Planning a weekend getaway to Duluth, Minnesota? With Lake Superior views, a walkable downtown, historic attractions, great food and plenty of opportunities to get outside, you can pack a lot into 48 hours — without feeling like you have to rush.

And when you stay at Force on Fifth Avenue, you’re in a convenient downtown location that makes it easy to explore many of Duluth’s most popular attractions by foot.

Here’s our suggested itinerary for making the most of a weekend in the Zenith City.

Friday Evening: Arrive, Unwind & Explore Downtown

Check in at Force on Fifth Avenue



Start your weekend by settling into your spacious suite at Force on Fifth Avenue. Take some time to get comfortable, enjoy the views and recharge after your drive.

One of the best things about a Duluth getaway is that you don't have to spend the entire weekend in your car. From Force on Fifth, you’re within walking distance of downtown attractions, restaurants, Bayfront Festival Park, the DECC and the Lake Superior waterfront.

So park the car, slow down and start exploring.

Dinner Downtown

For your first night, stay close to the hotel and explore one of Duluth’s many local restaurants. Downtown and nearby Canal Park offer plenty of options, from casual local favorites to spots perfect for a special night out.

After dinner, take an evening stroll toward the waterfront. There’s something special about seeing Lake Superior after dark — especially when the harbor lights are reflecting off the water.

Then head back to Force on Fifth for a comfortable night’s sleep. You have a full day of exploring ahead.

Saturday: Lake Superior, Canal Park & Duluth's History

Start Your Morning With Breakfast

Begin Saturday with a leisurely breakfast at one of Duluth’s local coffee shops or breakfast spots.

Then head toward the lake.

Walk the Lakewalk

No trip to Duluth is complete without spending some time along Lake Superior.

The Duluth Lakewalk stretches for nearly eight miles along the shoreline, connecting parks, beaches, restaurants and some of the city's most recognizable sights.

For a weekend visit, you don't need to walk the entire thing. Take a leisurely stroll through Canal Park and along the waterfront, breathe in the lake air and keep an eye out for ships entering and leaving the Duluth harbor.

Watch for Ships at the Aerial Lift Bridge

Make your way toward Canal Park and the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge.

Watching a massive Great Lakes freighter pass beneath the bridge is one of those quintessential Duluth experiences. Check the ship schedule during your visit so you can time your walk around an arrival or departure.

And don't forget your camera.

Explore Canal Park

Give yourself some time to wander around Canal Park. Browse the shops, grab a coffee or treat, and enjoy the views of the harbor.

If you're interested in Duluth's maritime history, stop at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center or explore the William A. Irvin, the retired Great Lakes freighter that's now a floating museum.

Lunch With a Lake View

By now, you'll probably be ready for lunch.

Canal Park is an easy place to find a restaurant with a waterfront atmosphere. Take your time — you're on a weekend getaway, after all.

Spend the Afternoon Your Way

This is where you can customize your Duluth weekend based on your interests.

For history buffs: Visit the Lake Superior Railroad Museum at the historic St. Louis County Depot. The museum features historic railroad equipment and exhibits that tell the story of railroading in the region.

For families: The Great Lakes Aquarium is a great way to explore aquatic life and ecosystems from the Great Lakes region and beyond — and it's also a useful option when the weather isn't cooperating.

For outdoor lovers: Keep following the Lakewalk, explore Canal Park or venture farther along the shoreline. Duluth offers plenty of ways to experience Lake Superior, from walking and biking to beaches, parks and scenic overlooks.

For those who simply want to relax: Don't over-plan it. One of the best parts of a Duluth weekend is simply sitting near Lake Superior, enjoying the scenery and letting yourself slow down.

Saturday Evening: Dinner & Duluth After Dark

After a full day of exploring, head back to your suite to freshen up before dinner.

Then head out for an evening downtown.

Depending on what's happening during your visit, you might catch live music, a show, a special event or simply enjoy dinner and drinks at a local restaurant or brewery.

Check the Duluth events calendar before your trip — there’s often something happening downtown or at Bayfront Festival Park.

And when you're ready to call it a night, your comfortable suite at Force on Fifth is just a short walk away.

Sunday: One More Taste of Duluth

Start With Coffee & Breakfast

Don't make your Sunday morning too rushed.

Grab breakfast or coffee downtown and enjoy a slower start to your final day.

Then, depending on the season and your interests, choose one more Duluth experience before heading home.

Option 1: Take in the View From Enger Park

For one of the best panoramic views of Duluth and the harbor, head up to Enger Park and Enger Tower.

From the hilltop, you'll get a completely different perspective of the city and Lake Superior.

It's a great way to appreciate just how dramatically Duluth is shaped by the lake and its hillside setting.

Option 2: Visit Park Point

If you're visiting during the warmer months, make your way to Park Point for some time on the beach.

Park Point offers sandy shoreline along Lake Superior and plenty of room to walk, relax and enjoy the lake.

Even if you don't plan to swim, it's worth visiting simply to experience another side of Lake Superior.

Option 3: Explore More Downtown

Not ready to leave yet?

Spend your final hours exploring more of downtown Duluth. Browse local shops, visit a museum or grab lunch before starting your drive home.

Duluth's downtown and waterfront areas offer a mix of history, arts, shopping, dining and entertainment, making it easy to fill a few extra hours without adding much driving to your itinerary.

Your 48-Hour Duluth Getaway at a Glance

Friday

• Check in at Force on Fifth Avenue
• Settle into your suite
• Dinner downtown
• Evening walk along the waterfront

Saturday

• Breakfast or coffee
• Walk the Lakewalk
• Watch ships at the Aerial Lift Bridge
• Explore Canal Park
• Lunch by the lake
• Visit a museum or Great Lakes Aquarium
• Dinner and an evening downtown

Sunday

• Breakfast and coffee
• Enger Park, Park Point or more downtown exploring
• Lunch
• One last look at Lake Superior
• Head home refreshed

Make Force on Fifth Avenue Your Duluth Home Base

A great weekend in Duluth isn't about checking every attraction off a list. It's about experiencing the lake, exploring the city, discovering something new and having a comfortable place to come back to at the end of the day.

At Force on Fifth Avenue, you get space, comfort, views and a convenient downtown location — making it easy to experience more of Duluth while spending less time driving between destinations.

So whether you're planning a romantic weekend, a family getaway, a friends' trip or simply a couple of days away, consider making Force on Fifth Avenue your home base for a Duluth adventure.

Come for the lake. Stay for the experience.