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X-WR-CALNAME:Manitowish Waters Historical Society
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.mwhistory.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Manitowish Waters Historical Society
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260730T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260730T150000
DTSTAMP:20260421T120252
CREATED:20260311T154729Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T203526Z
UID:6339-1785414600-1785423600@www.mwhistory.org
SUMMARY:Little Star and Manitowish Lake Pontoon Tour
DESCRIPTION:Thursday\, July 30\, 2026: 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm \nJoin Manitowish Waters Historical Society (MWHS) member Jim Bokern on a pontoon tour of Manitowish and Little Star lakes\, departing from the Blue Bayou Inn. Discover the indigenous community’s cultural networks\, logging camps\, railroad landing\, early resorts\, Ojibwa village\, unique residents\, and Dillinger’s gang. Participants will view many unique historic sites and supplemental historic images and documents. Directions to the launch site will be sent prior to the trip. \nSpace is limited\, so be sure to sign up early! The cost is $60 ($55 for members of the MWHS or NLDC). Registration opens in mid-March at the North Lakeland Discovery Center. For more details\, contact the NLDC at 715-543-2085 or via email at contact@discoverycenter.net. There are no restroom facilities at the launch site. An email will be sent to registered participants prior to the tour with suggested items to bring.
URL:https://www.mwhistory.org/event/little-star-and-manitowish-lake-pontoon-tour/
LOCATION:Blue Bayou\, 5547 Highway 51\, Manitowish Waters\, WI
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260806T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260806T163000
DTSTAMP:20260421T120252
CREATED:20260311T154647Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T133801Z
UID:6341-1786021200-1786033800@www.mwhistory.org
SUMMARY:Camp Mercer Hike and Taphouse
DESCRIPTION:Thursday August 6\, 2026: 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm \nJoin Manitowish Waters Historical Society historian Jim Bokern and a North Lakeland Discovery Center naturalist Jenna as we explore one of the most significant Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps in the Northwoods along the newest NHAL hiking trail! This 3-mile hike will take us along the Manitowish River\, where we’ll pass 23 interpretive signs and cleared archaeological sites\, sharing years of research and history. Along the way\, we’ll discuss the diverse ecologies of the Northwoods and the impact of the CCC in preserving natural resources. Additionally\, we’ll explore the remains of two earlier river drive-era logging camps on the Camp Mercer grounds. The meeting location is River’s Edge. \nSpace is limited\, so be sure to register early: $30 ($25 for NLDC or MWHS members). Register at the North Lakeland Discovery Center (www.discoverycenter.net). For more information\, contact the NLDC at 715-543-2085 or email contact@discoverycenter.net. The hike will begin at the River’s Edge parking lot.
URL:https://www.mwhistory.org/event/camp-mercer-hike-and-taphouse/
LOCATION:River’s Edge Outfitters\, 263 US-51\, Manitowish Waters\, WI
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260807T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260807T113000
DTSTAMP:20260421T120252
CREATED:20260311T154602Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T204025Z
UID:6343-1786093200-1786102200@www.mwhistory.org
SUMMARY:Stone\, Fawn\, and Clear Lake Pontoon Tour
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, August 7\, 2026: 9:00 am – 11:30 am \nJoin Kay Krans\, a historian of the Manitowish Waters Historical Society\, for a pontoon tour of Stone\, Fawn\, and Clear Lakes. Departing from Clear Lake\, this tour will highlight the fascinating histories of these lakes through historic images. Explore Native American trail networks\, the area’s first pioneer family\, all phases of the logging era\, a railroad depot\, homesteads\, early resorts\, and businesses. \nSpace is limited\, so be sure to sign up early! The cost is $60 ($55 for members of the MWHS or NLDC). Registration opens in mid-March at the North Lakeland Discovery Center For more details\, contact the NLDC at 715-543-2085 or via email at contact@discoverycenter.net \n 
URL:https://www.mwhistory.org/event/stone-fawn-and-clear-lake-pontoon-tour/
LOCATION:Clear Lake Boat Landing\, Manitowish Waters\,\, WI
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260807T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260807T150000
DTSTAMP:20260421T120252
CREATED:20260311T154507Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T214847Z
UID:6346-1786105800-1786114800@www.mwhistory.org
SUMMARY:Island and Spider Lake Pontoon Tour
