Notes from the Water

June 25, 2026

FUN THINGS TO DO IN MANITOWOC: OUR PERFECT SUMMER DAY ITINERARY

Looking for fun things to do in Manitowoc this summer? Whether you're visiting for the weekend or rediscovering your hometown, Manitowoc has everything you need for a memorable day: great local coffee, waterfront adventures, beautiful Lake Michigan views, family-friendly attractions, and some of the friendliest people you'll meet.

If someone asked us how we'd spend the perfect summer day in Manitowoc, this would be our answer.

Start Your Morning with Coffee

Every good adventure begins with coffee.

Just steps from Simply Paddle, The Upper Yard is one of our favorite places to fuel up before heading out on the water. If you're feeling adventurous, try their seasonal cold brew with banana pudding foam. We think it's simply a-peeling. (The food is great too!)

Take a few minutes to enjoy downtown Manitowoc before your next stop. You're about to see the city from a completely different perspective.

Experience the Manitowoc River by Kayak or Paddleboard

Of all the fun things to do in Manitowoc, nothing compares to seeing the city from the water.

The Manitowoc River offers calm, beginner-friendly paddling with scenery that changes around every bend. One moment you're surrounded by downtown storefronts and historic bridges. A few minutes later you're watching pelicans drift by or heading toward the open waters of Lake Michigan.

As you paddle, you'll pass some of Manitowoc's most recognizable landmarks. Glide past the USS Cobia submarine, paddle beneath the bridges, and make your way toward the lighthouse. If you happen to be on the water around 11:45 a.m., you may even catch the S.S. Badger arriving in the harbor. Watching a 410-foot car ferry enter the harbor from the seat of a kayak is something you won't soon forget.

Keep your eyes open for wildlife, too. Great blue herons, pelicans, osprey, turtles, fish, and even the occasional otter or mink make appearances throughout the season. Every paddle offers something a little different.

Whether you're looking for a family activity, a unique date idea, or simply a peaceful way to spend a summer afternoon, the river has a way of slowing life down. 

Check out the Simply Paddle website for more information on where to paddle, including links to an Interactive Water Trail Map and Historical and Cultural Sites on the Manitowoc River. 

Learn a Little Maritime History

After your paddle, continue your waterfront adventure with a visit to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.

Home to fascinating Great Lakes history and the USS Cobia submarine, it's one of Manitowoc's signature attractions and a perfect complement to your time on the water. You'll leave with an even greater appreciation for the harbor you've just explored.

Wander Through West of the Lake Gardens

When you're ready to trade your paddle for a leisurely stroll, head over to West of the Lake Gardens.

Perched above Lake Michigan, these beautifully maintained gardens are one of Manitowoc's hidden gems. Meander through colorful flower beds, admire the limestone architecture, and enjoy sweeping views of the lake. All at no cost thanks to the generosity of the West family!

Bring your camera. You'll probably end up using it.

Ice Cream with a Lake Michigan View

No perfect summer day is complete without ice cream.

Grab your favorite flavor from Cedar Crest (affectionately known by locals as "The Big Cow") then head over to Red Arrow Park. Sit on the beach, dip your toes in Lake Michigan, and enjoy one of the simplest pleasures of summer.

We're convinced ice cream tastes better with sand between your toes.

Add a Little Friendly Competition

If you're traveling with kids, or if you're just competitive enough to keep score, stop by the Village Inn for a round of mini golf.

Its classic marine theme fits perfectly after a day on the water and makes for an easy, relaxing way to keep the fun going.

Finish with a Local Pint

Wrap up your Manitowoc adventure with dinner or a locally crafted beer at Petskull Brewing Company.

Located just a short walk from Simply Paddle, it's the perfect place to unwind after a full day outdoors. During the summer you'll often find live music, food trucks, and community events that keep the good vibes going well into the evening.

