When it comes to hosting a military reunion in Wisconsin, Manitowoc should be top of mind. Designated as the state’s only American WWII Heritage City, this lakeside retreat has a long-standing history of contributing to America’s greatest war efforts while offering modern amenities, attractions, and lodging that make planning seamless.
Manitowoc’s most striking symbol of that legacy is the WWII submarine floating in the middle of downtown. During WWII, the Navy knew that the city’s shipyards were top-notch. Even though they had never fabricated a submarine before, the Navy placed its trust in the hardworking craftsmen at the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company. The result was extraordinary: 28 fleet submarines built in the heart of the Midwest, far from any ocean. These submarines were constructed along the Manitowoc River and then shipped through inland waterways using the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico before deployment.
One of those submarines using the same blueprints, but built in Connecticut at Electric Boat Company, lives on today known as the USS Cobia, permanently docked in the Manitowoc River. The USS Cobia serves as both a monument and an immersive time capsule. Veterans and visitors alike can walk its narrow passageways, see preserved control panels, and experience firsthand the conditions submariners lived in while on duty. For reunion groups, few moments are as powerful as standing together on the deck of a real WWII sub built by American hands in an unlikely inland city.
While many men worked the shipyards, Manitowoc’s home front was equally vital. Women stepped into industrial roles at Mirro Aluminum, producing aluminum goods essential to the war effort. At the same time, the broader community rallied behind the troops through war bond drives that rivaled the totals of much larger cities like Milwaukee. For a mid-sized Wisconsin community, that level of participation was unexpected yet showed Manitowoc’s vital commitment to victory. These combined efforts—industrial, civic, and patriotic—helped cement Manitowoc’s reputation as a mid-century powerhouse and led to its formal recognition as an American WWII Heritage City in December 2022 by the National Park Service.
Today, that story is brought to life at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, the largest museum of its kind in the Midwest. The museum’s exhibits span centuries of Great Lakes history, and place a special emphasis on WWII submarine production and life aboard vessels like the Cobia. Guided and self-guided tours allow visitors to descend into the submarine itself, where preserved equipment and authentic details make the experience deeply immersive. For reunion planners, the museum offers group-friendly programming, private tour options, and educational components fit for all generations—from veterans who lived the history to younger family members learning it for the first time.
Beyond museums and artifacts, Manitowoc honors service through meaningful public spaces. Red Arrow Park is a standout, named for the 32nd Infantry Division—nicknamed the Red Arrow Division—which has deep Wisconsin ties and a proud record of service in both World Wars. The park’s dedication reflects the state’s longstanding military contributions and provides a peaceful, reflective setting ideal for ceremonies and remembrance gatherings during reunions.
Equally significant is the Eternal Flame and War Memorial, a permanent tribute to local men and women who served in conflicts ranging from the Civil War to present day. Dedicated more than 50 years ago, the Eternal Flame has remained continuously lit as a symbol of enduring remembrance and vigilance. The memorial includes inscribed names of fallen service members from Manitowoc County, ensuring their sacrifice is publicly recognized. The site was intentionally designed as a space for reflection, ceremonies, and community observances on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. For reunion groups, it provides a meaningful setting to formally honor comrades and connect personal service to the generations who served before them.
Just north of downtown, Union Park offers another layer of historical connection. Following the battle at Fort Sumter in April 1861, Manitowoc volunteers marched and practiced drills in this park, preparing for service in the Union Army, although they were without uniforms. This secluded park now features memorial elements, such as an American Flag and a canon in memory of Civil War veterans. Its open spaces, public bathrooms, and picnic tables are well-suited for groups functions.
For many U.S. veterans, Manitowoc is also synonymous with Subfest, an annual celebration that happens in conjunction with Fourth on the Shore over July 4th that draws submariners and military enthusiasts from across the country. The event centers around honoring the submarine service and those who built and served aboard vessels like the USS Cobia. Reunions timed around this event benefit from built-in camaraderie, special programming, and a citywide atmosphere of appreciation for military service. It’s not uncommon to see generations of veterans from all over the states swapping stories along the riverfront, united by shared experiences and the unmistakable pride that defines the submarine community.
What makes Manitowoc especially appealing for military reunions is how seamlessly this deep history blends with present-day convenience. The walkable downtown places key sites—like the submarine, museum, and riverfront—within easy reach. Lodging options range from the full-service Holiday Inn Manitowoc to The Inn on Maritime Bay, with rooms overlooking the Manitowoc Breakwater Lighthouse and just a parking lot of separation between the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. Many offer group rates and amenities tailored for reunions. Restaurants highlight both local flavor and familiar favorites, ensuring every gathering—from formal banquets to casual breakfasts—feels effortless to plan and can please everybody.
Not only is the history ideal for veterans, but the location and beauty of the landscape creates one more big reason to visit. Manitowoc’s scenic trails, beaches, and harbor views are perfect for leisure between scheduled reunion events. Whether it’s a sunset walk along Lake Michigan or an excursion on the water, the natural surroundings help balance meaningful remembrance with well-deserved relaxation.
Present day, Manitowoc’s commitment to honoring military history is still actively carried forward. Community organizations and civic leaders continue investing in preservation, storytelling, and veteran-focused programming. Educational initiatives ensure younger generations understand the city’s role in WWII, while ongoing events keep the legacy visible and relevant. That continuity gives reunion planners confidence that their group will be welcomed into a community that truly values service.
At the same time, Manitowoc continues to grow and evolve. New dining spots, refreshed public spaces, and expanded tourism offerings make repeat visits just as appealing as first-time trips. Infrastructure improvements and visitor-friendly planning resources through Visit Manitowoc make logistics straightforward, whether organizing a small gathering or a large multi-day reunion.
For military reunion planners seeking a destination that balances authenticity with accessibility, Manitowoc delivers on every front. Here, history isn’t confined to plaques and textbooks—it’s alive in the submarine on the river, the parks and memorials that honor sacrifice, and the stories still shared by those who lived it. Pair that legacy with welcoming hospitality and a stunning lakeside setting, and it becomes clear: Manitowoc isn’t just a place to meet. It’s a place to remember, reconnect, and carry the legacy forward together.
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