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

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

7/19/2026Manitowoc Impoundment1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

7/18/2026Point Beach SF--Campground4 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

7/13/2026Point Beach State Forest, Two Rivers US-WI 44.21124, -87.510181 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/13/2026Point Beach State Forest, Two Rivers US-WI 44.21124, -87.510181 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

7/12/2026Manitowoc Impoundment1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

457/19/2026

Wood Duck

27/19/2026

Mallard

207/19/2026

Green-winged Teal

17/19/2026

Redhead

27/19/2026

Lesser Scaup

17/19/2026

Hooded Merganser

67/19/2026

Rock Pigeon

47/19/2026

Mourning Dove

57/19/2026

Chimney Swift

17/19/2026

Sandhill Crane

117/19/2026

Killdeer

27/19/2026

Wilson's Phalarope

17/19/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/19/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/19/2026

Least Sandpiper

27/19/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

17/19/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1807/19/2026

American Herring Gull

457/19/2026

Caspian Tern

137/19/2026

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.