Manitowish Waters
Manitowish Waters is a great little town tucked into the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest in northwestern Vilas County, famous for its chain of 10 connected lakes that wrap around pines, resorts, and classic Northwoods cabins. The town has a laid back artsy feel to it and definitely is not commercialized—the small town center along Highway 51 and County W has a relaxed, upscale-casual feel with resorts, supper clubs, cafes, shops, and quite a few spots to grab a drink or a bite to eat. The Manitowish Waters Chain of Lakes surrounds the town, and it's a nice chain with clean water and good fishing. If you are looking to be on a clean water chain but would prefer it to be a little more quiet than the Minocqua Chain, the Manitowish Waters Chain would fit the bill. There are a ton of outdoor activities available in the area, from time on the chain to bike trails and forest exploring, with nearby cranberry marshes, historic sites like Little Bohemia, and neighboring forest lakes rounding out the sense of place. While you get the peace of being way up north, you aren't too far away from the shopping and activities in Minocqua—Woodruff/Minocqua is about 20 miles south on Highway 51. For cabin owners, Manitowish Waters offers a surprising amount of four-season activity and services for a town this size without the big downtown strip, making it a good fit if you value long days outside and a mellow, community-oriented base to come back to at night. Below, you will find the most recent lakefront homes, lots and condos (with links to view all Manitowish Waters listings) as well as some featured lakes around Manitowish Waters (also with a link to all Manitowish Waters lakes). Below that you will find information on events, attractions and places to eat in Manitowish Waters.
Recent Homes for Sale:
A rare legacy property in the heart of Manitowish Waters is ready to welcome its next steward. Offering over 6,000+/- ft ftg on Dead Pike Lake, Stepping Stone Lakes 1 & 2, this remarkable estate spans 322 wooded ac & includes 3 homes. The full-log main home is …
Beautiful Log Home on gorgeous Murphy Lake in Wisconsin’s Last Wilderness, Presque Isle is situated on 200 feet of frontage with 7.14 private acres! 3 bedroom, 3 bath plus bonus sleeping room offers 2,600+ square feet of living space. Main level includes Living…
Peace, quiet & privacy at the northwest corner of Vilas County on 206 acre, no public access Pardee Lake. Large acreage (6.4) & frontage (631 ft) assure seclusion. Family-sized retirement home in the heart of ski hills & snowmobile trails with excellent year-ro…
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Recent Lots for Sale:
Discover the perfect setting for your custom Northwoods retreat on the shores of Harris Lake. This 3.0-acre parcel boasts 165 feet of private, pristine frontage on a stunning body of water known for clear waters and excellent fishing. Harris Lake offers a beaut…
Gorgeous sand frontage awaits you at this incredible Island Lake vacant lot on the beautiful Manitowish Waters chain of lakes! Lot has a dock in and great level frontage. Lakeside firepit and sitting area. The terrain is perfect for a walk out basement. Lot is …
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Recent Condos for Sale:
View All Manitowish Waters Condos >>
GoldBar Lakes in Manitowish Waters:
| Lake Name | Access | Acres | Type | Distance | Avg Depth | Clarity | Chain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alder Lake | Public | 264 | Drainage | 10 min | 16 ft | 11.8 ft | Manitowish Waters |
| Harris Lake | Public | 534 | Drainage | 21 min | 24 ft | 17.0 ft | -- |
| Island Lake | Public | 1023 | Drainage | 11 min | 13 ft | 10.5 ft | Manitowish Waters |
| Katinka Lake | Semi-Private | 170 | Drainage | 20 min | 26 ft | 19.0 ft | -- |
| Little Star Lake | Public | 244 | Drainage | 5 min | 31 ft | 17.6 ft | Manitowish Waters |
| Manitowish Lake | Public | 506 | Drainage | 6 min | 23 ft | 10.2 ft | Manitowish Waters |
| Papoose Lake | Public | 422 | Spring | 12 min | 28 ft | 15.0 ft | -- |
| Presque Isle Lake | Public | 1165 | Drainage | 22 min | 37 ft | 23.0 ft | Presque Isle |
| Rest Lake | Public | 655 | Drainage | 2 min | 18 ft | 11.2 ft | Manitowish Waters |
| Fawn Lake | Public | 74 | Drainage | 14 min | 7 ft | 9.5 ft | Manitowish Waters |
| Clear Lake | Public | 515 | Spring | 10 min | 16 ft | 11.2 ft | Manitowish Waters |
View All Manitowish Waters Lakes >>
The Manitowish Waters Experience:
On The Water
The Manitowish Waters Chain of Lakes ties together 10 distinct waters—like Rest Lake, Manitowish Lake, Clear Lake, and Little Star Lake—into one large playground for boating, paddling, and fishing. Sandy swimming areas, parks such as Rest Lake Park, island‑dotted sections, and quieter marshy bays mean cabin owners can tailor each outing, from watersports and family swim days to dawn fishing or low‑wake sunset cruises. Since the chain is supported by public launches, parks, and an active lakes association focused on maintaining water quality and access, buyers get both convenience and a sense that the community is invested in protecting the resource, which is reassuring for long‑term cabin ownership.
