Twin rivers frame a lakefront escape northeast of Manitowoc
Recreation is free-flowing in Two Rivers, from its namesake waterfronts and Lake Michigan shoreline to its paved pathways. “I can drive or ride my bike two blocks and I’m literally on the beach,” says Travis Stevens, lifelong local and Realtor with RE/MAX Port Cities. “Then I go eight blocks, and I’m downtown in the business district, and then I go another half mile on that bike path, and I'm in the woods, in a big state park.” This summertime tourist spot is the alleged origin city of the ice cream sundae, a motif found in Central Park and on local postage stamps. Two Rivers is socially and commercially linked with nearby Manitowoc, though interpersonal connections within the city are also tight. “It’s very personable of an area,” Stevens says. “If you meet somebody at one of the restaurants, you’re also gonna run into them at the grocery store. Everybody is easy to get along with and nice to work with."
The East and West Twin Rivers meet at the harbor in Two Rivers.
The historic birthplace of the
ice cream sundae in serious business in Two Rivers.
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From Point Beach State Forest to Twin River kayaking
The Mariners Trail connects Manitowoc and Two Rivers along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Pine-bordered trails also trace through Point Beach State Forest to the north of town, opening out onto the sand in view of Rawley Point Lighthouse, which can be seen by ships 28 miles away. Private and city-owned launches send kayakers over 10 miles up the East or West Twin River. Cross-country skis and snowmobiles go up for rent when the lake blows in freezing winter temperatures. Though snow arrives every winter, timing varies. “This year we had nothing in December and January, but we’ve got an accumulation of like 2 feet now in February,” Stevens says. “So it comes, it’s just always a surprise.”
Point Beach State Forest in Two Rivers has sandy beaches and camping for the family.
Walk or bike along the Mariners Trail which connects Two Rivers and Manitowoc.
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Midcentury homes and new developments along the Twin Rivers or inland
The median home price in Two Rivers is around $200,000, about half the national median and on par with Manitowoc. Residents close to the center of town make the most of their small front yard space with statement landscaping and decor. The west side has the highest number of midcentury properties, which Stevens says hit the market often in recent years. "They’re move-in ready; they just need some work,” he says. “A lot of times it’s just carpet – or I should say removal of carpet, since it hasn’t been touched since the 60s.” Meanwhile, larger plots within new subdivision construction border the state park and the lakefront.
Water front homes in Two Rivers can have an idyllic setting along lake Michigan.
Mid century ranches are common throughout Two Rivers.
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Low crime and flood risk in Two Rivers
After reaching a peak in 2016, violent crime in Two Rivers trended downward through 2023, according to FBI statistics. The same data shows a continuous decrease in property crime from 2015 to 2023. Offense types in both categories trend below national rates. Stevens says flood risk is also low for the city despite its high water table. “I live on one of the lower sides of town and I don’t even have a sump pump in my basement," he says. "The only time you see flooding is maybe in the spring, and it’s gonna be on your property on the river’s edge. It’s not gonna be in the streets or anything like that.”
Events attract visitors from the Lake Michigan region
Summer is peak tourist and event season in Two Rivers, with a location on Highway 42 pulling in visitors. “There’s always events going on downtown, and people always are coming up through from, say, Chicago or Milwaukee and stopping in Two Rivers," Stevens says. Over two dozen food vendors and small businesses close down three city blocks during Ethnic Fest in September, while almost 400 vintage cars cruise from Manitowoc through Two Rivers during the Cool City Classic Car Show & Cruise. Blues and jazz are also highly celebrated, thanks to the legacy of hometown hero Bryan Lee. “His wife helps us organize an event every year,” Stevens says. “There will be thousands of people that will come downtown, pull up their lawn chairs and just spend all day listening to music.”