DESCRIPTION:Friday August 7\, 2026: 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm \nJoin Manitowish Waters Historical Society historian Kay Krans and NLDC naturalist for a pontoon tour 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 early resorts. As you cruise the lakes\, you’ll also hear stories about the unique residents\, homesteads\, and businesses that shaped the community\, all enhanced with historic images and documents. The meeting location is Blue Bayou. \nSpace is limited\, so be sure to sign up early! The cost is $60 ($55 for members of the MWHS or NLDC). Registration opens in mid March at the North Lakeland Discovery Center For more details\, contact the NLDC at 715-543-2085 or via email at contact@discoverycenter.net
URL:https://www.mwhistory.org/event/island-and-spider-lake-pontoon-tour/
LOCATION:Blue Bayou\, 5547 Highway 51\, Manitowish Waters\, WI
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260813T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260813T233000
DTSTAMP:20260421T120252
CREATED:20260311T154358Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T144922Z
UID:6348-1786611600-1786663800@www.mwhistory.org
SUMMARY:Manitowish Crime Pontoon Tour #2 - Morning Tour
DESCRIPTION:Thursday\, August 13\, 2026\, Morning Tour: 9:00 am – 11:30 pm \nTravel back in time with Kay Krans from the Manitowish Waters Historical Society on the second morning Manitowish Waters Crime Pontoon Tour of the summer. Uncover the local bootlegging operations that supplied alcohol to Chicago and Minneapolis. Hear the gripping story of mob boss Leon Gleckman’s kidnapping and the hidden location where he was kept. Learn about Ralph Capone and John Dillinger\, who\, while fleeing the FBI\, encountered local families and were involved in the notorious Little Bohemia shootout. \nThis tour offers a mix of local history and beautiful lake views. The meeting location is Rest Lake. Space is limited\, so be sure to sign up early! The cost is $60 ($55 for members of the MWHS or NLDC)\, and lunch at Little Bohemia is included\, either before or after the tour. Registration opens in early-to-mid March at the North Lakeland Discovery Center (https://www.discoverycenter.net/upcoming-programs) For more details\, contact the NLDC at 715-543-2085 or via email at contact@discoverycenter.net
URL:https://www.mwhistory.org/event/manitowish-crime-pontoon-tour-2/
LOCATION:Rest Lake Boat Landing\, 13862 Rest Lake Park Rd\, Manitowish Waters\, WI
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260813T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260813T150000
DTSTAMP:20260421T120252
CREATED:20260319T212745Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T145007Z
UID:6475-1786624200-1786633200@www.mwhistory.org
SUMMARY:Manitowish Crime Pontoon Tour #2 - Afternoon Tour
DESCRIPTION:Thursday\, August 13\, 2026\, Afternoon Tour:  12:30 pm – 3:00 pm \nTravel back in time with Kay Krans from the Manitowish Waters Historical Society on the second afternoon Manitowish Waters Crime Pontoon Tour of the summer. Uncover the local bootlegging operations that supplied alcohol to Chicago and Minneapolis. Hear the gripping story of mob boss Leon Gleckman’s kidnapping and the hidden location where he was kept. Learn about Ralph Capone and John Dillinger\, who\, while fleeing the FBI\, encountered local families and were involved in the notorious Little Bohemia shootout. \nThis tour offers a mix of local history and beautiful lake views. The meeting location is Rest Lake. Space is limited\, so be sure to sign up early! The cost is $60 ($55 for members of the MWHS or NLDC)\, and lunch at Little Bohemia is included\, either before or after the tour. Registration opens in early-to-mid March at the North Lakeland Discovery Center (https://www.discoverycenter.net/upcoming-programs) For more details\, contact the NLDC at 715-543-2085 or via email at contact@discoverycenter.net
URL:https://www.mwhistory.org/event/manitowish-crime-pontoon-tour-4-afternoon/
LOCATION:Rest Lake Boat Landing\, 13862 Rest Lake Park Rd\, Manitowish Waters\, WI
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260817T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260817T120000
DTSTAMP:20260421T120252
CREATED:20260311T152228Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T211600Z
UID:6350-1786957200-1786968000@www.mwhistory.org
SUMMARY:Big Lake Pontoon Tour
DESCRIPTION:Monday\, August 17\, 2026: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm \nPicturesque Big Lake has a fascinating murder mystery in its past. In the 1920s\, people from all walks of life began settling in the area. Several summer estates and small rental cabins dotted the landscape\, while those who lived there year-round were caretakers for the wealthy estates\, hunting and fishing guides\, trappers\, and even moonshiners. One winter night\, guide and moonshiner Mr. Powers was found dead—was it murder or self-defense? Join Manitowish Waters Historical Society historian Kay Krans and a Discovery Center naturalists as they take you on a pontoon tour of key sites tied to this intriguing story. Be sure to bring binoculars\, water\, snacks\, bug repellent\, sunscreen\, and a lunch. Meeting location is Big Lake Landing. \nSpace is limited\, so please register early: $60 ($55 for NLDC or MWHS members). Register at the North Lakeland Discovery Center (www.discoverycenter.net). For more information\, contact the NLDC at 715-543-2085 or contact@discoverycenter.net.
