SUGGESTED ITINERARIES & ANNUAL EVENTS


Manitowoc - Two Rivers Annual Events

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BIG SHIP, GROUP FUN!!
Lake Michigan Carferry, S.S. Badger
Enjoy a relaxing 4-hour cruise aboard the 410' S.S. Badger between Ludington and Manitowoc. There
is plenty to see and do aboard the huge ship - including games, FREE movies and satellite TV, shopping, or just lounging on the spacious outside decks. Meals are available in our buffet restaurant and deli-style snack bar.


THE WONDER OF CHRISTMAS
Area residents work together to create this artistic display of over 400 Nativity scenes in myriad shapes and sizes from around the world depicting the first Christmas.This event has become extremely popular with bus groups.

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View our Group Rates for Manitowoc County Attractions.

HISTORIC CZECH FARMSTEAD
The Czech Farmstead began in 1876 when the Chervosky family emigrated from Bohemia with the hopes of building a new farming life in the United States. The original buildings including the log home, barn, granary and tool shed have been restored and still stand on the original plat of land....

Click here to view itinerary, dining menus and 2010 special event information
A Day in Manitowoc… Wisconsin's Maritime Capitol™
9 am Wisconsin Maritime Museum - New Smithsonian affiliate - & WWII Submarine - Explore the largest maritime museum on the Great Lakes and enjoy a guided tour of the USS COBIA, the nation's most completely restored WWII submarine. ($10 for 20 or more, ages 6-15 is $5; 6 and under FREE. Tour escort and driver comp).
11 am West of the Lake Gardens - Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, this 6-acre estate offers four formal gardens to enjoy. Fabulous photo opportunities. FREE
12 Noon Enjoy a themed lunch in the Judges Chambers at the Courthouse Pub, a daily sandwich special at the Harborside Restaurant, or a hand-dipped chocolate treat at Beerntsen's Confectionary.
1 pm Rahr West Art Museum and Victorian Mansion - Visit an 1891 Victorian Mansion where art and architecture collide! This museum features 19th and 20th century American and decorative arts and is the landing place of a piece of Sputnik IV. Guided tour available. ($10 docent fee per bus).
2 pm Head to Historic Downtown Manitowoc for a little afternoon shopping at Timeless Treasures, featuring vintage clothing and jewelry; Lynn's ClassiCloset, a unique consignment shop for women with a heightened sense of style, or stop by the Manitowoc Company Store to do your souvenir shopping.
3 pm Pinecrest Historical Village - Costumed guides interpret farm and village life, 28 historic buildings with period furnishings. (20 or more $5 per person, 20 or less $6 per person. Student rate is $3. Driver and escort complimentary). Manitowoc County Heritage Center--Discover a Civil War flag, learn the story of Manitowoc's famous circus performers and see a 300-year-old dugout canoe. (20 or more $3 per person, escort and driver complimentary).
5 pm "Enjoy Dinner at Dusk" at Pinecrest Historical Village or refer to our Group Restaurant Guide for other choices.
Check in at one of our many fine hotels. Watch the sun set and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Michigan as you stroll our paved Riverwalk and the new Mariners Trail.

