Fischer Creek State Recreation Area
Overview
Fischer Creek State Recreation Area is a 160-acre natural area along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. The park features nearly a mile of Lake Michigan shoreline with scenic wooded bluffs rising up to 40 feet above the water, offering dramatic views across the open lake.
Owned by the State of Wisconsin and managed by the Manitowoc County Park System, Fischer Creek preserves a diverse mix of habitats including old agricultural fields transitioning to native meadows, wetlands, and lowland forests. The site is particularly valued as a birdwatching destination during spring and fall migrations.
Recreation and Activities
Hiking trails lead visitors through the interior of the property and along the Lake Michigan bluffs, providing access to diverse landscapes and sweeping lake views. Birdwatching is excellent, with thousands of migrating raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds passing through during spring and fall. The beach area offers seasonal swimming and beachcombing.
Picnic areas with lake views are available, along with designated parking and restroom facilities. The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, with winter hiking and snowshoeing possible on the trail system.
Location and Access
Fischer Creek is located approximately 9 miles south of Manitowoc on County Highway LS, about one mile north of the village of Cleveland, Wisconsin. The recreation area is roughly 80 miles north of Milwaukee along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee?
A vehicle admission sticker may be required. Check with Manitowoc County Parks or Wisconsin DNR for current requirements.
Is camping allowed?
No, Fischer Creek is a day-use area only. Nearby Point Beach State Forest offers full camping facilities along the Lake Michigan shore.
Manitowoc built submarines?
Yes — the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company built 28 submarines during WWII, hundreds of miles from the ocean. The subs were launched sideways into the Manitowoc River, then towed through the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway to the Atlantic. These subs saw combat in the Pacific — the USS Cobia (now a museum at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum) is one of only a few WWII subs open to the public.
Plan Your Visit
Fischer Creek provides hiking, fishing, and nature study in the Manitowoc County landscape of eastern Wisconsin. The park connects to Wisconsin’s Ice Age National Scenic Trail system. Manitowoc’s Wisconsin Maritime Museum features the WWII submarine USS Cobia — you can tour the entire vessel. Two Rivers (nearby) claims to be the birthplace of the ice cream sundae (1881). The SS Badger car ferry crosses Lake Michigan from Manitowoc to Ludington, Michigan.
Insider Tips
Lake Michigan coast: Fischer Creek protects forest and wetland along Lake Michigan’s western shore near Manitowoc. Pro tip: Manitowoc built 28 submarines during WWII — the USS Cobia (a combat veteran) is now a museum ship in the harbor. Maritime heritage: Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan coast has a rich maritime history — dozens of shipwrecks lie in the cold, clear waters.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Lake Michigan beach access. Fall: Lakeshore foliage. Spring: Migrating birds along the coast. Winter: Ice formations along the shore.
Wildlife & Nature
Fischer Creek SRA — on Lake Michigan’s western shore. The area’s creek, lake, and coastal wetlands support migratory songbirds, white-tailed deer, and sandhill cranes.
Nearby Attractions
Manitowoc — adjacent — home of the SS Badger (largest cross-lake passenger car ferry on the Great Lakes). Lake Michigan — at the park.
