Things to Do with Grandparents in Manitowoc, WI
Spending time with your grandparents in Manitowoc doesn't have to mean just another Sunday on the couch. This town has stories to tell, flavors to savor, and sights that spark conversation-if you know where to look.
Picture a crisp breeze off Lake Michigan as you and your grandparents take in a WWII submarine, sip root beer floats at a vintage soda fountain, or watch the sun dip below the waterline from a quiet nature trail. There's a side of Manitowoc that turns an ordinary visit into an unforgettable experience.
This isn't just about filling time - it's about making it count. Let's go through the top things to do with grandparents.
Wisconsin Maritime Museum
A visit to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum is a perfect option for Manitowoc family fun, offering a fascinating glimpse into Manitowoc's rich shipbuilding history. This nationally recognized museum sits along the shores of Lake Michigan and provides an interactive social experience, which is especially important for seniors.
With over 60,000 square feet of exhibits, it showcases the region's naval past, including its role in World War II when Manitowoc was a key builder of submarines for the U.S. Navy.
One of the highlights is the fully restored USS Cobia, a World War II submarine that offers guided tours for those interested in stepping back in time. The tour takes visitors through the narrow passageways of the sub, providing an authentic feel for what life was like for the sailors who lived and worked aboard during wartime.
If mobility is a concern, the museum offers plenty of accessible exhibits on the main floor, including detailed submarine models, maritime artifacts, and a hands-on children's water play area that can be just as fun for grandparents as it is for little ones.
Pinecrest Historical Village
This open-air museum, nestled in the rolling countryside just outside Manitowoc, offers a beautifully preserved glimpse into 19th-century Wisconsin life.
With over 25 historic buildings spread across 60 acres, visitors can explore a charming collection of homes, businesses, and community structures that have been carefully relocated and restored to their original glory. That's part of what makes it one of the area's top local kid-friendly spots.
Walking through the village feels like entering a living history book, where costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional trades, cooking methods, and daily routines from the past.
Grandparents will enjoy reminiscing about simpler times while watching blacksmiths forge tools, bakers prepare fresh bread in wood-fired ovens, and schoolteachers conduct lessons in an authentic one-room schoolhouse. It might even give them inspiration for their next art projects!
Sputnik Crash Site
A senior who loves history will love to visit the Sputnik crash site on grandparent-grandchild outings.
This unexpected piece of Cold War history marks the very spot where a fragment of the Soviet Union's Sputnik IV satellite crash-landed on September 5, 1962. While the original debris was quickly recovered and sent to the Smithsonian, Manitowoc proudly commemorates the event with a bronze marker embedded in the sidewalk on the corner of 8th and Park Streets.
What makes this site particularly fun to visit is the unique blend of history and small-town charm. The story of Sputnik IV's fiery descent over Wisconsin, its impact in the middle of Manitowoc, and the U.S. and Soviet response to the incident make for an entertaining tale - one that many grandparents might even remember from news reports at the time.
While the site itself is a quick stop, visitors can also explore a replica of the satellite fragment at the nearby Rahr-West Art Museum, adding an extra layer of interest to the visit.
Cherney Maribel Caves County Park
For grandparents who appreciate nature and a touch of adventure, Cherney Maribel Caves County Park is a fantastic destination just a short drive from Manitowoc.
Visitors can explore several accessible caves, including the well-known Maribel New Hope Cave, which is open for guided tours during select times of the year. These tours provide a fascinating look at underground chambers and rock formations, making for an exciting yet safe adventure for all ages.
Grandparents who prefer a more relaxed visit can still enjoy the walking paths that pass by open cave entrances, allowing them to take in the beauty of the park without having to climb or crawl through tight spaces.
Beyond the caves, the park offers
- Benches
- Picnic areas
- Scenic overlooks
Making it a peaceful spot for a leisurely outing. The wooded trails are ideal for birdwatching, and in the fall, the changing leaves create a stunning backdrop for a relaxing stroll.
Senior-Friendly Attractions: Beerntsen's Confectionary
A visit to Beerntsen's Confectionary is like stepping into a sweet slice of nostalgia, making it a perfect stop to enjoy with grandparents.
This charming, old-fashioned candy shop and ice cream parlor has been serving homemade chocolates, caramels, and sundaes in downtown Manitowoc since 1932. The moment you walk through the doors, you're greeted by the rich aroma of melting chocolate and the warm, welcoming atmosphere of a bygone era.
Grandparents will love sharing stories of their favorite childhood treats while browsing the glass cases filled with:
- Hand-dipped chocolates
- Truffles
- Famous buttery caramels
The shop's traditional methods and high-quality ingredients ensure that every bite is as delightful as they remember from their younger days.
For those with a sweet tooth, the classic ice cream parlor serves up sundaes, malts, and banana splits made the old-fashioned way, making it a great place to sit, relax, and enjoy a simple pleasure together.
Things to Do With Grandparents: Plan Your Visit Today
There are so many options when it comes to things to do with grandparents. Use this list, and you'll have no shortage of intergenerational activities.
Looking for the perfect way to make memories with your loved ones? At LakeHouse Manitowoc, we offer engaging activities, local outings, and a warm, welcoming community designed to bring families together. Whether it's a scenic picnic, a lively game of bingo, or an ice cream social with live music, every visit feels like home.
Schedule a tour and discover how we help grandparents and families connect in a meaningful way!