A Festive Fall Getaway
Experience the charm of Manitowoc this fall. From seasonal festivals, fall flavors, autumn colors and everything in between, this city highlights the true feeling of a midwest fall. It’s time to pull out your favorite cozy sweater and start sippin’ on pumpkin spice lattes while you plan the ultimate fall weekend filled with fall vibes and good times!
Day One
Check in to The Inn on Maritime Bay, a local favorite that can serve as home base for your fall adventures. Sitting right where the shores of Lake Michigan and the mouth of the Manitowoc River meet, the views are absolutely breathtaking. Snag a spot on the expansive patio that overlooks the shoreline for a panoramic scene of fall colors, which (for the planners out there) are expected to peak in the second week of October. Then, go for a relaxing swim in the hotel’s heated indoor pool to splash off any travel stress before diving into Manitowoc’s tasty cuisine.
In downtown Manitowoc, you’ll find the rustic and historic Brick’s Downtown Bar & Grill on the corner of Washington and South 8th Street. Housed in a recently renovated 1894 building, it’s easy to imagine Manitowoc’s rich past with locals shopping and dining along the same streets back then as they do today. Brick’s is known for its stacked burgers and flatbreads, but if you’re craving an authentic Wisconsin fish fry, try their loaded beer-battered perch sandwich. Delish!
After dinner, drinks await at the historic Irish-themed Stage Door Pub. A crackling fire pit, a pint of local brew or glass of wine, and good company — it’s the perfect way to top off a crisp fall evening.
Day Two
After a great night’s rest, step back into the City to experience even more seasonal delights. First, fuel up at Dali’s Cafe, located inside an old bank with high ceilings and touches of marble and gold, this spot has been reimagined into a creative brunch and lunch joint. (The homestyle cinnamon french toast is a fan-favorite!) Take advantage of local events happening in the official list of can’t-miss fall events, like the Munich in Manitowoc Oktoberfest Party on September 21 or the family-friendly free Pumpkin Palooza on October 17, where you can get into the Halloween spirit and carve your own pumpkin.
Take a lunch break at Pizza Garden, a local hotspot that’s been around over 60 years. Grab a slice of what’s been dubbed "Manitowoc's first and finest pizza since 1957." If you’re planning a trip around peak fall foliage season, head over to Henry Schuette Park. The acres of hiking surrounded by canopies of trees make it one of Manitowoc’s best places to check out fall colors (and don’t forget to tag us on social #visitmanitowoc). Visiting outside of peak fall foliage season? No problem! The park is worth a visit all autumn long and even has playgrounds for the kiddos.
At the end of the day, settle down with a locally-inspired meal at Courthouse Pub, where you can savor Wisconsin’s famous cheese curds or a crisp fall salad. If you’re visiting in October, grab a spot in Manitowoc’s Spirited History tour. It’s the perfect spooky addition to your fall itinerary, where costumed storytellers share Manitowoc’s best ghost stories on a one-hour candle-lit walking tour.
Day Three
Kickstart your final morning with a flavorful acai bowl and strong cup of joe from Retro Eighth Coffee & Acai. Then finish off your last few hours at Manitowoc Lincoln Park Zoo, home to a variety of North American animals, including bison, bald eagles, cougars, bears, and reptiles. Best of all, the zoo is free and much less crowded during the fall months.
Looking for something more casual or a place to warm up indoors? Visit 8th Street for a bit of shopping in our curated boutiques with the best local goods around. It’s the perfect way to bring a piece of Manitowoc home with you. So, pack your bags, embrace the crisp autumn air, and embrace all things Manitowoc this fall.
