Situated along the shore of the famous Lake Michigan, the city of Two Rivers initially went by the name “Neshotah,” meaning “twin rivers.”
Native Americans originally inhabited the area before German and French-Canadian settlers developed the site during the 1840s.
Two Rivers is best known for being the ice cream sundae’s birthplace and for its thriving fishing and farming districts.
Along with these are dozens of nature trails and sites that you surely won’t find anywhere else.
Check out the best things to do in Two Rivers, Wisconsin!
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There are dozens of places to stay while you’re in Two Rivers, but if you want the best staycation experience possible, you can try booking Still Bend.
Situated along Adams Street, it’s one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s many masterpieces scattered across the globe.
Also known as the Schwartz House, Still Bend is a two-story Usonian home Wright built for Two Rivers businessman Bernard Schwartz and his family.
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Experience living in one of the many homes designed by the world’s most influential architect, and marvel at the expertly crafted interior that will surely keep you entertained throughout your stay.
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Soak up the fresh ambiance and get a good look at how Wright designed the home for modern American living.
Get cozy in front of the fireplace as you sip on your freshly brewed coffee in what is considered one of the world’s most fantastic vacation rentals.
There’s no denying that the future looks digital, but it’s always nice to have something that will remind you of the good old days when the smell of paper greets you as you flip through the newspaper pages.
As you walk along 10th Street, you’ll come across the Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum, home to one of the largest collections of wood type and print materials.
Discover everything there is to know about the craft, including the wood type process, materials, presses, and the final products.
Go on a group excursion, or embark on a self-guided tour in this 40,000-square-foot museum to get a closer look at the thousand-year-old art of wood type printing.
The Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum boasts 1.5 million pieces of wood type, over 1,000 pattern styles and sizes, and hundreds of 1930s advertising cuts that give tourists a glimpse of what the pre-digital era looked like.
There’s a little something for everybody at Woodland Dunes Nature Center & Preserve along Hawthorne Avenue—especially for those who love to explore the wilderness.
Covering over 1,500 acres of land, the nature preserve is decorated with conifer forests, wetlands, and prairies waiting to be discovered.
Go on a hike following one of the preserve’s many scenic trails, explore the waterways while on a kayak, or take a stroll in the butterfly garden to meet the winged creatures.
At night, nestle deep in the forest as you find the perfect spot to watch the stars glisten in the sky.
Woodland Dunes Nature Center & Preserve has 14 ridges swarming with neo-tropical songbirds, Monarch butterflies, and other animals you won’t find anywhere else.
If you make your way to Jackson Street, you’ll come across a quaint district full of history.
Rogers Street Fishing Village is Two Rivers’ prized commercial fishing area that’s been providing its residents with fish hauls for over 175 years.
Behind its rich waters are several historical establishments that helped shape Two Rivers’ maritime culture.
As you explore the village, you’ll be treated to a stunning view of the city’s prized lighthouse, built in 1886.
Aside from getting a bird’s eye view of the entire village, you can also flash a light from the tower to honor a loved one.
You can also check out Rogers Street Fishing Village’s exhibit, where you’ll see shipwreck displays and artifacts recovered from Lake Michigan.
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Situated along Zlatnik Drive, Neshotah Park & Beach is a great place to hang out, get a tan, and enjoy recreational activities.
Soak up some sun on this sand beach on Lake Michigan, take a dip in the blue waters, or ride a kayak near the shoreline.
Once you’ve had fun on the beach, head to the park and find the perfect barbecue spot for your picnic.
You can even engage in a variety of sports activities while in Neshotah Park & Beach, such as softball, volleyball, and basketball, among others.
There are also several horseshoe pits scattered across the area, as well as playgrounds to keep your children entertained.
Visit the ice cream sundae’s birthplace right here in Two Rivers when you swing by the historic Washington House on Jefferson Street.
Restored in 1991, the house served as an inn during the 1850s and was converted to a non-alcoholic saloon a few years later.
You can even check out the iconic Berner’s Ice Cream Parlor and fix yourself up an ice cream sundae right inside the house.
Take a walk around, and you’ll see several murals gracing the walls and the preserved interior that will take you back to the good old days.
The Washington House also featured a ballroom on the second floor, which doubled as a living space for war workers during the Second World War.
Spend a day away from the busy city life, and check out nature’s greatest wonders at Van der Brohe Arboretum & Bird Sanctuary.
Spanning a total of 65 acres, the arboretum and bird sanctuary also features an art park and pollinator meadows that are just too good not to explore.
Explore the short walking trails, or check out the panoramic view of the arboretum meadows and admire the scenic display of sunflowers and pollinators.
Walk a bit more, and you’ll reach the Franciscan Gardens, home to trees, shrubs, plants, and grasses selected for their ability to sustain wildlife.
To complete the tour, stop by the visitor center, where you’ll be treated to arboreal art displays and sculptures.
