents and visitors alike, not to mention, it’s just right down the road.
“It’s only a half an hour from Green Bay, 45 minutes from Appleton. Everything is pretty affordable here. There is always something happening,” said Mayor Nickels.