Superior WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Superior, Wisconsin.
1. Pattison State Park
STUNNING WATERFALLS & NATURE
Pattison State Park is home to Wisconsin's highest waterfall, Big Manitou Falls, which plunges 165 feet and offers visitors scenic hiking trails through lush forests. The park features campgrounds, a picturesque lake for swimming, and multiple picnic areas ideal for outdoor recreation. Nature lovers will appreciate the tranquil ambiance and opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing.
2. Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center
WWII HISTORY MUSEUM
The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center honors Major Bong, America's leading WWII flying ace, and pays tribute to all veterans. Visitors can see an actual P-38 Lightning airplane and explore fascinating exhibits on military history and local heroes. The center provides interactive displays and educational programs suitable for all ages.
3. Fairlawn Mansion & Museum
ELEGANT VICTORIAN MANSION
The Fairlawn Mansion & Museum is a beautifully restored 19th-century Victorian home that gives a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Superior's early elite. Guided tours reveal exquisite woodwork, period furnishings, and stories of the mansion's time as a children's home. The surrounding gardens add to the estate's historic charm.
4. SS Meteor Maritime Museum
HISTORIC WHALEBACK SHIP
The SS Meteor Maritime Museum allows visitors to step aboard the world's last remaining whaleback ship, an iconic vessel designed for Great Lakes shipping. Guided tours offer insight into maritime history, ship design, and the lives of sailors. The museum also features engaging exhibits about regional shipping and engineering innovations.
5. Wisconsin Point
SCENIC NATURAL PENINSULA
Wisconsin Point is a three-mile-long peninsula jutting into Lake Superior, boasting sandy beaches, dunes, and precious birdwatching habitats. It is part of the world's largest freshwater sandbar and offers remarkable views of ships entering the harbor. The area holds historical significance for local Native American tribes and provides tranquil spaces for hiking and lakefront relaxation.
6. Douglas County Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Douglas County Historical Society preserves and presents the rich history of Superior and the wider county through fascinating exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore themed rooms that showcase early industry, daily life, and notable local figures. Special events and educational programs make it a dynamic center for regional culture.
7. Superior Entry Lighthouse
LAKE SUPERIOR LANDMARK
The Superior Entry Lighthouse stands at the end of a long breakwater marking the entrance to the Superior harbor. This classic Great Lakes beacon has guided ships safely for over a century, and the walk out to the lighthouse offers panoramic lake and city views. The site is especially photogenic at sunrise and sunset.
8. Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve
PROTECTED COASTAL HABITAT
The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve covers over 16,000 acres of wetlands, forests, and natural shoreline along the St. Louis River. Interpretive trails, wildlife viewing areas, and visitor programs introduce guests to the unique ecology of this Lake Superior estuary. Researchers and educators work here to preserve water quality and habitat health.
9. Nemadji Golf Course
SCENIC 36-HOLE GOLFING
Nemadji Golf Course offers two championship 18-hole courses that wind through rolling hills and scenic woodlands. Golfers enjoy well-maintained fairways and greens, as well as a modern clubhouse with amenities. The course hosts tournaments and is popular for both casual and competitive players.
10. Barker's Island
RECREATION AND MARINA HUB
Barker's Island is a vibrant lakeside destination featuring a marina, public beach, and walking trails. The island is home to iconic attractions like the SS Meteor and hosts community events, festivals, and watercraft rentals. Its proximity to downtown makes it a convenient spot for leisure and family fun.
11. Brule River State Forest
CANOEING & OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Brule River State Forest, about 30 minutes from Superior, is renowned for its crystal-clear river ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The forest's extensive trail system winds through pine and hardwood woodlands, perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting. The area is also notable for hosting presidential fishing trips and offers peaceful camping sites.
12. Old Firehouse and Police Museum
HISTORIC PUBLIC SAFETY MUSEUM
The Old Firehouse and Police Museum immerses visitors in the history of firefighting and policing in the Superior area. Housed in a restored firehouse, the museum displays vintage fire engines, police memorabilia, and interactive exhibits. It's an engaging site for families and history enthusiasts alike.
13. Mont du Lac Resort
YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR RECREATION
Mont du Lac Resort offers a mix of winter skiing, snowboarding, and tubing along with summer activities such as ziplining, mountain biking, and disc golf. Set amid forested hills and overlooking the St. Louis River, the resort features cabin rentals and scenic trails. It serves as a four-season destination for outdoor adventure seekers.
14. Superior Municipal Forest
EXPANSIVE URBAN WILDERNESS
Superior Municipal Forest spans over 4,400 acres, making it one of the largest city-owned forests in the country. Visitors enjoy hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing on a variety of scenic trails. The forest's wetlands and woodlands provide habitats for diverse plant and animal life, offering peaceful escapes within city limits.
15. Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
REGIONAL NATURAL HISTORY HUB
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, located in Ashland about an hour's drive from Superior, introduces visitors to the human and natural history of the Lake Superior region through immersive exhibits. The center features an observation tower, walking trails, and seasonal events highlighting local culture and ecology. It is a cornerstone stop for those exploring the broader Chequamegon Bay area.