10 Things To Do In Manawa, WI: From A Local
I grew up in Manawa spending summers cruising around with friends & hanging out at some of the favorite local spots. Safe to say, there’s aren’t many things to do in Manawa, WI but if you have a few hours or spending time locally, here are a few things to do in Manawa, WI to help you plan.
Things To Do In Manawa, WI
Here are the 10 best things to do in Manawa, WI from a local:
1. Attend The Manawa Rodeo
The Manawa Rodeo is one of the most sought after events in & around Central Wisconsin. This 3 day events runs over the 4th of July, bringing in 15,000 people from all over the country each year, & putting on a show that will not disappoint.
The rodeo is an absolute MOST when visiting & rightfully earns the #1 spot for things to do in Manawa, WI! (Read below for more details)
2. Take A Walk Along The Little Wolf River Trail
The Little Wolf River Trail is a walking and biking trail in the heart of Manawa. It’s perfect for anyone looking to get outside, explore nature without getting too far away from town & offers picturesque views of the river.
3. Have Some Fun At Bear Lake
Whether you are visiting the campground/resort or the lake itself – this area is a wonderful gathering place for locals in the summertime from boating, playing volleyball or celebrating a wedding. Bear Lake is a favorite among many!
4. Check Out The Miracle On Bridge Street
This wintertime celebration is a great way to into the Holiday spirit & support local businesses/vendors. Including a parade, crafts, trolley rides, & more!
5. Go Golfing
Go golfing at the Cedar Springs – the only golf course in town. This 9-hole course is also a sports bar & grill & often used as a wedding & banquet hall by many locals.
6. Fishing On The Mill Pond
Many people fish from the edges of the pond but you can certainly take a small boat out there. Ice fishing is especially popular on this pond.
7. Grab A Bite To Eat At The Cruisin’ In Diner
The Cruisin’ has ice cream, burgers, chicken tenders & many other simple diner classics. It has the old diner vibe just like you’d expect with outdoor seating in the summer as well as a walk up window. You can’t go wrong!
8. Go Bowling At Kegler’s
Kegler’s is a local hot spot while they offer bowling they also have a good food selection as well as bowling leagues, a pool table, darts & TVs up in the bar.
9. Check Out Hello Beautiful
Hello Beautiful is fairly new to downtown Manawa, but should definitely be on your things to do in Manawa, WI list. From clothes, jewelry, home decor, & more – this cute hometown boutique is a fun stop!
10. Manawa Area Veterans Freedom Park
Also new to Manawa Veterans Freedom Park located right on the edge of the Mill Pond with a pier, handicap accessible dock, splash pad & kayak/canoe launch.
More About The Manawa Rodeo
Despite being a small Midwestern town – the rodeo is hands down, one of the best things to do in Manawa, WI!
I grew up going to the Manawa Rodeo pretty much every year & even working at it. So, I’m here to give you the scoop on all things Manawa Rodeo!
How Much Is The Manawa Rodeo?
It’s free to walk the rodeo grounds & check out the vendors, however you will need to get a ticket to actually watch the show.
You have two choices of seating for the show:
General Admission: sit wherever you want in general admission, tickets are cheaper
Reserved Seating: you have an assigned seat, tickets are more than general admission. The perk of purchasing a reserved ticket is if you get up to get something to eat and/or drink or go to the bathroom your seat remains yours. You get up in general admission & come back you seat can be taken by someone else & you have to find a new spot.
Check out ticket pricing for this years rodeo here.
*Insider tip – if you sit in general admission during sun down, the sun will be shining in your face for a bit. If you sit in the reserved section the sun will be setting at your back.
What Time Does The Manawa Rodeo Start?
There are typically a total of 4 shows on the three day span of the rodeo – 2 night shows & 2 day time shows. Check out the Manawa Rodeo website for exact times.
What To Expect At The Manawa Rodeo:
Other than a whole lot of fun – the rodeo is a big deal to our town. We have a parade, a rodeo 5k/10k, & many other events centered around the rodeo. At the rodeo grounds themselves – there’s food, nightly dances, sometimes a petting zoo, & rodeo vendors.
*Insider tip – there is a fee to park at the rodeo grounds.
Overview: Things To Do In Manawa, WI
All-in-all if you can, visit during the Manawa Rodeo & you can probably knock off a few of these things to do in Manawa, WI off your list while your there. I hope you enjoy our little town as much as I did growing up!
If you are looking for other things to do in the area, check out Waupaca, Chain O’ Lakes. The Lakes are beautiful & definitely worth a visit in the summer months.