Lake Michigan views at a relatively low cost in Manitowoc
Manitowoc, Wisconsin, lies on the shores of Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Manitowoc River, about 80 miles north of Milwaukee and 45 miles south of Green Bay. Named for an Ojibwe word meaning “dwelling of the great spirit,” it is now home to 35,000 residents who can enjoy the Great Lake, proximity to northern Wisconsin and access to bigger cities to the south. “The people of Manitowoc love the gorgeous sunrises over Lake Michigan and the tight-knit community,” says Erika Christel, the City of Manitowoc’s media and special events coordinator. “I think people are initially drawn to the low cost of living and the location.” Significant industries in Manitowoc include shipping and transport, manufacturing and health care.
Lake Michigan is part of Manitowoc residents daily life and weather in the area.
Manitowoc North Breakwater Lighthouse sits at the opening of the harbor.
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Stylistic home variety and a cost-saving public utility setup
The median price for a single-family home in Manitowoc is $209,000, less than half the national median of $420,000 and lower than Wisconsin’s median price of $310,000. “There’s anything from historic Victorian mansions to starter homes to new builds,” Christel says. “Residents on the west side are next to the interstate and the new side of town, while east side residents get beautiful Lake Michigan views.” Manitowoc is revitalizing its River Point District. “Projects include a kayak launch and River North Apartments,” Christel says.
Manitowoc’s public utilities contribute to savings, too. “Manitowoc Public Utilities, or MPU, is owned by the city, meaning savings are passed on to the citizens through some of the lowest rates — if not the lowest — in the state,” Christel says. “MPU also provides water to Green Bay, which offsets costs even more.”
Manitowoc has many beutiful older homes like this Victorian.
Manitowoc’s public utilities are owned by the city, which help residents save on their bills.
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Silver Creek Park offers scenic views of Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan’s shoreline is a perk for nature enthusiasts. Silver Creek Park, which runs along the lake, is home to a 36-hole disc golf course that is among the most highly rated in Wisconsin. “Plus, it’s hosting the US Women’s Disc Golf Championships this June,” Christel says. Residents can access a segment of Wisconsin’s 1,200-mile National Ice Age Scenic Trail. “Manitowoc’s segment goes through the wooded Henry Schuette Park along the Manitowoc River and out to the Mariners Trail, which follows the scenic shore of Lake Michigan,” Christel says. The city also has 36 neighborhood parks.
Silver Creek Park in Manitowoc has beautiful wooded paths.
The Ice Age Trail passes through Henry Schuette Park in Manitowoc.
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Even Manitowoc’s animal residents go all out for Sputnikfest
The city’s special events and cultural offerings showcase Manitowoc’s history. Folks can tour a restored WWII submarine at Wisconsin’s Maritime Museum. “A big source of pride is our designation as an American WWII Heritage City, given out to only one city per state,” Christel says. The Rahr-West Art Museum displays work by Warhol, Picasso and Wisconsin native Georgia O’Keeffe. City events like Munich in Manitowoc celebrate the city’s German heritage.
And then there’s Sputnikfest, which honors the crash-landing of a 20-pound chunk of the Soviet satellite on Eighth Street in 1962. “We claim it’s America’s wackiest festival,” Christel says. “It has costume contests, a public art run/walk, a Sputnik replica, an alien drop raffle, food, music and a reenactment show. I love it. It’s so goofy. A cat won the costume contest two years ago, and last year, someone brought their chicken in an outfit.”
The USS Cobia at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc is open for tours.
The Rahr West Art Museum in Manitowoc has rotating art exhibitis throughout the year.
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Interstate 43 heads to Green Bay and Milwaukee
Interstate 43 runs north to Green Bay and south to Milwaukee. U.S. Highway 10 heads west to Appleton and continues east across Lake Michigan via the S.S. Badger ferry. Maritime Metro Transit serves both Manitowoc and Two Rivers, about 5 miles north. The closest major airport is Green Bay’s Austin Straubel International Airport, about 43 miles away. Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital serves Manitowoc.
Global Scholars program at Lincoln High School
The Manitowoc School District serves nearly 5,000 students and earns a B-minus from Niche. Lincoln High School offers nine AP courses and a Global Scholars program emphasizing cultural literacy and global citizenship. The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus offers two-year associate degrees.
Manitowoc Lincoln High School scores a B by Niche.
The UW-Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus offers residents a nearby option for college classes.
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Waterfront Wine Bar and Harborside Restaurant offer downtown dining
Big-box stores and grocery chains line the western part of town near the interstate. Local restaurants are scattered throughout downtown, closer to Lake Michigan. “You’ll find the longtime residents at Waterfront Wine Bar enjoying the Pad Thai, catching live music at The Wharf or grabbing bites at the classy Courthouse Pub or the cozy Harborside Restaurant,” Christel says.
The Waterfront Wine Bar in Manitowoc, has a vast selection for wine lovers.
Walmart and other larger shopping stores are near Hwy 43 in Manitowoc.
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Important to know
According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer and the Manitowoc Police Department’s 2023 annual report, violent and property crime counts have both decreased over the past 5 years. Property crimes have declined more dramatically than violent offenses.
Lake Michigan moderates Manitowoc’s climate: it tends to be warmer in winter and cooler in summer than more inland localities, with average January lows in the teens and average July highs in the mid-70s.
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