MANITOWOC – Summer can flash by in the blink of an eye. To help you make the most of the season, we’ve put together a list of events and experiences in the Lakeshore area to add to your family’s summer bucket list. Here are 15 things to do before summer ends.
Outdoor movie nights in Manitowoc
Outdoor movie nights in Manitowoc are scheduled as follows:
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the beach, you might change your mind after watching the free outdoor screening of “Jaws” from 9 to 11 p.m. July 2 at Lighthouse Park, 475 Maritime Drive.
Join the fun with a free screening of “The Incredibles” from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Aug. 6 at Washington Park, 1115 Washington St.
Who are you going to call? Get into the Halloween spirit with a free screening of “Ghostbusters” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at Washington Park, 1115 Washington St.
Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum, 75 Maritime Drive, is the largest of its kind in the Midwest and gives visitors a chance to get up close to life-size historic vessels, real artifacts and interactive exhibits for all ages.
Visitors also can tour the USS Cobia, a World War II submarine docked in the Manitowoc River.
The museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Oct. 1.
Mariners Trail between Manitowoc and Two Rivers
This scenic 7-mile trail follows the shore of Lake Michigan with gardens, picnic areas, beaches and more north to Two Rivers.
S.S. Badger ferry and shoreline cruises
Lake Michigan’s largest passenger ferry, the S.S. Badger, travels daily from Manitowoc to Ludington, Michigan, from mid-May to mid-October. Passengers can bring a bike or car to explore both coastal cities.
For a shorter trip, the ferry also offers two-hour shoreline cruises along the Manitowoc shoreline on July 18, Aug. 1 and Aug. 15. Tickets include food and live entertainment, with a cash bar available.
Find out more at ssbadger.com.
Rahr-West Art Museum in Manitowoc
The Rahr-West Art Museum, 610 N. Eighth St., is one of Manitowoc’s biggest draws. Visitors can view works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe and Pablo Picasso in the museum’s galleries and the Vilas-Rahr Mansion. The museum also offers classes, exhibits and events.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It is closed Monday. Admission is free, though suggested donations are $5 for adults and $2 for children.
Pedal pub tours in downtown Manitowoc
Fueled by leg power and beer, these traveling pubs are a fun way to bar hop.
Manitour Pedalers is a family-owned pedal bike that can carry up to 12 people. Take your own beverages or make stops for beverages as part of the tour.
Learn more at manitourpedalers.com or call Manitowoc Tavern on Wheels at 920-320-1008.
West of the Lake Gardens in Manitowoc
Located along the shore of Lake Michigan at 915 Memorial Drive, West of the Lake Gardens is owned by the West Foundation and is free and open to the public from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The 6.5-acre site features roses, geraniums, begonias, more than 30,000 tulips and much more.
Manitowoc Breakwater Lighthouse walk
Start at Lighthouse Park Beach and walk past the blue rails and marina to reach the north pier and the lighthouse.
Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival in Manitowoc
The Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival returns from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 18 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 19 at Red Arrow Park, 1931 S. Ninth St.
Now in its third year, the festival features competitive semiprofessional sand sculptors creating large-scale works, along with an amateur competition. Visitors can watch the sculptors in action while enjoying live performances, food trucks and vendor booths.
Malt City Brewfest in Manitowoc
Malt City Brewfest will be at 720 Quay St. from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 1 and will feature more than 30 craft brewers serving some of their favorite beers.
The event includes unlimited samples of more than 100 beers and ciders, a souvenir pint glass, live music and local food trucks and vendors.
Proceeds benefit local charities.
Lakeshore Balloon Glow in downtown Manitowoc
The Lakeshore Balloon Glow on Aug. 14 is a free, family-friendly event featuring glowing hot-air balloons, food trucks, a water-ski show and activities for all ages. It takes place downtown along the riverfront near 720 Quay St.
Manitowoc County Fair at the Expo grounds
The Manitowoc County Fair will be Aug. 26-30 at the Expo grounds, 4921 Expo Drive. The five-day annual event features entertainment, carnival rides, animals and more.
Rainbow Valley Amusements will again provide carnival rides for the fair. Other attractions include the Sea Lion Show, AG Adventureland, pony rides, music, a Women’s Day event and more. Admission is $15 for one day.
Manitowoc Lincoln Park Zoo
The Manitowoc Lincoln Park Zoo, 1215 N. Eighth St., is a free public zoo focused on education and ethical zoo practices. Visitors can see a variety of North American animals, including bison, bald eagles, cougars, bears and reptiles.
The Education Center is home to Wisconsin native reptiles, insects, amphibians, fish and birds.
The Big Red Barn houses young farm animals, including alpacas, chickens, rabbits and turkeys.
Sputnikfest at Rahr-West Art Museum
Sputnikfest, presented by the Rahr-West Art Museum, 610 N. Eighth St., celebrates Sept. 5, 1962, the day a 20-pound piece of Russian Sputnik IV landed at the corner of North Eighth and Park streets.
The event celebrates sci-fi and space with live music, food, a run/walk and elaborate alien-themed costumes. It runs from noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 12 on the museum grounds.
Washington House Museum and Visitor Center in Two Rivers
The Washington House Museum and Visitor Center, 1622 Jefferson St. in Two Rivers, bills itself as the birthplace of the ice cream sundae.
Open from mid-May through Oct. 31 and closed Tuesday and Wednesday, the 1850s former inn serves as the city’s visitor center and features Berners’ Ice Cream Parlor and five museum rooms, including rare murals in the upstairs ballroom.
Contact reporter Patti Zarling at pzarling@usatodayco.com or call 920-606-2575.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc summer bucket list has 15 must-do events
Reporting by Patti Zarling, Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter / Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Patti Zarling, Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter | USA TODAY Network
