By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published Jul 24, 2001 at 5:53 AM

Manitowoc, the "home of the good spirit," is a city that takes great pride in preserving its long lasting Native American culture and tradition.

Anyone can explore through the history of this spirited city -- located just 90 minutes north of Milwaukee -- by the many attractions that are offered. An abundance of attractions preserve Manitowoc's past including WWII history, theaters, performing arts and history museums. So take a day out of your busy schedule and enjoy the many fascinating attractions that Manitowoc has to offer.

Lincoln Park Zoo
1215 Block of N. 8th St.
(920) 683-4685
Hours: Memorial Day-Labor Day: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fall/Spring: 8 a.m.-6p.m.
Winter: (Nov-Mar): 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Lincoln Park zoo has recently constructed several natural habitats that feature birds, fish and larger animals that are native to the North Woods. This natural zoo is located in a gorgeous wooded setting with both private and public picnic areas. There is also a children's playground just inside the zoo grounds. Admission is free to all.

Manitowoc County Heritage Center
(920) 684-4445
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

This 1922 County Teachers College has been newly renovated to feature exhibits on Manitowoc history, a research library, an educational learning center and a gift shop. Stop by the Heritage Center at the administrative offices of the Manitowoc County Historical Society and take advantage of the information offered.

Pleasure Valley Llamas
W7757 S. Hwy A, Adell
(920) 994-9294
Hours: Open April-October; by appointment only.
Seven days a week indoors-rain or shine

Come and enjoy nature's most intriguing and unique creatures up close and personal. Test your skill at spinning and you could help train a llama.

Point Beach Energy Center
6400 Nuclear Rd., Two Rivers
Phone (920) 755-6400
Hours: Open daily
March — Oct. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Nov-Feb: 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.

The Point Beach Energy Center, which opened in December of 1999, overlooks Lake Michigan and is adjacent to the Point Beach Nuclear Plant. This center offers exhilarating, new interactive displays. Learn first hand about the infamous Jacob's Ladder or help run an eco-village on renewable resources. Or check out a model nuclear containment building and learn how an actual nuclear reactor works. Admission is free.

Rahr-West Art Museum
610 N. 8th St.
(920) 683-4501
Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wed: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sat and Sun: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Built in 1891 by Manitowoc pioneer Joseph Vilas, is this beautiful Victorian mansion. Donated to the city for use as a museum in the '40s, the mansion features exhibitions and collections of contemporary American art. The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Von Stiehl Winery
115 Navarino St., Algoma
(920) 487-5208
Hours: May-Oct: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Nov-April: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.
Web site: http://www.vonstiehl.com

Enjoy a guided tour with free tasting of more than 20 fine traditional and award winning grape and fruit wines.

Wisconsin Maritime Museum
75 Maritime Dr.
(920) 684-0218
Hours: Memorial Day-Labor Day: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
Winter: Mon-Sat: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Web site: http://www.wimaritimemuseum.org

Take a guided tour of Wisconsin's largest maritime museum. Enjoy a first-hand experience of the USS COBIA, a WWII submarine or survey the harbor with a WWII periscope. You can also walk along the Great Lakes port city and explore the Model Ship Gallery.

Woodland Dunes Nature Center
Hwy 310 West of Two Rivers
(920) 793-4007
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m.-noon; Sun: Seasonal hours
Web site: http://www.woodlanddunes.com

Hike more than seven miles of trails within the 1,200-acre oasis of swamps, fields, meadows and marshland. On your way stop at the Nature Shoppe for unique gift items.

Pinecrest Historical Village
924 Pinecrest Lane
(920) 684-5110
Hours: May 1-Oct 21
May and June: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
July-Labor Day 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sept 4-Oct 1 and December 8-9: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

This historic village features 25 historic buildings and museum exhibits that portray the farm and village life during the 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the log houses date all the way back to the mid 1800s. Enjoy self-guided or audio-tours or enjoy the many annual programs and events like GermanFest and the Fall Harvest Festival.

For more visitor information call (800) 627-4896 or visit manitowoc.org.