Summer isn’t over in Duluth—but the calendar is starting to remind us that it won’t last forever.

August and early September are some of the best times to visit Duluth. The days are still long, Lake Superior is inviting, outdoor patios are buzzing, and there’s plenty of time left to enjoy the city before the pace of fall begins to set in.

If you’ve been thinking about squeezing in one more summer getaway, now is a great time to make it happen. Here are a few ways to make the most of a late-summer stay in Duluth.

Spend a Day Along Lake Superior

No Duluth getaway is complete without time along the lake.

Start with a walk along the Lakewalk, take in the views from Canal Park, or simply find a comfortable spot to watch the waves and passing ships. If you’re visiting on a warm afternoon, bring a picnic, grab an ice cream and let the shoreline set the pace for the day.

One of the best things about late summer is that you don’t have to rush. There’s still plenty of daylight to explore before settling in for the evening.

Take Advantage of Duluth’s Outdoor Dining

Late summer is patio season in Duluth.

Enjoy dinner outdoors, grab a drink with a view or stop somewhere casual for a bite between adventures. Downtown and Canal Park offer plenty of options for enjoying the last stretch of warm-weather dining.

And because Duluth is wonderfully walkable in many areas, you can make an evening of it—dinner, a stroll, a stop for dessert and a little more time beside the lake.

Get Out on the Water

If you haven’t experienced Lake Superior from the water, late summer is a perfect opportunity.

Consider a sightseeing cruise, charter a fishing trip, rent a kayak or simply spend some time watching the boats come and go. Duluth’s harbor is constantly changing, and there’s always something interesting to see—from sailboats and pleasure craft to massive ocean-going ships arriving in the port.

Even if you stay on shore, watching a ship pass beneath the Aerial Lift Bridge is a quintessential Duluth experience.

Leave Room for Spontaneity

Perhaps the best late-summer getaway plan is not to overplan.

Leave an afternoon open. Sleep in. Grab coffee and wander downtown. Stop somewhere that catches your eye. Sit by the lake for a while. Take the long way back to your accommodations.

After all, a getaway should feel like a break—not a checklist.

Make Your Late-Summer Getaway a Little Easier

When you stay at Force on Fifth Avenue, you can spend less time worrying about where to go and more time enjoying Duluth.

Located in downtown Duluth, Force on Fifth Avenue puts you close to the lake, Canal Park, local restaurants, entertainment and many of the city’s favorite attractions. After a day of exploring, you can return to a comfortable, inviting space and settle in for the evening.

There’s still time to enjoy summer in Duluth. Pack a weekend bag, come see Lake Superior, explore the city and make the most of these last long days of the season.

Summer won’t wait forever. Your Duluth getaway shouldn’t either.