Why We Love Summer in Manitowoc

We've traveled to a lot of places, but we keep coming back to what makes Manitowoc special. The waterfront is never far away, the local food and coffee scene punches well above its weight, and it's surprisingly easy to fill an entire day with memorable experiences that are free or affordable. 

We started Simply Paddle because we wanted more people to experience Manitowoc the way we've come to love it: from the water. We hope this itinerary helps you discover a few new favorite places along the way.

If you're searching for fun things to do in Manitowoc, planning a weekend getaway, or looking for a new date idea or family adventure, we hope you'll spend part of your day on the water with us.

We'll see you on the river.

Sunset at Simply Paddle on the Manitowoc River. One of our favorite times to get out on the water and experience everything that makes summer in Manitowoc special. 

June 13, 2026

Why We Chose the Manitowoc River for Simply Paddle

One of the questions we've gotten a few times since opening Simply Paddle is why we chose this particular stretch of river. The easy answer is that it's beautiful. The better answer is that it gives you a chance to experience several different sides of Manitowoc in a single trip.

One of the things Ben and I love when we travel is being able to leave the car parked. Some of our favorite trips have been the ones where we can walk or bike almost everywhere we want to go. When we spent a weekend in Ludington via the S.S. Badger, we brought only our bikes and had a blast exploring the city that way.

That's part of what we love about River Point Park. It’s located right downtown, so you can grab breakfast, wander through a few shops, visit the USS Cobia, catch some live music, and spend time on the water, all without constantly getting in and out of your vehicle. You can even walk to some great craft breweries, just save that for after your paddle. 😊

Once you're on the river, you get a perspective of Manitowoc that most people never see.

Depending on the day, you might paddle past the lighthouse, catch a glimpse of the S.S. Badger while she's in port, or see the USS Cobia resting along the riverfront. If your timing is right, you may even witness one of the large ships navigating Manitowoc's working waterfront, a sight that never gets old.

During summer evenings, the sounds of Manitowoc's downtown music scene often drift across the water, creating a backdrop you simply can't experience from the street.

As you continue upstream, something else happens. The city gradually begins to fade away, the sounds of traffic become quieter, and the buildings become less frequent. Before long, you're surrounded by trees, passing beneath rustic bridges and railroad tracks that feel far removed from downtown. It's one of our favorite parts of the paddle.

The wildlife can be incredible. Osprey, bald eagles, great blue herons, pelicans, kingfishers, and countless other birds make regular appearances along the river. If you're lucky, you may also spot deer along the shoreline, or catch a glimpse of an otter or muskrat slipping through the water.

The Manitowoc River is also remarkably beginner-friendly. The water is generally calm, with minimal current, making it an excellent location for first-time kayakers and paddleboarders. Rather than worrying about fighting a strong current, paddlers can simply enjoy the journey and turn around whenever they're ready.

Whether you're visiting Manitowoc for the first time or you've lived here your entire life, the river offers a perspective that many people never experience. We hope that you’ll have the opportunity to Simply Paddle our beautiful river.

SS Badger as seem from a Simply Paddle kayak

June 6, 2026

It’s hard to believe we first opened our kayaks to the public three weeks ago. Since then, we’ve had many wonderful encounters with local residents and visitors alike! From folks enjoying an easy paddle after a stressful day of work, to date nights, to family outings, our watercraft have been busy helping you make memories on the water. We even had one proposal!

Just as rewarding has been the time we’ve spent at River Point Park just hanging near the kiosk. So many of you have expressed excitement about the opportunity to rent a kayak or paddleboard and enjoy our beautiful waterfront; it’s been tremendously heartwarming. Thank you to all those that have come to say hi and check out Simply Paddle!

When Ben and I decided to start this business, we wanted to play a part in shaping our community to be the kind of place people will enjoy living. We are proud to offer another fun thing to do in Manitowoc, and we continue to look forward to serving you! And, ya know – maybe going a little bananas from time to time while we do so! 😉

-Steph

 Father and son having fun on a Simply Paddle tandem kayak