A Weekend in Two Rivers | Wisconsin
A reasonably priced Frank Lloyd Wright rental brought us to the small town of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, deep in the heat of July, to celebrate my mom’s 60th birthday. The clear, cool waters of nearby Lake Michigan provided respite from the muggy air, and a well run alpaca farm brought us unexpected cuteness and our (now) warmest pair of socks.
A former metal port town, Two Rivers shows the tell tale signs of money come and gone. Beautifully constructed mansions and solidly built brick bungalows are interspersed with less charming, run down wood homes that surround a downtown centered around the two rivers that meet before entering into Lake Michigan. A quick Zillow search reveals that you can either buy a small two bedroom house for $60,000 or a historic seven bedroom mansion, complete with intact wood moulding, for $350,000. One neighborhood, inspired by the authentic Frank Lloyd Wright home in their midst, has added faux cantilever beams and modern, linear flourishes to their ranch homes.
Although the neighboring town is the setting for the Netflix docu-series, Making of a Murderer, Two Rivers feels like that sleepy, safe, all American town that is perfect for a long weekend relaxing and soaking up a quintessential midwestern summer.
Where to Stay
Still Bend | Stay at an original 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, Frank Lloyd Wright house overlooking serene wetlands. Prices start at $425/night.
Built in 1939, “Still Bend” was built by Bernard and Fern Schwartz after they saw the plans for the house in LIFE magazine. LIFE magazine had commissioned eight architects to each make plans for a 1938 feature called “Eight Houses for Modern Living”, in which two architects would compete to build a house for an everyday American couple. While the Minneapolis couple that Wright created the plans for ended up choosing the other architect’s house, Bernard and Fern fell in love with the design and asked Wright to build the house for them near the shores of Lake Michigan in Two Rivers.
What to Do
Tour the Frank Lloyd Wright House | Even if you don’t stay at Still Bend, you can still experience the history of this beautiful home through a tour. Tickets are $15/person (free if you’re staying at the house) and run weekly. Days and times vary, check the website for the most updated schedule. Reservations required.
Hang with furry friends at London Dairy Alpaca Farm | Test your sensory skills sorting alpaca wool from softest to coarsest on a tour at London Dairy Alpaca Farm. Named for its original function as a dairy farm, London Dairy Alpaca Farm now only maintains alpacas. They run a fun tour where you learn about alpaca wool, feed “the ladies”, and end in the gift shop where we purchased our softest pair of socks. Tours run daily, but call in advance to set up an appointment. Cost is $7/adult.
Enjoy the refreshing waters of Lake Michigan at the Beach | To complete your midwestern summer experience, take a dip in one of the Great Lakes.
Neshotah Park & Beach | A long sand beach on Lake Michigan, Neshotah Beach stays shallow for a good 400 yards meaning it’s great for kids and families and the waves are smooth and mellow.
Point Beach State Forest | North of Two Rivers lies Point Beach State Forest, a forested area with a sand beach and a lighthouse.
Visit a Local Brewery (or two!) | Nothing says Wisconsin quite like beer and cheese, so imbibe in the local brews if not only to “do as the locals do”.
PetSkull Brewing Co. | 220 N 9th St, Manitowoc, WI 54220. Enjoy a flight on their small outdoor patio in front of their historic brick building.
3 Sheeps Brewing Company | 1837 North Ave, Sheboygan, WI 53083. With intriguing rotating taps, there is always a yummy new beer to discover at 3 Sheeps. We also fell in love with their well designed labels.
See our instagram story from the trip here.
