A Local’s Guide to the Perfect Day in Downtown Manitowoc
Manitowoc Breakwater Lighthouse
MORNING yoga at waves yoga studio
Kick off your day with a yoga class at Waves Yoga Studio, where classes range from energizing flows to slow, grounding practices. They are located in a historic cream city brick building, with friendly instructors and chilled lavender towels in savasana that make the whole experience feel like a mini retreat.
You’ll find Waves just steps from the lake, with its garage door wide open in warmer months to let in the breeze. Pro tip: check the schedule in advance and sign up early—classes often fill up!
Refuel at a Downtown Coffee Spot
After yoga, stroll a block or two to grab coffee or breakfast. Local favorites like Manitowoc Coffee, Bloom & Brunch, Harmony Cafe, or Retro Eighth Coffee & Açaí have great drinks and delicious food.
We highly recommend:
Bacon Temptation Omelette + Iced Chai Charger from Manitowoc Coffee
Breakfast Tacos + Green Juice from Bloom & Brunch
Hammie Sammie + Morning Sunrise Cold Pressed Juice from Harmony Cafe
Basic B Bagel Sandwich + Peaches n’ Cream Cold Brew from Retro Eighth
Get Lost in the shelves at Black Heart Books
Next, make your way to Black Heart Books, downtown’s new independent bookstore of deeply unpleasant books. Explore a curated selection of horror, true crime, mysteries, dark romance, and their most popular offering, a “blind date with a book”.
Explore Local shops
Downtown Manitowoc is home to some seriously charming boutiques. Pop into The Flower Gallery for thoughtfully curated home goods and gifts, Graced for on-trend, comfortable and gorgeous boutique clothing, or hit Beernstens for old fashioned chocolate, candies, and plenty of gifts to bring home for family and friends.
Walk the Lakefront or Visit the Maritime Museum
Manitowoc’s lakefront is gorgeous—take a walk along the water, tour the breakwater lighthouse, check out the SS Badger docked at the harbor, or spend an hour inside the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and a WWII-era submarine tour.
grab dinner & drinks
Ready to refuel? Head to Ryan’s on York, The Wharf, Courthouse Pub, Pizza Garden, or Izumi Sushi for some of our favorite local spots. Whether you’re in the mood for sushi, burgers, or frozen drinks, downtown’s got you covered.
We highly recommend:
San Fran Noodles + Lavender Lemon Drop from Ryan’s on York
Door County Salad + Door County Cherry Mojito from The Wharf
Strawberry Chicken + Frozen Rose from Courthouse Pub
Crab Rangoon Pizza + Tropical Sunset Cocktail from Pizza Garden
Godzilla Roll + Sapporo from Izumi Sushi
Catch a Local Event
From the Lakeshore Balloon Glow in August to Nightmare Off 8th Street in October, there’s always something happening in the heart of the city. Keep an eye on community calendars and local social media to catch festivals, county fairs, and live music.
final thoughts
Downtown Manitowoc is walkable, welcoming, and full of local gems just waiting to be discovered. It’s easy to fall in love with the lake, the live music, the people, and the small-town charm.
Ryan’s on York
