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Located on Wisconsin’s east coast along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, you’ll find Manitowoc, a destination rooted in history, agriculture and a whole lot of fun. In recent years, Manitowoc’s agritourism has grown, allowing visitors and groups the chance to learn from nature and enjoy cheese, ice cream, beer and more. Read on to learn how your group can experience and take a bite out of Manitowoc’s agriculture.
One of the biggest agritourism draws in the whole state, Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center is an interactive museum dedicated to teaching about cutting-edge agriculture and how your food travels from the farm to your table through immersive exhibits. On average, one calf is born a day in their birthing barn attached to the Discovery Center, at which time the staff will make an announcement so you won’t miss this bovine miracle. After feasting your eyes on the exhibits, feast on a farm-to-table breakfast or lunch at the Wisconsin Café, located in Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center.
Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Cedar Crest Ice Cream Factory and Parlor with fresh Wisconsin dairy in all sorts of flavors that have made Cedar Crest the ice cream of choice in the Midwest. Greeting you as soon as you pull up to the ice cream parlor is a 14-foot tall “Big Cow” named Bernice. Bernice makes for one of the most iconic photo opportunities in Manitowoc. You can also get your ice cream fix at Beerntsen’s Confectionary. With an old-fashioned ice cream parlor atmosphere, they are home to handmade ice cream and a creative sundae list.
Beerntsen’s Confectionary
Ice cream isn’t the only dairy Manitowoc excels at. Learn about the butter and cheese-making process at Pine River Dairy, a sixth-generation dairy processor. Then shop their store for over 250 delicious varieties of cheeses, sausages, gifts, and 25-cent ice cream cones.
Manitowoc has had a rich brewing history, starting with the opening of a malting plant in downtown Manitowoc in 1847, only 11 years after the City of Manitowoc was established. In present day, Manitowoc is home to Briess Malting & Ingredients and four breweries. PetSkull Brewing Co. is the place to go for creative beers and non-alcoholic brews while jamming out to live music. Sabbatical Brewing Co. operates in a refurbished grain mill and boasts a dog-friendly patio. If you are looking for a more low-key and intimate setting with friendly bartenders, try Craft Creek Brewing in downtown Manitowoc. Finally, when you get hungry try Courthouse Pub for their microbrews alongside fine dining and their award-winning cheese curds.
Courthouse Pub
To begin planning your visit to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, check out www.visitmanitowoc.com or contact RaeAnn Thomas at (920) 686-3507 or rthomas@manitowoc.org.
