Travelers bound north along Lake Michigan out of Sheboygan, Door County bound, shouldn't be in so big a rush as to miss out on all the activity easily accessible from the cities Manitowoc and Two Rivers. Once an important center for naval ship-building industry, modern Manitowoc is now more noted for its charter fishing ? and cultural sights located in the vicinity.
If you've ever wanted to know anything about subs and ships gliding along through the Great Lakes, look no further than the truly impressive Wisconsin Maritime Museum. Find here fascinating exhibits relevant to this region's maritime past and tour the USS Cobia, one of the subs made here, that is "parked" alongside, for a look through the periscope. Keep children entertained with hands-on exhibits in a "ship-wreck" or sailing small ships on a mock (substantially smaller) version of Lake Superior. For a different kind of history, head then to the Pinecrest Historical Village, peruse the art on display at the Rahr-West Art Museum and have a wander along part of the 12-mile trail linking Manitowoc with Two Rivers.
Those not interested in walking the entire way up to Two Rivers can access, with just the effort of an easy drive, Point Beach State Forest for inland trails and lakeside scenery that is certainly worth a few pictures. This is also a popular stretch with cross-country skiers once winter snows blanket the region.
And not to be overlooked, of course, is the charter fishing. There are enough local operators around to ensure all visitors a spot on deck in peak season.
Manitowoc is 43 miles from Green Bay and 30 miles north of Sheboygan.
