A flock of swans are swimming in the water

Manitowoc Lakefront

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily

About This Location

Manitowoc Lakefront is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 298 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Black Duck among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

5/31/2026Mahogany Run2 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

5/30/2026Manitowoc Impoundment1 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

5/29/2026South Breakwater Two Rivers1 observed

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutus

5/29/2026Manitowoc Impoundment1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/29/2026tr stopover site 11 (Yellow Birch Trail - back of loop)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

1705/31/2026

Mallard

125/31/2026

Canvasback

15/31/2026

Lesser Scaup

15/31/2026

Rock Pigeon

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

45/31/2026

Chimney Swift

55/31/2026

Sandhill Crane

55/31/2026

Killdeer

65/31/2026

Semipalmated Plover

45/31/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

15/31/2026

Wilson's Phalarope

15/31/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

15/31/2026

Dunlin

85/31/2026

White-rumped Sandpiper

15/31/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

155/31/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

65/31/2026

Ring-billed Gull

2505/31/2026

American Herring Gull

755/31/2026

Caspian Tern

105/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Manitowoc Lakefront for birding?
The best months to visit Manitowoc Lakefront for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Manitowoc Lakefront?
Notable species at Manitowoc Lakefront include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Mourning Dove, American Herring Gull, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, House Sparrow. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Manitowoc Lakefront?
Birding at Manitowoc Lakefront is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Manitowoc Lakefront?
There is no entrance fee at Manitowoc Lakefront. Hours: Open daily.
What amenities are available at Manitowoc Lakefront?
Manitowoc Lakefront offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.