Manitowish Waters is one of those Northwoods towns that regulars keep quiet about -- and for good reason. The chain of 10 lakes, the Manitowish River, and a dining scene that punches well above its size make it worth a full day, any season of the year.
Start the Morning on the Water
The lakes are the point here. Manitowish Waters sits at the center of a chain connecting Rest Lake, Stone Lake, Fawn Lake, Clear Lake, Spider Lake, Alder Lake, Wild Rice Lake, Island Lake, Manitowish Lake, and Little Star Lake through the Manitowish River -- more than 4,200 acres of water that you can paddle or boat through in a single day.
For a quick swim before the crowds, head to Little Star Beach on Little Star Lake. It's a small public beach park with fine golden sand, a roped swimming area, a boat launch, picnic tables, and grills. Simple and clean, with that end-of-the-road quiet that the chain is known for.
If you'd rather be on the river than the lake, River's Edge Adventure Company on U.S. 51 rents canoes, kayaks, rafts, tubes, and bikes, and runs guided river trips with delivery and shuttle service. They operate Friday through Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM. The Kayak the Manitowish River route covers more than 40 miles of Northwoods wilderness -- you don't have to do all of it, but even a half-day float gives you a solid read on why people make this their annual trip.
For anything motor-related on the lakes, Greer's Pier Marina Inc. is the spot to check out.
Morning Coffee and a Bite
Before you head out on the water, stop at Dixie's Coffee House on County Highway West. It's right on Vance Lake, open seven days a week from 7 AM to 2 PM, and serves locally roasted coffee, paninis, and baked goods. The deck and dock seating are the draw when the weather cooperates, and Dixie's connects directly to the Heart of Vilas Bike Trail -- a useful detail if you're mixing paddle time with pedal time. With nearly 300 Google reviews and a 4.7 rating, it earns that morning stop.
Nature and Local History
North Lakeland Discovery Center
14006 Discovery Ln, Manitowish Waters, WI | discoverycenter.net | Open Tuesday -- Saturday 10 AM -- 2 PM
A year-round nature center on 66 acres along Statehouse Lake inside the Northern Highland State Forest. It has 12 miles of trails, interactive exhibits with live animals, interpretive gardens, and a bog boardwalk. The difficulty is rated easy, it's family-friendly, and it's the kind of place you'd spend two hours without meaning to. Good call for mornings when the weather is unsettled.
Little Bohemia Lodge
142 U.S. 51, Manitowish Waters, WI | littlebohemialodge.com | $$ Open Tuesday -- Saturday, 4:30 -- 9:30 PM
The most famous building in town, and one of the most recognized in the Northwoods. Little Bohemia Lodge is where John Dillinger and his gang were cornered by the FBI in April 1934 -- the shootout that followed is still referenced in every account of Dillinger's run. The restaurant serves hearty American fare, and the artifacts from the original incident are on display throughout. More than 1,000 Google reviews say people keep coming back. It's a legit dinner spot, not just a historical curiosity.
Big Mounted Fish
Manitowish Waters, WI
The name tells you most of what you need to know. A family-friendly attraction worth a quick stop, particularly with kids.
Rest Lake Park Pavilion
Manitowish Waters, WI | mwtown.gov | Open Monday -- Friday, 10 AM -- 1 PM
A public park pavilion used for community gatherings and events. Check the town website for scheduled events during your visit -- the programming varies by season.
Lunch Options
Rustic Roadhaus
5194 U.S. 51, Manitowish Waters, WI | rusticroadhaus.com | $$ Open Tuesday -- Saturday 11 AM -- 8 PM; Sunday 8 AM -- 8 PM; Closed Monday
The Rustic Bomber burger is the thing to order here, and the pizza has its own dedicated following. Dog-friendly patio, a solid craft beer tap selection, and a kitchen that's open for breakfast on Sundays. If you're rolling in mid-afternoon, this is the most flexible stop -- they're open through the shoulder hours when a lot of places aren't.
The Shillelagh
35 Tower Road, Manitowish Waters, WI | $$ Open daily 11 AM -- 2 AM
An Irish pub with a straightforward menu -- corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie, and what regulars describe as world-class Reubens. They do a Friday fish fry, live music, and an annual Irish Fest. The hours are generous, which makes it a reliable fallback any day of the week. The Shillelagh has nearly 500 Google reviews, which is a lot for a town this size.
Pea Patch Motel & Saloon
6011 County Highway West, Manitowish Waters, WI | thepeapatch.com | $$ Open daily 11 AM -- 2 AM
The Pea Patch is the kind of place that's been feeding people breakfast, lunch, and dinner for long enough that it doesn't need to explain itself. It's the most-reviewed restaurant in this guide at 568 reviews, it has live music, outdoor seating, and it's open every day. If you're looking for somewhere easy that won't disappoint a mixed group, this is a safe bet.
Afternoon: A Drink, a Walk, or Some Shopping
Some Nerve Brewing Company
5586 U.S. 51, Manitowish Waters, WI | somenervebrewingcompany.com Open Wednesday -- Friday 3 -- 9 PM; Saturday 1 -- 9 PM
A husband-and-wife-owned microbrewery and taphouse where you can order pints or sampler flights and watch wildlife through the bay window. Dog-friendly, cozy, and exactly the kind of post-paddle stop the afternoon calls for. Saturday is the move if you want the most options -- they open at 1 PM and you've got the full evening ahead of you. Nearly 500 Google reviews and a 4.8 rating make it one of the best-regarded spots in town. Fits well alongside the Northwoods Craft Beer Guide if you're building a broader beer itinerary.