Trails
Manitowish Waters punches above its weight for non‑motorized recreation, with a paved bike trail network that runs from the community center along Highway 51 and County W past Koller Park, North Lakeland Discovery Center, and Rest Lake Park, then on toward Boulder Junction and other nearby towns. Add in systems like WinMan Trails just north of town and Discovery Center loops, and cabin owners have access to miles of riding, hiking, and nature walks that work for everyone from young kids to serious cyclists. The trails connect multiple communities and lakes, it is easy to turn a simple ride or hike into a full day built around beaches, picnic stops, and ice cream runs, which suits owners who want to park the car and stay mostly on foot or bikes once they arrive.
Winter
Winter in Manitowish Waters is busy in a quiet‑Northwoods way, with cross‑country ski, snowshoe, and fat‑tire routes at MECCA Trails and the Discovery Center plus snowmobile routes maintained by the local Sno‑Skeeters club. Reliable trail grooming, warming shelters, and good regional connections make it realistic for second‑home owners to plan winter trips focused on skiing, riding, and time on the frozen lakes instead of treating the cabin as summer‑only. Events like the Sno‑Skeeters Winter Rendezvous and other community gatherings add a social layer to the season, so winter visits can include both trail time and family‑friendly activities right in town.
Family Fun
Families in Manitowish Waters can build easy routines around beach days at Rest Lake Park, short rides on the paved bike trail, nature programs and trails at the North Lakeland Discovery Center, and simple in‑town treats and festivals. The compact layout and focus on low‑key outdoor fun make it straightforward to keep different ages happy, whether that means tubing on the chain, learning to fish, riding beginner mountain bike loops, or joining a local event. Over time, kids can attach to specific parks, trails, and favorite lakes, which helps a Manitowish Waters cabin feel like a long‑term family base where traditions build naturally across seasons rather than a one‑off vacation spot.
Towns Near Manitowish Waters:
Boulder Junction
First you head south on Hwy 51, then east on County Rd H and then east on County Rd K and you will be in Boulder Junction after fifteen minutes in the car. The town is known as the "Musky Capital of the World", more muskies are caught per square mile than any other similar sized area in the world. Boulder Junction used to be the national base of the Boy Scouts for good reason. When you step out of your car in Boulder Junction, you don't even feel right getting back in. It feels like you should walk or bike to your destination. Just a lovely small town setting.
Minocqua
Head south for 26 minutes on Hwy 51 and you will be in Minocqua. The "island city" is probably the most "modern" of the towns in Northern Wisconsin. There are still plenty of the older mom and pop type of businesses, but they are sprinkled in with fast food restaurants and other national box store outlets. There is a wide variety of things to do and places to visit around Minocqua and the chain of lakes that surround the town is one of the most popular ones around. Being popular, it is also the busiest chain around. The town is considered a tourist hot spot and many summer weekends you will feel like you're back in the city with all the people.
Woodruff
A twenty minute drive south on Hwy 51 will take you to Woodruff. Woodruff is basically an extension of Minocqua. The road widens to four lanes and the town blends right into Minocqua.
Mercer
Fifteen minutes north on Hwy 51 will take you into Mercer. There are a few places to eat and a couple gas stations in town. You will also find Claire De Loon (a huge loon statue) in the town center.
