Maritime Museum captures history of all things nautical on Great Lakes

Posted February 25, 2009 10:00 pm

By Erica Walkup Daily Herald Correspondent

The Maritime Museum in Manitowoc, Wis., catalogs the history of fishing and the Navy. Courtesy Erica Walkup

During World War II, more than 100 submarines, tankers, minesweepers and other boats used in battle were built in Manitowoc, Wis. Located on Lake Michigan about three hours north of Chicago, this quaint, coastal town has been dubbed Wisconsin's Maritime Capital and is home to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.

Inside the museum, you will learn all there is to know about fishing, boat building and how this city relied on the waterways for its livelihood. Make sure to plan your visit around the submarine tour, where you can walk through the U.S.S. Cobia, a 1945 Gato-class fleet submarine.

The main floor of the museum is dedicated to Great Lakes fishing. At its peak, there were more than 10,000 commercial fishermen in the U.S. and Canada in 1885. One of the largest fishing communities was on Milwaukee's Jones Island, where 5 million pounds of fish were caught every year from 1909 to 1916. Chicago also played an important role as a major distribution center for the Great Lakes' catches.

But as time went on, many factors led to the gradual downfall of commercial fishing. For one, the U.S Coast Guard deemed it the deadliest profession in a 1984 study, with seven times as many deaths as other jobs. The water also became more dangerous for the fish, with deadly parasites like the sea lamprey killing large numbers of whitefish and lake trout. By 1944, the last fisherman moved out of Milwaukee's Jones Island, and, by 1968, only 600 commercial fishermen remained in the Great Lakes.

However, fishing still remains a beloved hobby for many Wisconsinites, and the Friday Night Fish Fry is a cherished weekly tradition at restaurants and taverns throughout the state.

Moving downstairs, the museum's focus turns to Wisconsin's great shipbuilding traditions. Here you can learn how to tie a cleat hitch (a knot used when docking a boat), see a full-sized cross section of the Clipper City schooner and watch the evolution of boats built out of wood to the modern use of steel. A 19th-century maritime community is re-created within this exhibit, demonstrating how hardware stores, grocers and other businesses all contributed to the life of a port community.

The lower level is also home to the Wisconsin-Built Boat Gallery, showcasing everything from full-sized sailboats to canoes to yachts. And try your hand at the virtual fishing game, where you'll use a real fishing rod to reel in virtual salmon, marlins or another great catch.

Back upstairs, museum visitors can operate an authentic 1911 steam engine and check out the model ship gallery, many of which were painstakingly handmade by Manitowoc resident Richard Young.

If you've timed your visit right, you've saved the best part for last: the U.S.S. Cobia submarine tour. Although it wasn't built in Manitowoc, the Cobia is very similar to the 28 that were built there during World War II. The length of a football field, this sub could dive in 45 seconds and stay submerged for 24 hours before having to resurface. Dozens of men lived and worked in this cramped space for months at a time, with three crew members per bed and six per tiny dining table at mealtimes.

Real torpedoes are still on board the ship, and a broom perched at the top signifies that the Cobia accomplished a clean sweep in battle. Today, the submarine is booked every weekend for sleepovers by local Boy Scout troops and other groups.

Tours of the U.S.S. Cobia, a 1945 submarine, are available at the Maritime Museum in Manitowoc, Wis.Photos by Erica Walkup Courtesy Erica Walkup

The museum also shows detailed history of the fishing industry on the Great Lakes. Courtesy Erica Walkup

Wisconsin Maritime Museum 75 Maritime Drive, Manitowoc, Wis. (866) 724-2356, <a href="http://www.wisconsinmaritime.org" target="new">wisconsinmaritime.org</a> While you're there Things to see Rahr-West Art Museum, 610 N. 8th St., Manitowoc, Wis., (920) 683-4501, <a href="http://www.rahrwestartmuseum.org" target="new">rahrwestartmuseum.org</a>: A Victorian mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Rahr-West Art Museum weaves modern and 19th-century art throughout its two floors. Unique exhibits include the doll room, porcelain room and Chinese ivories room. Admission is free. Capitol Civic Centre, 913 S. 8th St., Manitowoc, Wis., (920) 683-2184, <a href="http://www.cccshows.org" target="new">cccshows.org</a>: If you're staying the night, take in a play at the Capitol, a vaudevillian performing arts venue showcasing everything from Broadway to locally produced shows. Upcoming plays include "Lost in Yonkers" (Thursday to Saturday, March 12-14) and the 25th annual Taste of Home Cooking School (Monday, March 30). Where to eat The Penguin Drive-In, 3900 Calumet Ave., Manitowoc, Wis., (920) 684-6403: First opened in 1947, this drive-in is truly a blast from the past. Order from a carhop or sit inside at the counter and try the classic Big Penny half-pound burger or the aptly named Belt Buster, featuring a whopping 10 ounces of charbroiled beef. Courthouse Pub, 1001 S. 8th St., Manitowoc, Wis., (920) 686-1166, <a href="http://www.courthousepub.com" target="new">courthousepub.com</a>: Arguably the best restaurant in town, this historic building turned brewpub serves up delicious fare like Alaskan king crab legs, South African lobster tail, cinnamon-crusted pork tenderloin and grilled jerk chicken. The pub also makes its own beer and offers an extensive wine list.

Article Comments

Article Categories
Lifestyle Travel

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.