Shopping and restaurants between Two Rivers and Manitowoc
Memorial Drive connects the shopping and dining options in Two Rivers to those in Manitowoc. Save for a few options, Two Rivers has less big-box stores than its neighbor. “Lowes, Menards, Meijer and all that stuff is in Manitowoc,” Stevens says. “But it’s so close that it’s not a real issue. That’s one of the nice things about Two Rivers, is it’s more of a residential community... but if you wanna go to those big-box stores and drive a few minutes, it’s not very far.”
Pick'n Save in Two Rivers is one of the many grocery centers in town.
Enjoy great food with friends at Two Rivers Family Restaurant.
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New funding for Two Rivers students
Most students are zoned for Two Rivers Public School District, which scores a B-minus from Niche. It’s one of 17 awarded grants from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development to add equipment for technical vocational training, which was used to install new precision measurement instruments at Two Rivers High School. Small southwest portions of the city attend Manitowoc School District, which also scores a B-minus. Bus transportation is provided both for the public schools and for local Lutheran and Catholic schools.
Two Rivers High School has a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1.
St John's Lutheran School has 81 students in grades PK though 8th grade.
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Local industry and commutes in Two Rivers
Wisconsin 42 leads southeast into Manitowoc, while Interstate 43 heads up to Green Bay International Airport. "A lot of corporations use the Manitowoc airport because it’s got a big enough air stretch that they can fly their small jets in,” Stevens adds. The city's manufacturing base ranges form Nesco roasting pots to volleyball and basketball nets. “There is larger-for-our-area industry,” Stevens says. "And if you can’t manage to get an industry job locally, you’re able to get one in Manitowoc.” Healthcare is split between Aurora Medical Center Manitowoc County and Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital.
Aurora Medical Center is another large employer in the Two Rivers area.
Kahlenberg Industries is another longtime business in Two Rivers, in business since 1895.
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Written By
Emma Downes
Photography Contributed By
Richard Ebbers
Video By
Francesco Basti
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Laura Corrao,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Two Rivers, WI sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Two Rivers, WI over the last 12 months is $196,000, up 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Updated and inviting 4 bedroom, 2 bath 1.5-story home featuring a spacious open concept design, warm wood floors, and a bright, southern-facing deckperfect for soaking up the sun. Cute, cozy, and comfortable, this home sits on a large yard ideal for outdoor enjoyment. Conveniently located near schools and a park, with Lake Michigan and the scenic Mariner's Trail just a short distance away!
Rare opportunity in Cedar Heights Subdivision, Town of Two Rivers! Build your dream home or utilize the included new outbuilding for storage purposes. The shed measures 40ft x 13.5ft, featuring a rear access door at 6.5ft tall and 9ft wide. With Town amenities this has endless uses. Call today to seize this chance!
Beautifully upgraded 3B, 1.25-BA home with 2-car garage and fenced backyard. New LVP flooring throughout in 2022. Kitchen roof, furnace, and kitchen remodel with under-sink water filter and soft close cabinets done in 2023. New window coverings added in 2024. Bathroom remodel and new deck completed in 2025. Includes all appliances, flat-screen TV, and router. Beautiful designs and finishes
Property Id: 1954679Charming 1 Bed, 1 Bath with Stunning Original Details!Step into timeless elegance with this cozy one-bedroom, one-bath home featuring breathtaking original pressed metal ceilings that soar to twelve feet high. Enjoy the warm ambiance of ceiling fans with integrated lighting in both the living room and bedroom. This inviting space blends historic charm with modern
Property Id: 1954709Charming 1 Bed, 1 Bath with Stunning Original Details!Step into timeless elegance with this cozy one-bedroom, one-bath home featuring breathtaking original pressed metal ceilings that soar to twelve feet high. Enjoy the warm ambiance of ceiling fans with integrated lighting in both the living room and bedroom. This inviting space blends historic charm with modern
Property Id: 1934097Location is a 2 minute walk from the heart of Two Rivers, near public transit and about a mile away from Neshotah Beach. Home is freshly painted, has wood floors, new light fixtures, large bathroom with full closet, kitchen has new stove and fridge. Features a deep large fenced-in backyard.Renter is responsible for all utilities and electric, security deposit
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