Manitowish Waters WISCONSIN
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DiningIncludes Guide Manitowish Waters WISCONSIN 2013 Visitor Guide OriginalOriginal “Up“Up North”North” ExperienceExperience LegendaryLegendary 10-Lake10-Lake ChainChain ManitowishWaters.org Manitowish Waters History A trip down memory lane reveals a colorful story and alluring history of Manitowish Waters. From the earliest Native Americans to settlers and vacationers, people have traveled to this area for the inherent natural beauty, rich history, bountiful resources, and strong sense of community. In the 19th century, Voyageurs, Native Americans, loggers, homesteaders and entrepreneurs populated the Manitowish Waters area. Resort business and homesteaders brought early settlement, with the first lodge built on Island Lake in 1880. Early vacationers were mainly sportsmen and people of means, traveling by rail from Chicago and Milwaukee, then horse and wagon, and onto boats to reach their final vacation spot. The importance of rejuvenation and vacation was a growing concept in the 19th century. As the 20th century progressed, fishing guides Bill Monroe worked around the clock to satisfy adventure seeking Due to Carl’s injuries during the FBI shootout, the Federal Government awarded anglers. Gambling was a him a settlement of $3,500 which he used to start a small resort and bar on Hwy favorite pastime and during 51 in Manitowish Waters. The resort became known for bringing in some of the the days of prohibition, biggest names in “Bluegrass” like Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass, and lodges and halls were filled Jimmy Martin and The Sunny Mountain Boys. The tavern is still running today and with "one armed bandits" is called the Cozy Cove. They still bring in big name “Bluegrass” bands from and "rum runner" spirits. around the country during their Bluegrass Festival in July. One of those lodges was Voss’ Birchwood Lodge on Spider Skiing Skeeters - 1962 Lake founded in 1909 by Ruth & Henry Voss. The lodge still operates today as a Lloyd & Audrey Voss resort, bar and restaurant. Tightrope walker Bob Loveless and a caged bear at the Howling Bear were big attractions. Famous and infamous guests were legendary. Eventual civic development led to a school, cemetery and town hall. The airport came after World War II when public enthusiasm for aviation burgeoned. The Manitowish Waters Skiing Skeeters water ski club is one of the oldest amateur water ski clubs in the U.S., established in the late 1950’s. The first statewide Little Bohemia Resort barefoot tournament held in the U.S. was sponsored by the Skeeters in 1964 – which they won. National publicity of the event established Manitowish Waters as the ‘Barefoot Capitol of the Midwest.’ In 1934, the Dillinger gang shootout took place at Little Bohemia Resort where memorabilia are preserved to this day. Little Bohemia still serves food and guests Today, Manitowish Waters is famous for its cranberry industry, its location on the can tour the lodge and memorabilia and see bullet holes that are still in the walls. Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail, and its breathtaking 10-Lake Chain. It is Carl Christensen, the Manitowish Waters town constable at the time, survived but a community connected by a love for nature, its sparkling waters and the treasured was riddled with eight bullet wounds. Carl’s scrapbook and other historic artifacts memories made. are housed at the Koller Library and at businesses throughout town. Join us in Manitowish Waters to start making your own memories. This article was compiled from the following sources: "Manit owish Waters Area History: A Look Back" - Michael Dunn III http://mwlibrary.blogspot.com/ Manitowish Waters Koller Library Blog “The History of Manitowish Waters” - Callie Bates Photos courtesy of: The Koller Library and Jerry Florian page 2 | www.ManitowishWaters.org Welcome to Manitowish Waters Welcome... Table of Contents Whether you are here for work, pleasure, or just History ........................................................................................................2 passing through, our four season destination Welcome......................................................................................................3 will provide you with an Original “Up North” Calendar of Events ....................................................................................4-6 7 Experience. Plan a day trip to shop, dine, and Ongoing Events............................................................................................6 play. Extend your stay for adventure, relaxation, Watersports & Parks ....................................................................................7 romance, business or pleasure. Either way, we know you’ll enjoy your time in beautiful Attractions/Shopping ..................................................................................8 Manitowish Waters. Airport ........................................................................................................9 Biking........................................................................................................10 Our town is formed around the “Legendary 10 12 Lake Chain” with clear, clean waters that provide Hiking, Skiing, Snowshoeing ......................................................................11 recreation and relaxation. Our lakes, rivers, and Hunting & Fishing ......................................................................................12 marshes are the centerpiece of most summer Fish of Manitowish Waters Area Lakes........................................................14 vacations. Fall is known for bright colors and Snowmobiling ............................................................................................15 cranberry marsh tours. Winter snowmobiling Birding ......................................................................................................16 can’t be beat as Manitowish Waters is one of the Fall Colors..................................................................................................16 15 area’s top snowmobile destinations in the world. Northwoods Bad Dash ................................................................................17 Cross country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing are also great winter activities for the Visual & Performing Arts............................................................................18 whole family. Spring is another exciting time of Waterfalls ..................................................................................................19 year here. It brings back birds, buds, our Cranberry Marshes................................................................................20-21 seasonal residents, and a fresh start. So, no Map of Manitowish Waters ........................................................................22 16 matter what your reason or what your season - Community Services ..................................................................................23 we are here for you! Accommodations At-A-Glance ................................................................24-25 While you might not want to leave our town, we Chamber Member Directory hope you’ll come back over and over, as you will Accommodations ..........................................................................26-32 certainly understand what the Original “Up Artists & Galleries ............................................................................32 North” Experience is all about once you’ve 17 visited Manitowish Waters. Attractions ........................................................................................32 Automotive/Gas/Repair/Rental ..................................................32-33 Eric Behnke Beauty Salons ..................................................................................33 Builders/Carpenters/Handcrafted Furniture ................................33-34 President, Building Supplies & Services/Hardware ............................................34 Manitowish Waters Chamber of Commerce 18 Fishing/Hunting/Snowmobiling Guides & Services ......................34-35 Grocery/Deli/Bakery/Meat Market ..................................................35 Handymen/Caretaking......................................................................35 Medical ............................................................................................35 Newspapers ......................................................................................35 Professional Services ....................................................................35-36 19 Real Estate........................................................................................36 Manitowish Waters Chamber of Commerce Shopping/Floral/Furniture/Sporting Goods ......................................38 4 Airport Road • P.O. Box 251 Manitowish Waters, WI 54545 Technology........................................................................................40 Restaurants ......................................................................................40 www.ManitowishWaters.org 1-888-626-9877 Dining Guide ........................................................................................41-50 20 1-715-543-8488 Associate & Association Members ..............................................................51 We have worked diligently to deliver accurate and up-to-date information in this guide. Businesses, attractions, trails, event dates, and other details may have changed since the publication of this guide. We apologize