URL:https://www.mwhistory.org/event/big-lake-pontoon-tour-2/
LOCATION:Big Lake Landing\, Hwy. K\, Boulder Junction\, WI
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260821T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260821T120000
DTSTAMP:20260421T120252
CREATED:20260311T152122Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T143837Z
UID:6352-1787304600-1787313600@www.mwhistory.org
SUMMARY:Dillinger Pontoon Tour #3 - Morning Tour
DESCRIPTION:Friday August 21\, 2026\, Morning Tour:  9:30 am – 12:00 pm \nJoin us for Dillinger Pontoon Tour #3 (Morning) of the summer of 2026. Learn about the real events of John Dillinger and his gang’s notorious weekend in Manitowish Waters. Kay Krans\, historian with the Manitowish Waters Historical Society\, will guide you on a unique pontoon tour as we visit the historic sites connected to their time in the area. Meeting location is Little Bohemia. \nSpace is limited\, so be sure to register early! The tour costs $75 ($65 for MWHS or NLDC members) and includes lunch at Little Bohemia\, either before or after the tour. Registration opens in mid March at the North Lakeland Discovery Center (https://www.discoverycenter.net/upcoming-programs). For more information\, contact the NLDC at 715-543-2085 or email contact@discoverycenter.net.
URL:https://www.mwhistory.org/event/dillinger-pontoon-tour-3-2/
LOCATION:Little Bohemia\, 142 US-51\, Manitowish Waters\, WI
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260821T131500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260821T154500
DTSTAMP:20260421T120252
CREATED:20260320T130719Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T143918Z
UID:6512-1787318100-1787327100@www.mwhistory.org
SUMMARY:Dillinger Pontoon Tour #3 - Afternoon Tour
DESCRIPTION:Friday August 21\, 2026\, Afternoon Tour:  1:15 pm – 3:45 pm \nJoin us for Dillinger Pontoon Tour #3 (Afternoon) of the summer of 2026. Learn about the real events of John Dillinger and his gang’s notorious weekend in Manitowish Waters. Kay Krans\, historian with the Manitowish Waters Historical Society\, will guide you on a unique pontoon tour as we visit the historic sites connected to their time in the area. Meeting location is Little Bohemia. \nSpace is limited\, so be sure to register early! The tour costs $75 ($65 for MWHS or NLDC members) and includes lunch at Little Bohemia\, either before or after the tour. Registration opens in mid March at the North Lakeland Discovery Center (https://www.discoverycenter.net/upcoming-programs). For more information\, contact the NLDC at 715-543-2085 or email contact@discoverycenter.net.
URL:https://www.mwhistory.org/event/dillinger-pontoon-tour-6-afternoon-tour-2/
LOCATION:Little Bohemia\, 142 US-51\, Manitowish Waters\, WI
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260826T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260826T170000
DTSTAMP:20260421T120252
CREATED:20260311T164738Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T134206Z
UID:6354-1787745600-1787763600@www.mwhistory.org
SUMMARY:Bike Tour
DESCRIPTION:Wednesday\, August 26\, 2026: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm \nJoin historian Jim Bokern and naturalist Hannah Gargrave for a E-bike ride from River’s Edge Outfitters to Carow Park in Mercer. Enjoy a leisurely ride as you explore the fascinating history and natural sites along the route. E-bike rental is included in the event fee. \nSpace is limited\, so be sure to register early. Price $35 ($25 for NLDC or MWHS members). Register at the North Lakeland Discovery Center (www.discoverycenter.net). For more information\, contact the NLDC at 715-543-2085 or email contact@discoverycenter.net.
URL:https://www.mwhistory.org/event/bike-tour/
LOCATION:River’s Edge Outfitters\, 263 US-51\, Manitowish Waters\, WI
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260827T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260827T190000
DTSTAMP:20260421T120252
CREATED:20260311T152044Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T134327Z
UID:6356-1787842800-1787857200@www.mwhistory.org
SUMMARY:Pub Crawl #2
DESCRIPTION:Thursday\, August 27\, 2026:  3:00 pm – 7:00 pm \nExplore the history of Manitowish Waters as we take a leisurely hike along local trails\, stopping at some of the area’s social establishments. With the help of tour guide headsets\, you’ll be able to easily hear and learn from guides from the Manitowish Waters Historical Society and North Lakeland Discovery Center. Along the way\, we’ll discuss topics such as geology\, nature\, prehistoric and Ojibwa culture\, logging\, early resorts\, guides\, the Rest Lake Ranger Station\, and more. We’ll also visit several local spots for refreshments and fascinating stories about the town’s past. The 3.5-mile route follows mostly existing trails\, starting at Koller Park and looping through bike and hiking paths to the Manitowish River and back. \nSpace is limited\, so be sure to register early: $20 ($15 for NLDC or MWHS members). Register at the North Lakeland Discovery Center (www.discoverycenter.net). For more information\, contact the NLDC at 715-543-2085 or email contact@discoverycenter.net.
