Manitowoc is a friendly lakeside city on Lake Michigan with a walkable historic downtown, riverfront and beach access, a growing craft-beer and dining scene, museums and seasonal festivals, and plenty of outdoor options (biking, kayaking, state parks)—ideal for multi-week contracts where you want things to do after work.
If you want bigger-city options nearby, Green Bay (≈35 miles) offers larger healthcare systems, shopping and pro sports, and Sheboygan (≈30 miles) has additional dining, beaches and cultural events, so you get small-city calm with easy access to more activity.