Before this time Manitoqua was wilderness, inhabited in succession by the Illini, Sauk, Fox and Potawatomi Native Americans.During these years Manitoqua was part of the property owned by Chief Manitoqua, a Potawatomi Native American who was one of the signers of the treaty at Tippecanoe.

The general pupose of Manitoqua Ministries shall be to provide support to the Church, organizations, and community by providing a setting that calls youth and adults to a personal commitment to Christ as their Savior and Lord.  Manitoqua Ministries shall offer this setting at Camp Manitoqua and Retreat Center in Frankfort, Illinois and at King's Camp in Chana, Illinois, as well as through a number of off-site locations.

Camp Manitoqua and Retreat Center, a God-Centered organization, serves guests by providing a setting and programs for retreating, camping and outdoor education.

At the heart of Camp Manitoqua and Retreat Center is a desire to help people find Christ and grow in their faith.  We desire Manitoqua to be a place where people of all ages come for spiritual renewal, fellowship and fun, or simply a quiet reprieve from the hectic pace of everyday life.