Manitowish Waters Chamber Of Commerce

There are currently five cranberry marshes in Manitowish Waters ranging in size from 63 to 185 acres, totaling about 600 acres. These marshes were started soon after World War II by six families at considerable risk in an area of Wisconsin not yet known for cranberry production; some of these families are currently in their third generation of cranberry growing. These pioneers undertook building what is today a major scenic & economic contributor to Wisconsin's Northwoods. The Manitowish Waters area was fairly uninhabited at that time, so the cranberry growers banded together to build roads and bridges and to bring the power and telephone line access which everyone uses today to the south end of town. The cranberry marshes today surround the northeast one-third of Little Trout Lake, which is located along the southern edge of the town line. Powell Marsh Wildlife Area and the Lac du Flambeau Indian Reservation surround the other two-third s of this nearly- uninhabited pristine lake. The cranberry marshes benefit from the availability of a water source and the native wetlands and wildlife benefit from a stable wetland environment; thus a huge wetland preserve is maintained and thrives at no additional cost to the tax payer.

Manitowish Waters Cranberry Growers

• Alder Lake Cranberry Company
• Bartling's Manitowish Cranberry Co.
• Folsom Farms, Inc.
• Vilas Cranberry Company
• Rayala Cranberry Company

ONE TOUR IS OFFERED EACH FRIDAY MORNING AT 10 A.M.
July 9 - October 8, 2010  ~  Meet at the MW Community Center (6 South Hwy. 51 and Airport Road) for a video, juice & sweetened dried cranberry samples, prize drawings & pictorial display (approximately 1/2 hour); then follow a guide in your vehicle to the Vilas Cranberry Co. marsh (660 Alder Lake Road) for an up-close look at the bogs -- blooming, growing or being harvested depending on the time you visit -- approximately another 1/2 hour, depending on how long you wish to view the bogs, take photos, or visit the on-site gift shop, Cranberry Square.

Full-blown cranberry harvest can begin any time between the last week to two weeks of September into the first two to three weeks in October.  The Chamber is informed of the projected "full harvest" beginning date (sometimes with just a few days' notice) ... and from there the harvest generally takes about 3 weeks, depending on the weather. 

To inquire about cranberry harvest and the availability of fresh cranberries, contact Cranberry Square at 715-543-2778 (located at the Vilas Cranberry Co. marsh).  To inquire about a possible group tour, call 715-543-2381 or 2778 (Cranberry Square gift shop, in season).

Maps available at MW Chamber ~ 715-543-8488

• One 1-hour tour is offered at 10 a.m. each Friday
• Reservations NOT required
• All ages and abilities welcome
• Tour is held rain or shine
• Minimal walking at the marsh

Join us for the Chamber's annual Cranberry Colorama, always the last Saturday of September, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Manitowish Waters Community Center.  The event features free shuttle bus tours to the Vilas Cranberry Co. marsh, self-guided fall color tours (suggested routes available at the Chamber), quaint arts & crafts show, cranberry samples, fresh cranberry sales, info/raffle booths, Lioness bake sale, live music, "Taste of Harvest" (our main lunch concessions offered by some of the area's local restaurants), cranberry cooking contest, M.W. Lakes Association pontoon cruises on the M.W. chain, and more!