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, nature, prehistoric times, Ojibwa culture, logging, early resorts, guides,…

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.…

Trout Lake stands out as one of the most unique Northwoods lakes with an amazing history. Join historian Jim Bokern and naturalist Jenna Richardson on a pontoon tour that will explore cultural and natural destinations.  Trout Lake’s size, depth and ecologies support unique fisheries, while large tracts of state land maintain a wild landscape.  Historically,…

Join us for a presentation "Northwoods Artisans" by the Manitowish Waters Historical Society's Kay Krans. No registration is required to attend this event. Wednesday, September 9, 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…

Join 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…

Ever wonder what the Manitowish Chain of Lakes looked like before the dam and decades of river drive logging? If so, you are in luck, because the Manitowish Waters Historical Society will  deliver pre-dam, historic re-creations, using journals, maps, reports, and photos that reveal the early contours of our shores. Each lake on the chain…