Manitowish Waters Chamber Of Commerce

The Manitowish Waters Cranberry Growers Association consists of five marshes ranging in size from 63 acres to 186 acres, totaling about 600 acres.  These marshes were started soon after World War II in an area of Wisconsin not known for cranberry production.  These pioneers undertook building what is today a major scenic and economic contributor to Wisconsin's northwoods.  The cranberry marshes surround the northeast 1/3 of Little Trout Lake, a pristine 1,000 acre nearly-uninhabited lake, which is located along the southern edge of the Manitowish Waters town line.

Manitowish Waters Cranberry Growers

• Bartling's Manitowish Cranberry Co.
• Folsom Farms, Inc.
• Vilas Cranberry Company
• Rayala Cranberry Company
• Vilas 51 Cranberry Company

ONE 1-HOUR TOUR IS OFFERED EACH FRIDAY MORNING AT 10 A.M.

• 2013:  Fridays, July 5 - October 4 
• Tour introduction begins at the MW Community Center (4 Airport Road & Hwy. 51) -- except for July 29 and Sept. 9, when the tour will be fully conducted at Vilas Cranberry Co. marsh (660 Alder Lake Road)
• Introduction lasts about 1/2 hour -- enjoy juice & sweetened dried cranberry samples, photo display, video viewing & prize drawings; then drive in your own vehicle to the Vilas Cranberry Co. marsh for an up-close look at the bogs -- blooming, growing or being harvested depending on the time you visit (about another 1/2 hour from the time you leave the Community Center)
• View the bogs, take photos, and visit the on-site gift shop: Cranberry Square
• Friday tour reservations NOT required
• All ages and abilities welcome
• Tour is held rain or shine
• Minimal walking at the marsh

If you are unable to join us for the regular weekly Friday tour, you may visit the Cranberry Gift Shop at Vilas Cranberry Co. marsh any day of the week (May-November).  The gift shop is open May - November, but not every day in May and November.  It is located right at the marsh, and a step out the back door will put you in view of the many cranberry beds!  

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 for sale, contact Cranberry Square at 715-543-2778.  To inquire about a possible group tour, call 715-543-2778 or 2381 (Cranberry Square).

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!

For more information, visit these websites:

• www.wiscran.org
• www.cranberryinstitute.org