Saturday, 10:30 am – 3:30 pm Join NLDC director John Heusinkveld and Manitowish Waters Historical Society (MWHS) member Jim Bokern on either a five-hour pontoon tour of the Turtle Flambeau Flowage. The trip will depart from Springstead Landing and explore the histories, rich natural beauty and resources of the 13,000 acre Scenic Waters Area. Some historic images bound for personal viewing will be shared to better illustrate the history and cultural traditions of the area. Bring a lunch and water…

This presentation is sponsored by the Winchester Library with guest speaker Jim Bokern, a local historian and President of the MW Historical Society. Explore the evolution of the community of Winchester, highlighting new historic research and discoveries.

Tuesday, 9 – 11 am, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, or 2 – 4 pm Join Manitowish Waters Historical Society (MWHS) members Kay Krans and Jim Bokern on a two-hour pontoon tour of Spider and Island lakes, which will depart from the Blue Bayou. Discover the Native American cultural networks, logging camps, railroad landing, Ojibwa sugar bush, ricing areas, mysteries, unique residents, homesteads, early resorts, and businesses. While traveling along the shores of Island and Spider Lakes participants will view…

Join us for a free presentation on how railroads influenced Manitowish Waters at Koller Library or on ZOOM.  Along the bank of the Manitowish River, on June 21, 1933 the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) established 660th Company S-79 or Camp Mercer. Explore our CCC camp's significant impact on the town of Manitowish Waters and the surrounding area. 660th  These men fought the brutal Powell Marsh fire, protecting lives and property. Camp Mercer was also an administrative camp, overseeing 12 other…

Wednesday, 9 am - 1:30 pm Big Lake is a scenic lake that has an interesting murder mystery in its history. The 1920s brought people from diverse walks of life. There were several summer estates, and some small cabins for summer rentals. Those who lived year round on the lake were caretakers for the wealthy estates, hunting and fishing guides, trappers, and some were moonshiners. One winter night, guide and moonshiner, Mr. Powers, was killed. Was it murder? Was it…

August 25th, 9:30am-12pm or 1:15-3:45pm; Includes lunch at Little Bohemia from 12-1pm for both tours. What were John Dillinger and his gang really like and what is the “behind the scenes” story of their weekend in Manitowish Waters?  Enjoy the rich histories of Manitowish Waters as we travel by pontoon to historic Dillinger sites.  Have lunch at the famous Little Bohemia Lodge and tour the property that was featured in the movie Public Enemies.  Tour is led by Kay Krans,…

Join us NEXT SPRING in honoring the men and women who have preserved the history of Manitowish Waters, and explore the history of Youth Conservation Corps at Statehouse Lake. The community members honored will be inducted into the Manitowish Waters Leaders of Historic Preservation.  Following the awards, local historians Kay Krans will share newly discovered research regarding the pioneering efforts of MW's YCC camp.   The evening includes a reception with hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.  The evening is sponsored by the…

Please join us NEXT YEAR.   Through the inspiration and guidance of Gaylord Nelson during his tenure as governor of Wisconsin from 1959-1963 and U.S senator from our state from 1963-1981, The Wisconsin Youth Conservation Corps was created and shaped to help carry out work through the Wisconsin Conservation Department (DNR).  As of result of his efforts, the Outdoor Recreation Act became law in 1961. This act allocated 50 million dollars for the State of Wisconsin to acquire over one…