Manitowoc Harbor 2025 12

Last hike of the year, so we picked a place near the water that would have birds. What we found was very interesting.

Key Features

• Mariners Trail Connection: The Mariners Trail is a premier 6-mile paved path that directly connects the Manitowoc Harbor area to Two Rivers, offering continuous views of Lake Michigan.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail: Sections of the 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail run through Manitowoc, including segments that overlap with the lakefront and riverfront parkways.
• Shoreline Scenery: Many trails, particularly the lakefront segments, provide expansive views of Lake Michigan and the iconic Manitowoc North Breakwater Lighthouse.
• Accessible Surfaces: Most trails near the harbor are paved with asphalt or concrete, making them suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and various fitness levels.
• Birdwatching Hotspots: The Lakeshore Birding Area near the harbor is recognized as one of Wisconsin’s top spots for viewing migratory birds and local waterfowl.
• Riverfront Revitalization: The Manitowoc Riverwalk features elevated decks and boardwalks that wind through former industrial lands now converted into scenic green spaces.
• Floral and Artistic Displays: Along the Mariners Trail, hikers can enjoy meticulously maintained flower gardens and various public art sculptures.
• Pet-Friendly Paths: Leashed pets are welcome on most of the major recreational trails, including the Mariners Trail and designated areas like the Paws & Play Dog Park.
• Strategic Rest Stops: Trails are equipped with frequent amenities, including public telescopes, benches for picnicking, and access to local restaurants and shops.
• Connectivity to State Forests: The local trails link up with the Rawley Point Recreational Trail, which extends into the deeper woods and dunes of Point Beach State Forest.

Review

My wife and I picked Manitowoc Harbor because of its connection to the Ice Age Trail. With the cold and wind though we would stick to the Manitowoc Harbor trail.

Stopping on one over the several rest stops on Hwy 10/Cty Hwy 42. This was the last rest stop north of Manitowoc harbor. With a quick hike along the paved trail over the Little Manitowoc River we would be in the harbor area.

Looking out on the lake ducks bobbed up and down on the waves. The wind was whipping up the waves and cutting through our clothes.

Before we were more than 50 feet from our car we were stopped by a gentleman wondering if we were there to find it. With a little probing we were able to find that he was there to get a picture of a Harlequin Duck.

When we told him that we had not heard about this duck, he snidely said we must not be birders. To which I responded that we were armatures at best.

We continued south down the trail with a chuckle between ourselves. I doubt that my wife and I would categorize ourselves as birders. We are more of nature lovers in general.

After crossing the Little Manitowoc River and passing the Manitowoc Yacht Club, we stopped at a heated public restroom. A man resting here saw my camera, which was being held by my wife at the time and told her about seeing another photographer getting fed up with his camera. The photographer apparently tossed his camera into the lake due to this frustration.

We bid the man a good day and continued on our hike. At this point we turned out toward the lighthouse. The Manitowoc Harbor has a trail that leads out to the lighthouse past an area designated as the dredge material disposal site and the dog park.

The docks of the harbor were completely frozen in. Ice fishers had set up in the harbor with tip ups throughout the harbor. Though the ice looked like it was starting to get thin. Cracked ice along the edges of the harbor made us wonder how safe it was to be fishing there.

The opening of the harbor into the Manitowoc River was chained off with logs to prevent boats trying to moor while the harbor is closed. At that point is where the ice stopped and a group of mergansers were resting on the edge of the ice.

We tried to get close to these birds and were moderately successful. When we got to close the edge of the pier at the mouth of the harbor the ducks would fly or swim off and wait till we left to return.

So we continued to walk out to the lighthouse. The last 500 feet between the light house on the land was a concrete causeway. As we walked along this causeway the waves splashed at the rocks around us.

We eventually got to the lighthouse. I took a couple of pictures and some videos of the waves. But before we left the lighthouse, I took a few symmetric pictures of the causeway.

We started back but not before trying to get some more pictures of the mergansers at the harbor. Geese started flying in from the beach to our north. They used the grasses on the dredge materials site as protection from the elements.

Taking snaps as I went we started to return to our vehicle. The wind was getting stronger and waves were getting bigger. But the mergansers were still surfing the waves in the lake.

We returned to our car, happy to have taken the walk but also happy to get warm again.

I like going to the Manitowoc Harbor. I have looked for a few chances to visit this place this year. But never took the occasion. Next year we hope to come back and walk the trail between Manitowoc and Two Rivers.

Let me know if you have been here before in the comments. Once again thanks for reading.