Trails around Manitowish Waters:
Heart of Vilas Bike Trail – Manitowish Waters Hub
Manitowish Waters sits near the center of the Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail System, giving riders direct access to roughly 52 miles of paved trail reaching Mercer to the west and Boulder Junction, Sayner, and St. Germain to the east. Modern trailheads at spots like the Community Center, Koller Park, and Rest Lake Park provide parking, restrooms, and water so riders can easily launch town-to-town day trips or shorter out-and-back cruises.
Manitowish Waters Bike Trail
Starting at the Manitowish Waters Town Hall, the Manitowish Waters Bike Trail follows smooth pavement through town and east toward Boulder Junction as part of the Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail System. Riders pass trailheads, parks, and lakeside views along the way, making it a favorite for everything from family rides to longer fitness loops that connect multiple communities.
Manitowish Waters Sno‑Skeeters Snowmobile Trails
The Manitowish Waters Sno‑Skeeters Snowmobile Club maintains approximately 25 miles of local snowmobile trails that connect downtown Manitowish Waters and the Manitowish Chain of Lakes with regional corridors toward Mercer, Presque Isle, and Boulder Junction. Riders can often leave directly from lodging and lakeside bars to hop onto groomed routes, using club and regional maps to build short scenic spins or longer cross‑county loops.
WinMan Trails
WinMan Trails, about 3.5 miles north of Manitowish Waters, has grown into a year‑round destination with more than 40 miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking, skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing. Machine‑built singletrack for all skill levels, dedicated winter fat‑bike loops, groomed Nordic trails, a welcoming chalet, and free loaner snowshoes make it an easy place for families and hardcore silent‑sports fans to spend full days outside.
Manitowish Waters Attractions & Viewpoints:
Little Star Beach Park (Attraction)
Little Star Beach Park offers a sandy swimming area, picnic space, and clear-water views on Little Star Lake a short drive from Manitowish Waters’ main cluster. It’s quieter than some in-town parks and works well as an afternoon swim-and-photo stop for families staying on the chain or riding the Heart of Vilas trail.
North Lakeland Discovery Center Boardwalks & Tower (Attraction)
North Lakeland Discovery Center, a short drive from Manitowish Waters, sits on 63 acres with miles of wooded trails, wetland boardwalks, wildlife viewing platforms, and an observation tower. It’s one of the best places in the area to combine interpretive exhibits with quiet photo spots for eagles, loons, and marsh landscapes, plus kids’ programs and guided outings.
Frank B. Koller Memorial Park & “Mani” the Bass (Viewpoint)
Frank B. Koller Memorial Park sits by the Rest Lake Dam with a gazebo, band shell, swim area, docks, and a fishing pier, plus “Mani,” the world’s largest bass statue that’s a popular selfie spot. Summer concerts, Skiing Skeeters water ski shows across the bay, and easy parking make this an obvious first stop for photos and evening hangs in Manitowish Waters.
Koller Park & Manitowish River Bridge View (Viewpoint)
Koller Park near the Manitowish River crossing offers a compact green space, docks, and a vantage point where you can look both up- and downstream and out toward Rest Lake. It’s a quiet spot for photos of bridges, reflections, and early-morning mist on the river without leaving town or lugging a boat.
Manitowish River Scenic Pullouts (Viewpoint)
Short drives along rustic roads paralleling the Manitowish River reveal small pullouts, bridge shoulders, and informal put-ins where you can watch the current slide past pines and lowland brush. These spots are ideal for quick river photos, wildlife watching, or scouting put-ins for future paddles between the chain of lakes and downstream flowages.
Manitowish Waters Heart of Vilas Scenic Bridges (Viewpoint)
The Heart of Vilas trail through Manitowish Waters includes several photogenic bridges and causeways across wetlands, small streams, and lakes, highlighted in local “best selfie spots” lists. Cyclists and walkers can stop mid-span to photograph long lines of railings, reflections, and cranes or herons feeding in the marshes below.
Manitowish Waters Mural & Downtown Streetscape (Viewpoint)
Manitowish Waters’ small downtown cluster around Highway W and Highway 51 includes a community mural, old-style storefronts, and quick access to the river and Rest Lake parks. Visitors often park once, grab coffee or ice cream, and wander between the mural, Koller Park, and the bridge overlooks to gather “we’re really in Manitowish Waters” photos.