Van der Brohe Arboretum & Bird Sanctuary is situated on Lincoln Avenue.
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If you’re planning to visit Twin Rivers sometime in September, you might want to check out the Annual Kites Over Lake Michigan.
Dubbed one of the largest kite festivals in the Midwest, Kites Over Lake Michigan features kites that light up the sky with their colorways, styles, and designs.
The event is usually held at Two Rivers High School and is a fun-filled day, especially for kids, because of the kite-making activity.
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Feel free to bring your own kites and get ready to send them high up along with other colorful displays.
The Annual Kites Over Lake Michigan also features aerial ballet exhibitions, ground displays, and concession stands for food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Get to know a thing or two about the city’s agricultural roots when you explore the Historic Farm Museum on 12th Street.
The museum is dedicated to Wisconsin’s hard-working dairy farmers.
Wisconsin boasts a rich rural farming heritage, a fact supported by the displays you’ll see inside the museum.
Step inside the establishment and look closely at the 1800s farmhouse containing old equipment and wood carvings by retired dairy farmer Dick Hazaert.
All the equipment inside the Historic Farm Museum is considered pre-electric and has been preserved for over 50 years.
You’ll find a lot of Instagram-worthy spots around Two Rivers, but if you’re looking for one that’s definitely worth the drive, make your way to the Spirit of the Rivers monument.
The metal bronze sculptures have Lake Michigan as their stunning background, adding to their grandeur.
You’ll see three Native Americans as you approach the site, each with their own significance to the people of Two Rivers.
But perhaps the most striking sculpture would be the one in the middle where a portage carries a canoe on his shoulders, celebrating the first vessel to explore the lake’s waterways.
The sculptures also commemorate the city’s earliest inhabitants and acknowledge the presence of Native Americans before Two Rivers was developed into the area that it is today.
The Spirit of the Rivers monument is located on Memorial Drive.
If you belong to the vast population of animal lovers, then you’re sure to have a great time spending a day at LondonDairy Alpaca Ranch along State Highway 147.
The family-owned ranch is an excellent destination for adults and kids to enjoy the company of the sweet and gentle alpacas roaming the area.
You’ll tour LondonDairy Alpaca Ranch for about an hour and learn details about your four-legged friends and how their fiber is used to make everyday products.
In addition, you can interact with these furry animals, feed them, and take a few selfies to commemorate your trip.
To conclude your trip, stop by the Alpaca Gift & South American Wine Store, and take your pick from souvenirs in the form of scarves, accessories, felted soaps, sweaters, rugs, and more.
Given that Two Rivers is a city that has a rich farming culture, there are a lot of places where you can find some peace and quiet.
One of these places is Picnic Hill Park, which sits next to Walsh Field and Sandy Bay Highlands.
Bring your favorite book and find the perfect spot to read while enjoying the cool breeze.
You can also have a picnic with your friends and family and enjoy Picnic Hill Park’s tranquil atmosphere.
Feel free to walk around and have your thoughts to yourself as you listen to the rustling leaves and chirping birds.
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Two Rivers may seem like a quiet and serene place, but the locals sure know how to have fun.
So when you visit the city, see if you can make it to the Annual Two Rivers Ethnic Fest held downtown on East Park Street.
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The festival celebrates different cultures, races, and ethnicities from all over the world, so you’re sure to get a little bit of everything while you’re there.
Taste food from various countries, check out national costumes and flag parades, and participate in fun-filled activities.
At the Annual Two Rivers Ethnic Fest, you’ll also get a sneak peek at the music and dance of the Hmong Community, Ukraine, Southern United States, and more.
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The farmers’ market isn’t unique to Two Rivers, but given its agricultural roots, you’ll want to swing by downtown and look at what the city offers.
You’ll find a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, and other products as you walk through the Two Rivers Farmers Market along Washington Street.
The small-town charm will also add to your shopping experience while touring the downtown streets.
Besides fresh ingredients, you’ll also find a bunch of handmade crafts from vendors around the area, making for great souvenirs.
If you’re lucky, you might even catch a couple of special guests and live entertainment while shopping for great buys at the Two Rivers Farmers Market.
Great news, wine connoisseurs and beer buffs—the city of Two Rivers has an event made especially for you!
Participate in the annual Two Rivers Fall Wine and Beer Walk on East Park Street, and get the chance to taste some of the best brews in the city.
Enjoy the malty taste of expertly crafted beer or the aroma of berries and mineral notes in your glass of wine.
The Two Rivers Fall Wine and Beer Walk will require you to present a ticket, so make sure to book your slots in advance so you don’t miss out on the fun.
You’ll also get the chance to sample the city’s food downtown.
Two Rivers is a city where the fun just never stops.
From nature trails to entertainment spots, the best things to do in Two Rivers, Wisconsin are simply never-ending.
So, what are you waiting for?
Book your trip today, and let the adventure begin!
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