Maribel WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Maribel, Wisconsin.
1. Cherney Maribel Caves
GEOLOGICAL WONDER WITH CAVES
Cherney Maribel Caves County Park offers a unique blend of caves, trails, and outdoor recreation along the West Twin River. Visitors can explore several fascinating cave systems including New Hope, Spring, and the Tartarus Cave System. The park is a geological area formed primarily by glacial activity and has been a popular attraction since before Manitowoc County acquired it in 1963.
2. Maribel Caves Hotel
HISTORIC STONE STRUCTURE
The Maribel Caves Hotel, also known locally as 'Hotel Hell,' is a historic stone structure that once served as a popular health resort. Visitors can explore the ruins of this mysterious building which has sparked numerous local legends and ghost stories. The hotel's remains stand as a testament to the area's rich history and tourist legacy.
3. Stedl's Maribel Orchard
FRESH FRUIT AND PRODUCE
Stedl's Maribel Orchard offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy fresh, locally grown fruit and produce in a charming rural setting. Seasonal picking opportunities allow families to experience farm-to-table goodness firsthand throughout the growing season. The orchard provides a wholesome agricultural experience representative of Wisconsin's farming heritage.
4. Full Moon Garlic Farm
SPECIALTY GARLIC PRODUCTS
Full Moon Garlic Farm specializes in growing and selling various varieties of premium garlic and garlic-based products. Visitors can learn about sustainable farming practices while browsing unique culinary ingredients not found in typical grocery stores. The farm offers a sensory experience with aromatic fields and specialty food items that showcase Wisconsin's diverse agricultural offerings.
5. Donnie's Bottom's Up Bar
LOCAL WATERING HOLE
Donnie's Bottom's Up Bar serves as a gathering spot for locals and visitors looking to experience authentic small-town Wisconsin hospitality. This establishment offers cold drinks, casual dining options, and the opportunity to mingle with friendly residents. Visitors can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere while getting insider tips about other attractions in the area.
6. West Twin River
SCENIC WATERWAY EXPERIENCE
The West Twin River flows through Maribel offering excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife observation. Nature enthusiasts can spot various bird species and aquatic life along this peaceful waterway that carves through the Wisconsin landscape. The river provides a tranquil setting for outdoor recreation throughout much of the year.
7. Point Beach State Forest
LAKESIDE NATURAL RETREAT
Point Beach State Forest offers six miles of sandy beach along Lake Michigan with spectacular views and recreational opportunities. Visitors can hike through diverse ecosystems including dunes, forests, and wetlands on over 10 miles of trails. The forest features a historic lighthouse, camping facilities, and seasonal activities making it a year-round destination.
8. Manitowoc Marina
MARITIME GATEWAY EXPERIENCE
Manitowoc Marina serves as a gateway to Lake Michigan with boat slips, launching facilities, and waterfront views. Visitors can watch sailboats and fishing vessels navigate the harbor while enjoying the adjacent riverwalk and dining options. The marina connects to downtown Manitowoc, offering both nautical charm and access to urban amenities.
9. Wisconsin Maritime Museum
NAVAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum houses the most completely restored World War II submarine in the United States among its impressive collection of maritime artifacts. Visitors can explore multiple galleries dedicated to Wisconsin's shipbuilding heritage and Great Lakes maritime history. Interactive exhibits and the opportunity to tour the USS Cobia submarine provide an immersive educational experience for all ages.
10. Lincoln Park Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Lincoln Park Zoo offers free admission to view a variety of animal species in a charming, accessible setting. Families can enjoy close encounters with big cats, monkeys, birds, and domestic animals in well-maintained habitats. The zoo's convenient location within Lincoln Park provides additional recreational amenities including playgrounds and picnic areas.
11. Rahr-West Art Museum
CULTURAL ARTS DESTINATION
The Rahr-West Art Museum showcases an impressive permanent collection including works by Picasso, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Andy Warhol housed in a historic Victorian mansion. Visitors can admire both the architectural beauty of the building and the rotating exhibitions featuring regional and national artists. The museum offers cultural programming throughout the year including the quirky celebration of a Soviet satellite crash that occurred nearby in 1962.
12. Woodland Dunes Nature Center
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AREA
Woodland Dunes Nature Center encompasses over 1,500 acres of forests, wetlands, and prairies serving as an important bird and wildlife sanctuary. Visitors can explore miles of trails through diverse habitats while learning about conservation efforts through interpretive displays and programming. The nature center offers seasonal events including monarch butterfly tagging, bird banding demonstrations, and guided nature walks.
13. Pinecrest Historical Village
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Pinecrest Historical Village recreates rural Wisconsin life from the 1850s to early 1900s through over 25 restored historical buildings spread across 60 acres. Visitors can interact with costumed interpreters demonstrating traditional crafts, farming techniques, and daily activities from the past. The village hosts special events throughout the year including an old-fashioned Christmas celebration and summer folk art festival.
14. Rogers Street Fishing Village
MARITIME HERITAGE SITE
Rogers Street Fishing Village preserves the rich commercial fishing history of Two Rivers with authentic buildings, vessels, and equipment dating back to the 1800s. Visitors can climb the steps of a restored 1886 lighthouse and explore exhibits detailing the dangerous yet vital fishing industry that shaped the region. The village offers insights into the lives of the hardy individuals who braved Lake Michigan's unpredictable waters to make their living.
15. Manitowoc County Fair
ANNUAL AGRICULTURAL CELEBRATION
The Manitowoc County Fair brings together agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, live entertainment, and food vendors for a quintessential Midwest fair experience each August. Visitors can enjoy livestock shows, demolition derbies, tractor pulls, and musical performances across multiple days of family-friendly fun. The fair celebrates the county's agricultural heritage while providing modern entertainment options for all ages.