Rest Lake Dam & Rapids View (Viewpoint)
Near Koller Memorial Park, the Rest Lake Dam funnels water from the chain into the Manitowish River, creating a small cascade and riffle section that’s an easy-to-reach “moving water” photo spot. Visitors often walk over after concerts or ski shows at the park to watch and photograph the changing water levels and evening light on the river.
Events in Manitowish Waters:
Small Town Christmas
Small Town Christmas launches the holiday season in Manitowish Waters with children’s games and crafts, a community tree lighting, bonfires, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Cabin owners who come up in early December get a cozy, small‑scale holiday experience anchored in town, with easy add‑ons like winter walks, early‑season skiing, or a quiet evening by the fire.
Sno‑Skeeters Winter Rendezvous
The Sno‑Skeeters Winter Rendezvous is a mid‑winter celebration at the club’s groomer barn in Manitowish Waters, featuring food, raffle baskets, music, and kids’ activities built around the town’s snowmobile culture. Cabin owners use it as a social anchor for a February weekend, combining trail rides with a stop at the Rendezvous to meet other riders, support the club, and give kids a close‑up look at the grooming equipment that keeps local trails in shape.
Manitowish Waters 4th of July Celebration
Manitowish Waters’ 4th of July Celebration typically includes a daytime parade, family activities at Koller Park, a Skiing Skeeters water ski show, and evening fireworks over the Manitowish Waters Chain. Cabin owners often make a full holiday of it, splitting time between the beach, boat, and park before gathering along the shoreline or on the water to watch the show.
Manitowish Waters Night Markets
The Manitowish Waters Night Markets are free outdoor evening markets held several times each summer at the Community Center, showcasing local makers, farmers, food trucks, and live music. Cabin owners can browse booths, let kids run on the grounds, and enjoy drinks and snacks under the lights, turning an ordinary weeknight into a relaxed community festival.
Music in the Park at Koller Park
Music in the Park brings bands to the Koller Park gazebo on select summer days, giving visitors and cabin owners a chance to listen to live music by Rest Lake while kids play and boats come and go from the public landing. It’s an easy add‑on to a beach afternoon or low‑key evening in town, especially for families staying within biking or short driving distance.
Taste of Manitowish Waters
Taste of Manitowish Waters is a casual tasting event where local restaurants and food businesses serve sample‑sized dishes at the Lions Pavilion behind the Community Center. It gives cabin owners a convenient way to discover new go‑to spots for dinners and takeout while enjoying a social midday gathering with music and lakes‑area views.
Wheels, Wings & Watercraft Show
The Wheels, Wings & Watercraft Show brings classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, airplanes, and vintage boats to the Manitowish Waters Community Center grounds over Memorial Day weekend. Families and cabin owners wander rows of vehicles, grab food, listen to music, and use the show as a laid‑back kickoff to the summer season.
Harvest Festival & Cranberry Kickoff
The Manitowish Waters Harvest Festival is a free outdoor event that kicks off the fall season and local cranberry harvest with vendors, food and drink, and seasonal activities at the Community Center grounds. Many cabin owners pair the festival with cranberry marsh tours, bike rides under peak color, and late‑season lake time, making it a popular reason to visit after summer crowds thin out.
Scarecrow Contest at the Community Center
The Manitowish Waters Scarecrow Contest invites businesses, organizations, and families to create scarecrows that are displayed along Highway 51 at the Community Center grounds for several weeks in early fall. Second‑home owners can stroll or drive past the displays on their way to town or the lake, adding a playful, small‑town touch to shoulder‑season visits.
Manitowish Waters Food Scene:
Aberdeen Restaurant & Bar
Aberdeen Restaurant & Bar combines a log‑lodge setting with views of the Manitowish Waters chain and a menu of steaks, walleye, burgers, and creative appetizers like shrimp nachos. Guests call out the comfortable, upscale‑casual feel, good cocktails and beer list, and consistently well‑prepared entrees as reasons it is one of the town’s go‑to dinner spots.
Aurora Borealis Restaurant
Aurora Borealis Restaurant near Winchester is profiled as a contemporary brewpub‑style spot offering house or regional craft beer and creative American dishes in a lodge‑like setting. It is often recommended alongside Ye Olde Shillelagh and other local favorites for a slightly more upscale dinner after a day at WinMan Trails.
