Exploring Rest Lake's Amazing History Pontoon Tour and Shore Lunch

Join Manitowish Waters Historical Society historian Jim Bokern on a two-hour pontoon tour of Rest Lake, departing from Rest Lake Park. Explore the area’s rich history, including Indigenous cultural networks, logging camps, railroad landings, one of Wisconsin’s earliest forest ranger stations, the mysteries of Rest Lake Dam, early resorts, homesteads, businesses, and unique local residents. As you cruise along Rest Lake’s shores, historic images, and documents will illuminate the stories of these fascinating sites.  Following the tour Discovery Center's Ryan Wahlgren and Don Anderson will be cooking up a delicious fish shore lunch for the crew!  

Registration required by 7/23/2025.   Participants will meet at the Rest Lake Boat Landing.  Restrooms are available at the launch site.   An email will be sent to registered participants prior to the tour with suggested items to bring.  Friday, 9 AM - 12:30 PM.  $75/Non-Member and $70/Members of the NLDC/MWHS.

In the event of inclement weather:  If there is light rain predicted during the tour, we will most likely conduct the tour.  However, if thunderstorms/torrential rain is forecasted on the date/time of your tour, we will call you at the phone number you provide when you register for the tour no later than 8:00 am.  

Please read our program and event registration and cancellation policy here.