Manitowoc (/ˈmæ nɪ tə ˌwɔk/) is the county seat of Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. The city is located on Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Manitowoc River. According to the 2000 census, Manitowoc had a population of 34,053 people.

In 1847, the first wooden sailing vessel was crafted in the area, a modest precursor to the shipbuilding industry which produced schooners and clippers used for fishing and trading in the Great Lakes and beyond the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Manitowoc Company that is based in the town grew out of the shipbuilding industry and is a diversified manufacturer with interests in the construction, shipbuilding and food service industries. Manitowoc is also one endpoint of the ferry route of the SS Badger, which connects the route of U.S. Route 10 to Ludington, Michigan

In addition, landing craft, tankers and submarines became the local contributions to U.S. efforts in World War II. Manitowoc is home to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, and was the landing site of a piece of Sputnik IV on September 5, 1962.

The mayor of Manitowoc is Kevin Crawford, a Democrat, serving his 6th term since being elected in 1989. The city is also served by a 10 member common council.

The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity have their mother house in Manitowoc.