Learn what John Dillinger and his gang were really like and the “behind the scenes” story of their weekend in Manitowish Waters as we travel by pontoon to historic Dillinger sites. Enjoy a box lunch and tour the grounds of the famous Little Bohemia Lodge, the property that was featured in the movie Public Enemies.…

On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Boulder Beer Bar in Boulder Junction will host the Manitowish Waters Historical Society for a presentation celebrating the founding of the U.S.A. 250 years ago. Local historian Jim Bokern’s presentation will run from 6-7 pm and highlight the creation of our great country! Jim, or as we will know him…

Join us on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, when Jim Bokern of the Manitowish Waters Historical Society will present "America 250" at White Oak Grill in Manitowish Waters. Experience Jim's portrayal of founding father Thomas Jefferson and refresh your memory about events leading up to our country’s birth and the Declaration of Independence. Jim will have…

Friday, June 19, 2026: 9:00 am - 11:30 am Join Kay Krans, a historian of the Manitowish Waters Historical Society, for a pontoon tour "Historic Traditions & Mysteries of Stone, Fawn, and Clear Lakes." Departing from Clear Lake Boat Landing, this tour will highlight the fascinating histories of these lakes through historic images. Explore Native…

Friday, June 19, 2026: 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm Join Manitowish Waters Historical Society historian Kay Krans and NLDC naturalist Beth for a pontoon tour "Historic Traditions & Mysteries of Spider and Island Lakes" departing from Blue Bayou. Discover the area's fascinating history, including Indigenous cultural networks, logging camps, Ojibwa sugar bushes, ricing areas, and…

Join historian Jim Bokern of the Manitowish Waters Historical Society at Boulder Jct. Brewing's taproom at 6pm, Tuesday, June 23, 2026, for a special presentation, "Boulder Junction Water." Enjoy a pizza from Peek-A-Boo Pizza and learn about the importance of H2O in our area!

Thursday, June 25, 2026: 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Learn about Manitowish Waters' history and visit some local establishments as we hike at a leisurely pace on area trails. Using tour guide headsets, participants can easily hear and learn from Manitowish Waters Historical Society and North Lakeland Discovery Center guides. Trail discussions will include geology,…

Friday, July 3, 2026: Beginning every hour on the hour, 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm Join us to celebrate America 250 with historian Jim Bokern's portrayal of Thomas Jefferson. Located at the MW Community Center, this event will be every hour on the hour from 2pm - 6pm.

Monday, July 6, 2026: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Legends are powerful and can captivate the imagination, whether they are true or not. Join local historian Kay Krans and NLDC Naturalist Licia for an evening pontoon tour of Manitowish Lake. Our tour will delve into the history, legends and myths, and the ecology of this…

Friday, July 10, 2026, Morning Tour:  9:00 am – 11:30 am Join historian Kay Krans of the Manitowish Waters Historical Society on our comfortable pontoon boat touring the famous Manitowish Waters Chain of Lakes.  On this tour about gangsters in the Northwoods, you will learn how local citizens got involved in the liquor trade and…