Community Profile

Pledge Summary

Manitowoc is a historic, family-friendly city of approximately 35,000 residents on the western shore of Lake Michigan, widely known as Wisconsin's Maritime Capital. It boasts a rich industrial history in shipbuilding, particularly submarines during WWII, and now features the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, sandy beaches, a bustling marina, the S.S. Badger ferry, and attractions like the Rahr-West Art Museum. Key Features and Highlights: Location: Situated on Lake Michigan, about 40 minutes from Green Bay and 90 minutes from Milwaukee. Maritime Heritage: Known for building 28 submarines during World War II, it hosts the largest maritime museum in the Midwest, where visitors can tour the USS Cobia submarine. Attractions: Rahr-West Art Museum: Located in a Victorian mansion, featuring works by Picasso and Warhol. Mariners Trail: A 13-mile scenic walking/biking trail along Lake Michigan. S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Car Ferry: Connects Manitowoc to Ludington, Michigan. Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center: An interactive agricultural education center. Recreation: Features 36 parks, including swimming beaches (Noda and Red Arrow) and fishing opportunities. Lifestyle: A small-town atmosphere with a growing downtown, riverfront development (River Point District), and active farmer's markets. Economy: A mix of manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture. Name Origin: The name "Manitowoc" is derived from the Algonquian language, likely meaning "abode of the Great Spirit"