The Perfect Spring Weekend
As the lakeshore begins to bloom, springtime offers the perfect moment for a weekend getaway in Manitowoc. Whether you’re interested in exploring local eateries, meandering through budding parks, or simply savoring the beauty of Lake Michigan, we’ve mapped out how to have the perfect weekend in Manitowoc this spring, both indoors and outside.
Day One
Start your weekend adventure in downtown with a meal at Izumi Sushi and Asian Fusion, a local favorite. Menu items include fresh sushi rolls, crab rangoons, General Tso’s chicken, and more Japanese and Chinese dishes.
Afterwards, take a stroll along 8th Street to shop for that perfect Manitowoc token to bring home with you. In between boutique stops, stop to snap a photo in one of downtown's many bright murals or see if the cherry blossoms outside City Hall are in bloom! These beautiful additions to the riverfront were a gift from Manitowoc's Sister City, Kamogawa, Japan.
Time to Check-in
The Inn on Maritime Bay is nestled along beautiful Lake Michigan and the mouth of the Manitowoc River. In the spring, you can experience the area in bloom as you relax on the large patio overlooking the lake.
For dinner, head to Pizza Garden. “Manitowoc’s First and Finest Pizza since 1957,” Pizza Garden's menu spans both classic and creative pizzas, pasta, salads, and square-shaped cheese curds. Grab a window seat to view the bustling downtown.
Experience Manitowoc's craft brew scene by popping into Craft Creek Brewing. With twelve rotating drafts, you’ll be able to find the perfect sour, hazy IPA or Irish Red. If the weather permits, sit outside on their patio under twinkling string lights and enjoy the ambiance of a peaceful Wisconsin evening.
Day Two
Fuel up for a full day of fun at Bud Willman’s, known for serving timeless breakfast items in an old-fashioned style diner.
Once you’ve curbed your appetite, head outside to Mariners Trail, a 7-mile paved path that runs along the shores of Lake Michigan. Walk the trail or rent bikes at the Manitowoc Marina to explore the gardens, sculptures, and scenic views of the lake.
Treat yourself to a much-deserved afternoon lunch break at Wrap It Up, which serves everything from specialty drinks to healthy wraps and paninis. This one-stop coffee shop also has a bar where you could enjoy an afternoon brew or mocktail.
For some unique and interactive fun indoors, check out What The Lock? for Manitowoc’s escape rooms. Exercise your critical thinking and problem-solving skills while you and your travel companions try to crack the code!
Head to Ryan's on York, a gastropub with creative entrees, handhelds and juicy burgers, for dinner. Visitors are continually impressed by the welcoming staff and diverse food that comes out of the kitchen!
Before calling it a night, take a sunset stroll out to the Manitowoc Breakwater Lighthouse. Common sights on walks to the lighthouse in the springtime include pelicans, gulls, and deer.
Day Three
Start your last day on the lakeshore at Dali’s Cafe. Operating out of a historic, old bank, Dali’s provides an expansive breakfast menu of omelets and skillets, waffles, French toast, and crepes in a beautiful, sunlit setting.
Before you head out of town, stop to learn about the history of the Great Lakes, Wisconsin’s Maritime history, and its WWII submarines at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. Explore the collections of artifacts, tour the USS Cobia submarine, and interact with exhibits for all ages.