Manitowish Waters began as a collection of early twentieth century resorts, accessed by either the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad or the Milwaukee Road. It is centered on the Manitowish Chain of Lakes. The present "business district" lies east of U.S. Highway 51 and north of Rest Lake, one of the lakes of the chain. It began with a grocery and hardware store in the 1930's.
For a history of the Manitowish Waters area read .Where It Happened.
Today, Manitowish Waters is knows for its cranberry marshes, and tours of the marshes are regularly available. (Contact the Chamber of Commerce.) See Cranberry Colorama for a brief overview of the cranberry marshes.
The North Lakeland Discovery Center offers extensive programs on wildlife, birds, ecology and the outdoors at a 66-acre site, formerly the location of a Youth Conservation Corps Camp. (Address: 215 County Highway W, Manitowish Waters, WI 54545.