To The Nines
5970 County Highway West, Manitowish Waters, WI | ninesmw.com Open Monday -- Saturday 10 AM -- 6 PM; Sunday 10 AM -- 4 PM
A shopping boutique on County Highway W. Worth a browse if you're spending time along that corridor near Dixie's and Meggie's.
The Lake House
5962 County Highway West, Manitowish Waters, WI | lakehousemw.com Open Monday -- Saturday 10 AM -- 6 PM; Sunday 10 AM -- 4 PM
Another stop along County Highway W. Check the website for current inventory and offerings.
If you want to stretch your legs between stops, the Manitowish Waters Athletic Club - MAC on Woodland Lane is open daily from 6:30 AM to 7 PM for anyone who wants a more structured workout option.
Dinner
Aberdeen Restaurant & Bar
5325 Aberdeen Lodge Circle, Manitowish Waters, WI | aberdeendining.com | $$ Open Tuesday -- Thursday 4 -- 8 PM; Friday -- Saturday 4 -- 9 PM; Closed Sunday -- Monday
A log lodge dining room overlooking the Manitowish Waters chain of lakes. The screened porch and open patio work for sunset dinners on summer evenings. The menu runs to steaks, ribs, walleye, and a Friday fish fry. Nearly 500 Google reviews and good for kids and groups. Make a reservation if you're going on a Friday or Saturday.
Smokey's Restaurant and Supper Club
6410 County Highway West, Manitowish Waters, WI | smokeysdining.com | $$$ Open Wednesday -- Sunday, 4:30 -- 10 PM
Smokey's is the full supper club experience -- prime steaks, wild-caught Canadian walleye, Alaskan salmon, and piano music during dinner. Surrounded by soaring pines, with reservations recommended. If you're building an evening around the meal rather than squeezing dinner into the itinerary, this is the right call. Pairs well with the Northwoods Supper Club Trail if you're doing a broader tour.
White Oak Grill
13029 Deer Park Road, Manitowish Waters, WI | chippewaretreat.com/white-oak-grill | $$$ Open Thursday -- Saturday, 4 -- 9 PM
Located at Chippewa Retreat Resort on Lake Manitowish, with a 1933 Art Deco bar that's worth seeing. The menu covers hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and scratch-made pastas. Thursday through Saturday only, so plan accordingly.
Meggie's Manitowish Waters
163 County Highway West, Manitowish Waters, WI | meggiesmw.com Open Thursday -- Sunday, 5 PM -- 2 AM
Asian-influenced food in a historic 1927 building on the shore of Vance Lake. The menu draws on house-made sauces and recipes the owner developed through travel. It's a different kind of dinner than you'll find anywhere else in Manitowish Waters, and the late hours make it work as a post-dinner bar stop too. Reservations available; good for groups.
After Dinner
Howling Dog Saloon
5243 U.S. 51, Manitowish Waters, WI | hdsaloon.com | $ Open Monday -- Thursday 11 AM -- 11 PM; Friday -- Saturday 11 AM -- 2 AM; Sunday 11 AM -- 11 PM
Over 100 years of history behind this one, on Highway 51. Cold beers, crafted cocktails, live music, and a covered patio. It stays open until 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, which makes it the logical last stop. If the Northwoods Live Music & Events Scene is on your radar, check the Howling Dog's schedule before you go.
Planning Your Visit
Start at the Visitors Bureau. The Manitowish Waters Visitors Bureau is on Airport Road, open Tuesday -- Friday 9 AM -- 4 PM. They have local maps, current event listings, and can answer questions that no website covers. If you're arriving for the first time, this is a reasonable first stop.
Check days and hours carefully. A lot of places in Manitowish Waters are closed Monday and/or Sunday, and dinner spots typically open in the late afternoon. The itinerary above is built around this, but it's worth double-checking before you commit to a specific restaurant.
Weekend is easier. More places are open Saturday than any other day. If you have a choice, Saturday gives you the most flexibility -- River's Edge is open for water rentals, Some Nerve opens at 1 PM, and most restaurants are running.
The County Highway W corridor and U.S. 51 cover most of it. The town is spread out but navigable. Dixie's, To The Nines, Meggie's, and The Lake House cluster along County Highway W. The Rustic Roadhaus, Howling Dog, and Some Nerve are along U.S. 51. You can cover the main corridor in an afternoon without backtracking much.
For kids, the North Lakeland Discovery Center, Little Star Beach, and Big Mounted Fish are the clear family-friendly anchors. The Rustic Roadhaus and Aberdeen Restaurant & Bar both accommodate kids well at dinner.
For lodging, Voss' Birchwood Lodge on Voss Road is an old-school lakeside resort with rooms, cabins, a restaurant, and a bar store -- the kind of place built around staying, not just passing through. Check the Cabin Renter's Guide to the Northwoods if you're planning a longer stay and want to think through what to look for in a Northwoods rental.
If you're building out a broader Northwoods itinerary, A Day in Minocqua and A Day in Boulder Junction cover two towns that pair naturally with a Manitowish Waters visit.
Know a spot we missed? Let us know.