URL:https://www.mwhistory.org/event/pub-crawl-2/
LOCATION:Koller Park\, 6014 County Highway W\, Manitowish Waters\, WI
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260908T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260908T120000
DTSTAMP:20260421T120252
CREATED:20260311T151947Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T150707Z
UID:6358-1788858000-1788868800@www.mwhistory.org
SUMMARY:Dillinger Pontoon Tour #4 - Morning Tour
DESCRIPTION:Tuesday\, September 8\, 2026\, Morning Tour:  9:00 am – 12:00 pm (Lunch 12:00 pm-1:00 pm at Rest Lake Cookout) \nJoin us for the final Dillinger Pontoon Tour #4 (Morning) of the summer of 2026. Learn about the real events of John Dillinger and his gang’s notorious weekend in Manitowish Waters. Kay Krans\, historian with the Manitowish Waters Historical Society\, will guide you on a unique pontoon tour as we visit the historic sites connected to their time in the area. The meeting location is Rest Lake. \nSpace is limited\, so be sure to register early! The tour costs $75 ($65 for MWHS or NLDC members) and includes lunch at Rest Lake Park\, either before or after the tour. Registration opens in mid March at the North Lakeland Discovery Center (https://www.discoverycenter.net/upcoming-programs). For more information\, contact the NLDC at 715-543-2085 or email contact@discoverycenter.net. \n 
URL:https://www.mwhistory.org/event/dillinger-pontoon-tour-4-2/
LOCATION:Rest Lake Boat Landing\, 13862 Rest Lake Park Rd\, Manitowish Waters\, WI
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260908T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260908T160000
DTSTAMP:20260421T120252
CREATED:20260320T115525Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T150854Z
UID:6502-1788872400-1788883200@www.mwhistory.org
SUMMARY:Dillinger Pontoon Tour #4 - Afternoon Tour
DESCRIPTION:Tuesday\, September 8\, 2026\, Afternoon Tour:  1:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Lunch 12:00 pm-1:00 pm at Rest Lake Cookout) \nJoin us for the final Dillinger Pontoon Tour #4 (Afternoon) of the summer of 2026. Learn about the real events of John Dillinger and his gang’s notorious weekend in Manitowish Waters. Kay Krans\, historian with the Manitowish Waters Historical Society\, will guide you on a unique pontoon tour as we visit the historic sites connected to their time in the area. The meeting location is Rest Lake. \nSpace is limited\, so be sure to register early! The tour costs $75 ($65 for MWHS or NLDC members) and includes lunch at Rest Lake Park\, either before or after the tour. Registration opens in mid March at the North Lakeland Discovery Center (https://www.discoverycenter.net/upcoming-programs). For more information\, contact the NLDC at 715-543-2085 or email contact@discoverycenter.net.
URL:https://www.mwhistory.org/event/dillinger-pontoon-tour-6-afternoon-tour/
LOCATION:Rest Lake Boat Landing\, 13862 Rest Lake Park Rd\, Manitowish Waters\, WI
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260922T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260922T170000
DTSTAMP:20260421T120252
CREATED:20260311T151746Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T134522Z
UID:6360-1790073000-1790096400@www.mwhistory.org
SUMMARY:Forest History Driving Tour
DESCRIPTION:Tuesday\, September 22\, 2026:  10:30 am – 5:00 pm \nJoin us as we journey from eastern Iron County to the ancient forests surrounding Star Lake\, discovering both historic and contemporary forestry sites in the Northern Highland American Legion Forest. By the late 19th century\, Wisconsin’s leaders aimed to establish a state park or forest reserve across Iron\, Vilas\, Oneida\, and Forest counties to benefit future generations. Along the way\, we’ll visit several significant sites\, including ranger stations\, watchtowers\, Civilian Conservation Corps camps\, state nurseries\, ranger cabins\, historic logging sites\, and areas affected by forest fires. Additionally\, we’ll explore Youth Conservation Corps camps and more. We will also delve into modern forestry practices\, showcasing Wisconsin’s ongoing commitment to sustainable forest management. \nParticipants need to bring a lunch\, water\, and shoes suitable for short hikes on uneven ground. Some paths may have fallen logs to step over. Hiking will be moderate to light. \nSpace is limited\, so please register early; $45 ($30 for members of the NLDC or MWHS). Register at the North Lakeland Discovery Center (www.discoverycenter.net). For more information\, contact the NLDC (715-543-2085 or at contact@discoverycenter.net).
URL:https://www.mwhistory.org/event/forest-history-driving-tour/
LOCATION:WI
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR