Thursday, July 30, 2026: 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm Join 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…

Thursday August 6, 2026: 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm Join 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…

Friday, August 7, 2026: 9:00 am - 11:30 am Join 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…

Friday August 7, 2026: 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm Join 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…

Thursday, August 13, 2026, Morning Tour: 9:00 am - 11:30 pm Travel 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…

Thursday, August 13, 2026, Afternoon Tour:  12:30 pm - 3:00 pm Travel 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…

Monday, August 17, 2026: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Picturesque 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…

Friday August 21, 2026, Morning Tour:  9:30 am - 12:00 pm Join 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…

Friday August 21, 2026, Afternoon Tour:  1:15 pm - 3:45 pm Join 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…

Wednesday, August 26, 2026: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Join 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. Space…