Dixie's Coffee House
Dixie’s Coffee House sits on Rest Lake, serving espresso drinks, brewed coffee, smoothies, and light fare like baked goods, panini, and breakfast items in a bright, scenic space. Visitors love sipping coffee on the lakeside deck, using the Wi‑Fi, and grabbing quick, lighter meals between time on the water and trails.
Howling Dog Saloon
Howling Dog Saloon (H D Saloon) is a roadhouse‑style bar in the Manitowish Waters area serving burgers, pizza, and bar snacks alongside cold beer and crafted cocktails in a vintage‑meets‑modern setting. The saloon emphasizes warm hospitality and a comfortable, unfussy hang‑out vibe for locals and visitors looking for drinks and simple food.
Last Wilderness Cafe
Last Wilderness Cafe in Presque Isle is a small, homey cafe noted for good breakfasts—eggs, pancakes, omelets—and straightforward American lunches like burgers and sandwiches. Visitors describe friendly service, tasty food, and a classic Northwoods small‑town atmosphere.
Little Bohemia Lodge Restaurant
Little Bohemia Lodge on Highway 51 is a historic lakeside restaurant and bar known for its connection to the 1934 John Dillinger shootout and for hearty American dinners. Reviews mention prime rib, schnitzel, wild rice soup, and classic cocktails served in dining rooms that still show bullet holes and old photos, making it both a meal and a history stop.
Manny's Parkside
Manny’s Parkside offers a playful mix of indoor dining and a backyard bar area, serving elevated American comfort food like meatloaf and signature dishes inside, plus pizzas, wings, panini, and curds from an on‑site food truck. The setting emphasizes good tunes, creative cocktails, and a relaxed hang‑out vibe, making it a popular evening spot for both locals and visitors.
Meggie's
Meggie’s is a chef‑driven restaurant at County W and Tower Road serving globally inspired dishes—like poke nachos, braised pork banh mi, and a Kyoto double smash burger—alongside an inventive cocktail list. Social posts and local buzz describe it as a stylish but welcoming spot where the menu changes seasonally and reservations are smart for weekends and holidays.
P.I. Pub & Restaurant
P.I. Pub & Restaurant on County B in Presque Isle is a friendly Northwoods bar‑and‑grill serving homemade pizza, burgers, wraps, baskets, soups, chili, and a popular Friday fish fry, with ATV/snowmobile trail access. Local guides highlight it as a reliable stop for hearty food and drinks after riding or time on nearby lakes.
Smokey's Restaurant and Supper Club
Smokey’s is a destination supper club on County W, offering a casually elegant lodge atmosphere with hand‑cut steaks, seafood, pasta, and house specialties alongside a deep spirits and wine list. Reviews highlight attentive service, piano music, classic Old Fashioneds, and touches like appetizer trays and well‑executed desserts, making it a top pick for special‑occasion dinners in Manitowish Waters.
The Lower Unit Bar & Grill (Greer’s Pier Tiki Bar)
The Lower Unit Bar & Grill, also known as the tiki bar at Greer’s Pier marina, is a waterfront bar serving strong cocktails, burgers, brats, grilled items, subs, and ice cream to boaters and lake‑goers. Visitors describe a fun, bikini‑and‑boats vibe with live music some Fridays, plus higher‑priced but generous drinks and an easygoing social atmosphere.
White Oak Grill at Chippewa Retreat
White Oak Grill at Chippewa Retreat Resort sits on the shore of Lake Manitowish, offering house‑aged hand‑cut steaks, fresh seafood, house‑made pasta, and elevated American dishes in a rustic‑chic dining room and on a lakeside patio. The restaurant pairs its menu with classic cocktails and a strong wine list, and also hosts private events and celebrations that take advantage of the resort’s setting.
Ye Olde Shillelagh
Ye Olde Shillelagh near Winchester shows up as a favorite local bar‑restaurant combining an Irish‑style pub vibe with burgers, sandwiches, and hearty American dinners. Diners and trail users mention friendly owners, good drinks, and satisfying bar food after time at WinMan Trails or on area lakes.
Zastrow's Lynx Lake Resort & Bar
Zastrow’s Lynx Lake Resort & Bar offers a casual lakeside bar and grill experience on Lynx Lake, serving burgers, sandwiches, and simple dinners to resort guests and visitors. Regional listings mention it as a relaxed spot for a drink and bar food right on the water.