Two Rivers...City of Museums and Birthplace of the Ice
Cream Sundae!
9 am Point Beach Energy Center - Visitors of ALL ages will enjoy exploring the ENERGY EXPERIENCE at the Point Beach Energy Center. Open to group tours with advance reservations.
LondonDairy Alpacas & Fiber Studio Gift Store - Tour a century-old farm that now raises exotic, soft alpacas and enjoy shopping in the unique gift shop filled with items made from the alpaca's non-allergenic, durable fiber. Open to group tours with advance reservations. FREE
11 am Rogers Street Fishing Village & Museum with 1886 Lighthouse - This museum village and heritage park features artifacts of famous shipwrecks on Rawley's Point. Storyteller on site describes the sinking of the Rouse Simmons Christmas Tree Ship, Two Rivers' most noted shipwreck. ($4/person, children 16 and under $2, tour escort and driver complimentary). Open Memorial Day -- Mid October.
12 Noon Enjoy lunch with a scenic view of the historic Two Rivers harbor at
M & M Lunch; the Lighthouse Inn along the shores of Lake Michigan; or Kurtz's, a historic German pub and deli specializing in world famous beers.
1 pm Washington House & Berners' Ice Cream Parlor
Warm 1850 hotel, historic saloon (nonalcoholic) and museum. Friendly costumed volunteers available for guided tours. Berners' old time ice cream parlor and soda fountain serves up delicious treats while commemorating the invention of the ice cream sundae right here in Two Rivers. FREE. Directly across the street, visit the Hamilton Wood Type Museum -- Vintage machinery and original patterns for multi-lingual, international production of wood type. FREE.
3 pm The Historic Farm Museum displays antique tractors, vintage farm equipment, miscellaneous tools and a farmhouse display from the early 1900s. FREE Two Rivers History Museum - Dignified 1900 convent with excellent historical & seasonal changing art displays. FREE.
5 pm Enjoy shopping in downtown Two Rivers at Schroeder's, one of the nation's oldest department stores; Unique Flying Objects, colorful kites and flags of all shapes and sizes; or Inman Jewelers for exclusive Two Rivers souvenirs. On your way to or from Two Rivers, stop by the
Honey Pot, a delightful themed gift shop.

Ag Adventures
Manitowoc Tour natural habitats at Lincoln Park Zoo. Housed in a wooded park setting with picnic areas, farm animals, butterfly wildflower garden and Japanese rock garden. Suggested Tour Time: 1 hour
Manitowoc Pine River Dairy offers over 250 varieties of cheese in their retail store. Enjoy a 25-cent hand-dipped ice cream cone while browsing through many gifts and souvenirs. View the butter manufacturing process through the observation window. 920-758-2233
Manitowoc Visit an open-air Farmers' Market in Historic Downtown Manitowoc. The market features an assortment of fresh fruits, vegentables, herbs, honey, meats, flowers, bakery and quality crafts. Ethnic and heirloom vegetables are regular faire. Open: Tuesday 3 - 8 pm June - October; Saturdays 7 am - Noon May - November. www.manitowoc.org
Two Rivers Year-round Farmers' Market available indoors or outdoors, depending on the time of year. Enjoy fresh produce and handcrafted items. Indoors: Open Saturdays 9 am - 2 pm November - April; Outdoors: Open Saturdays 8 am - 1 pm & Wednesday 2 pm until dusk May - October. www.trmainstreet.org 920-793-5565
Two Rivers Watch the beautiful exotic alpacas, at the century-old LondonDairy Alpaca Ranch and shop in their unique gift store, Alpaca Threads. Enjoy soft garments made from their non-allergenic, warm and durable fiber; capes, shawls & gloves. Visitors & groups welcome by appointment. 920-793-4165 Suggested Tour Time: 60-90 minutes
Two Rivers Wilfert Farms a 130-year-old farm best known for its peas-in-pod, sweet corn and U-pick pumpkins and strawberries. 920-683-3264
Kewaunee Historic Czech Farmstead preserves agriculture's diverse heritage and has many events all year round. Experience tractor pulls, heritage demos, Germanfest, Czech Fest & Heritage Days.
920-388-0406
Valders Hidden Valley Farm and Woolen Mill - A great visitor destination for those in search of Wisconsin-made products. See local artisans at work, learn how raw fleece is turned into quality wool product, and shop for yarns/fibers, quilting supplies and more. Advance reservations required
920-758-2803 Suggested Tour Time: 45 minutes
Cleveland Visit the Saxon Creamery located on a fifth generation dairy farm near the shores of Lake Michigan. Take a tour of the creamery and sample their homemade specialty cheeses. Advance reservations required. 920-547-4108 Suggested Tour Time: 45 minutes
Cedar Grove Bahr Creek Llamas & Fiber Studio is located just 35 miles south of Manitowoc on I-43 in Cedar Grove. Shop for spinning wheels, looms, supplies, yarns/fibers, books and gifts. Relax with a cup of coffee and watch the llamas. 920-668-6414
Suggested Tour Time: 1 hour

Sample Our Creative Nature
Gardens, Galleries, Arts & Glass
Capitol Civic Centre - Take a tour of this vintage 1921 restored vaudeville house which features professional touring artists, Broadway shows, music, theatre and dance. Advanced reservations required. Group rates available on most performances.
Martin Pottery, Studio & Gallery - Offers hand-made pottery thrown on a potter's wheel by Dave Martin in his studio. The gallery offers a full line of unique stoneware made with a variety of clays and glazes that is both functional and non-functional.
Rahr West Art Museum and Victorian Mansion - Visit an 1891 Victorian Mansion where art and architecture collide! This museum features 19th and 20th century American and decorative arts and is the landing place of a piece of Sputnik IV. Guided tour available. ($10 docent fee per bus)
West of the Lake Gardens - Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, this 6-acre estate offers four formal gardens to enjoy. Fabuuous photo opportunties.
Two Rivers
Woodland Dunes Nature Center - A 1,200-acre wildlife sanctuary, home of hundreds of species of plants and animals. Woodland Dunes offers more than 6 miles of nature trails, an interpretive center, butterfly garden, naturalistic led programs, folk music concert and gift shop.
Carreaux Du Nord - The interesting architecture of the former Hamilton home provides a charming backdrop for the hand-made Art Tiles of the in-house studio and selected works from other fine artisans.
Mishicot
RiverEdge Galleries and Sculpture Garden - This three room antique gallery includes an ever-changing array of items and features exhibitions by leading state and regional artists displayed in a historical setting.
Algoma
The Flying Pig Gallery & Greenspace- A high-spirited celebration of art and garden. Sip an organic cup of coffee as you explore their uncommon indoor exhibits and stroll through their sculpture gardens.
Kiel
Abler Art Glass Gallery Etc...A Collection of Artists - Your group can browse two galleries in one location! Abler Art Glass demonstrates hand-blown fused, etched, leaded, enameled and painted glass. Etc...A Collection of Artists showcases artwork in mediums of jewelry, metal, wood turning, paintings and pottery. All beautifully situated in a rural setting surrounded by flower gardens and sculptures.
Don't Forget the Cheese!
Pine River Dairy - Offers over 250 varieties of cheese in their retail store. Enjoy a 25-cent hand-dipped ice cream cone while browsing through many gifts and souvenirs. View the butter manufacturing process through the observation window.

After you have toured all the wonderful attractions in the Port Cities,
We invite you to Hub & Spoke
from Manitowoc - Two Rivers to enjoy
Sidetrips around the Countryside!
North and Door County Area
Mishicot The RiverEdge Galleries, a three room
antique gallery, houses an ever-changing array of items. Mishicot Historical Museum features artifacts of Mishicot area history and collections on rural schools and the Potawatomi Indians.
Algoma Visit The Flying Pig, a high-spirited celebration of art and garden. Sip an organic cup of coffee as you explore their uncommon indoor exhibits and stroll through their sculpture gardens.
Algoma Von Stiehl Winery offers a Wisconsin tradition in fine wines, producing traditional grape and fruit wines. Guided tours and free tasting. Taste over 20 varieties of award-winning wines.
Ellison Bay Stop at the Viking Grill & Lounge serving home-style food at family-style prices. Famous for their Viking fish boils.
Washington Island Pass islands and lighthouses on a 30-minute ferry ride from Northport Pier to Washington Island, a year-round community off Door County's Peninsula. Camping and overnight accommodations are available.
South
Cleveland Whispering Orchards & McIntosh Cafe is a family-oriented farm market in a relaxing country setting with farm animals, orchard and corn maze. The McIntosh Cafe offers a Wisconsin hearty breakfast, lunch and homemade apple pie like grandma used to make.
Kiel Visit Abler Art Glass Gallery Etc...A Collection of Artists
Your group can browse two galleries in one location! Abler Art Glass demonstrates hand-blown fused, etched, leaded, enameled and painted glass. Etc...A Collection of Artists showcases artwork in mediums of jewelry, metal, wood turning, paintings and pottery. All beautifully situated in a rural setting surrounded by flower gardens and sculptures.
Sheboygan John Michael Kohler Arts Center is comprised of 11 galleries that focus on Contemporary American art and designer gardens bursting with vibrant colors.
Kohler Discover a world of gracious living at the Kohler Design Center. More than two dozen designer bath vignettes fill a dramatic three level space and offer an abundance of kitchen, bath and home furnishing ideas. Tour the ceramic art gallery and see the fascinating displays of historic Kohler Village and Kohler Company.
Cedar Grove Bahr Creek Llams & Fiber Studio is located just 35 miles south of Manitowoc on I-43. Shop for spinning wheels, looms, supplies, yarns/fibers, books and gifts. Relax with a cup of coffee and watch the llamas.

