It's too easy to forget that worldly treasures exist right here in the midwest. While cheese curds, beer, and brats are the epicenter of our unique culture, we have far more to offer than those delectable treats (says the lactose intolerant, wine drinking vegetarian). Need proof? Then head to Manitowoc.
Manitowoc is home of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, which celebrates Wisconsin's role in the shipbuilding industry. Appropriately located on the shore of Lake Michigan, this museum showcases artifacts from recent history. The Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company built 28 submarines during World War II for the US Navy, 25 of those served in the war.
A short jaunt from the Maritime Museum, but a far cry from the utilitarian nature of submarines, luxury yachts are produced at Burger Boat Company. I had the fortune of getting to see a yacht in the construction phase there several years back while working for the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters. Coming back to Manitowoc, I found myself driving past this facility, which has managed to survive the recession.
Manitowoc is divided by the Manitowoc River, which feeds into Lake Michigan and gives character to Manitowoc's downtown. This downtown features restaurants, cafes, museums, and shops. Not far from the downtown is a trail which leads from Manitowoc to its northern neighbor, Two River (in the midwest, it's often pronounced "Trivers". My theory is that our mouths are usually stuffed with cheese and beer, making it difficult to appropriately enunciate the words.) This trail follows the Lake Michigan shoreline, with much of the vista open to the public, thanks to Manitowoc County owning a significant portion of land along the six-mile paved trail. If you're an early bird, I highly recommend catching this trail before sunrise to experience the breathtaking transformation that occurs to the lake when the sun rises.
Manitowoc is a community that embodies its history, recognizes its fortune for being on the shore of a Great Lake, and provides a unique experience for its visitors. This city is definitely worth a visit!
