Explore with Manitowish Waters Historical Society guide Jim Bokern and a NLDC naturalist one of the most robust CCC camps in the Northwoods, while walking on the newest Northern Highland American Legion State Forest hiking trail! 23 interpretive signs, cleared archaeological features and years of research will be discussed while traveling along the Manitowish River.…

Join Manitowish Waters Historical Society member Kay Krans on a two-hour pontoon tour of Stone, Fawn, and Clear Lakes. This trip will depart from Clear Lake and explore the rich histories of these lakes with a wealth of historic images.  Discover the Native American trail networks, Manitowish Water’s earliest pioneer family, all phases of the…

Friday August 7, 2026: 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm Join Manitowish Waters Historical Society (MWHS) member Kay Krans on a two-hour pontoon tour of Island and Spider Lakes, which will depart from the Blue Bayou Inn.  Discover the Native American cultural networks, logging camps, railroad landing, Ojibwa sugar bush, ricing areas, mysteries, unique residents, homesteads, early…

Join Kay Krans of the Manitowish Waters Historical Society for a tour of Gangsters in the Northwoods on our comfortable pontoon boat touring the famous Manitowish Waters Chain of Lakes. You will learn how local citizens got involved in the liquor trade and were able to supply bootleg alcohol to Chicago and Minneapolis. Hear the…

Join Kay Krans of the Manitowish Waters Historical Society for a tour of Gangsters in the Northwoods on our comfortable pontoon boat touring the famous Manitowish Waters Chain of Lakes. You will learn how local citizens got involved in the liquor trade and were able to supply bootleg alcohol to Chicago and Minneapolis. Hear the…

Big Lake is not only scenic, it 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…

Join us for local historian Kay Krans' presentation "Chippewa Retreat Property History." No registration is required to attend this event. Wednesday, August 19, 2026: White Oak Grill, 13029 Deer Park Rd, Manitowish Waters, WI 4:00pm - Cash bar opens 4:15pm - Appetizers hosted by White Oak Grill 5:00pm - 6:15pm - Free presentation by Kay…

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.…

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.…

Come on a guided interpretive bike ride through the towns of Manitowish and Mercer! Jim Bokern of the Manitowish Waters Historical Society and Hannah Thorpe, NLDC Naturalist, will lead you along the paved bike trail and discuss some interesting history and natural history of the area that includes moonshining, river ecology, logging and railroad days,…