Maritime Treasure Trails in the
Port Cities of Manitowoc - Two Rivers
This sample itinerary can be customized for anytime of the year!
GTA indicates “Guided Tour Available”
Day 1
9 am GTA Tour a fully restored World War II submarine, operate a real steam engine, time-travel back to a 19th century shipbuilding town all at the largest maritime museum on the Great Lakes, Wisconsin Maritime Museum.
11 am GTA West of the Lake Gardens was created in 1934 along the shores of Lake Michigan. Stroll through four formal gardens, a rose garden and Japanese Garden. Fabulous photo opportunities!
12 Noon Enjoy a themed lunch in the Judges Chambers at the Courthouse Pub, a daily sandwich special at the Harborside Restaurant.
1 pm GTA Visit an 1891 Victorian Mansion where art and architecture collide! The Rahr West Art Museum features 19th and 20th century American and decorative arts. RWAM is also the landing site of a large chunk of the Russian satellite Sputnik IV in 1962!
2 pm Head to Historic Downtown Manitowoc for afternoon shopping at Timeless Treasures, featuring vintage clothing and jewelry, or the Manitowoc Company Store for souvenir shopping.
3 pm GTA Costumed guides interpret farm and village life as you walk through
28 historic buildings at Pinecrest Historical Village.
5 pm "Enjoy Dinner at Dusk" at Pinecrest Historical Village or refer to our Group Restaurant Guide for other choices.
6:30 pm Check in at your hotel. Watch the sun set and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Michigan as you stroll our six mile, paved Mariners Trail.
Day 2
9 am Visitors of all ages will enjoy exploring the ENERGY EXPERIENCE at the Point Beach Energy Center, or a century-old farm to see alpacas at LondonDairy Alpaca Farm.
11 am Tour Rogers Street Fishing Village & Museum. This museum village features an 1868 lighthouse and artifacts of famous shipwrecks on the shifting shoals of Rawley's Point.
12 pm Have lunch along scenic views of the historic Two Rivers harbor
at M & M Lunch; the Lighthouse Inn along the shores of Lake Michigan. Or enjoy Kurtz's, a historic German pub and deli specializing in world famous beers.
1 pm GTA Visit the Washington House, a warm 1850 hotel, historic saloon (nonalcoholic) and museum. Berner's Ice Cream Parlor will serve up delicious treats while commemorating the invention of the ice cream sundae right here in Two Rivers.
2 pm

GTA

 Across the street from Washington House visit the Hamilton Wood
Type and Printing Museum, home to over 100 years of American
printing history. See the first clothes dryer produce by Hamilton Industries in 1938.
3 pm Enjoy shopping in downtown Two Rivers at Schroeder's, one of the nation's oldest department stores; Unique Flying Objects, colorful kites and flags of all shapes and sizes; or Inman Jewelers for exclusive Two Rivers souvenirs. On your way to or from Two Rivers, stop by the Honey Pot, a delightful themed gift shop located on the shores of Lake Michigan.
For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, contact the Manitowoc Area Visitors & Convention Bureau,
800-627-4896, www.manitowoc.info