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Sitting pretty on the western shore of majestic Lake Superior, it’s time to discover all this vibrant northern Wisconsin town has in store. Duluth, Minnesota, is only about a 10-minute drive away. Superior is a pretty and active town with many fun activities throughout the year.
Wonderful scenery? Check. Unique attractions and activities? Double-check! So, if you’re looking for an adventure of the out-of-the-ordinary kind, look no further than Superior, Wisconsin, where a flurry of fun awaits travelers from all around the globe.
Amnicon Falls State Park
4279 County Rd U, South Range, WI 54874
Amnicon Falls State Park is great if you’re looking for outdoor activities in the Superior, Wisconsin area. You can see even more of Wisconsin’s finest waterfalls at Amnicon Falls State Park, open all year.
Discover the geological feature, the Douglas Fault, that is responsible for the park’s waterfalls while enjoying a picnic, a night under the stars in a tent, or a simple stroll in the woods. The barbecue grills and picnic tables are permanently installed in the picnic area.
Enjoy a two-kilometer stroll along the idyllic boardwalks of this park, meandering along the river. A plethora of trees and plants of various species line the path. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled – you may catch a glimpse of deer, otters, beavers, or porcupines.
Swimming at Amnicon Falls State Park? Exercise extreme caution—there’s no lifeguard on duty. But there’s still plenty of fun to be had in the winter. Take a snowshoeing adventure along the 1.5-mile trail and discover all the park’s wonders. Winter trekking is also an awesome way to enjoy the season and have a blast!
Pattison State Park
6294 WI-35, Superior, WI 54880
Pattison State Park is a 1,400-acre park with a lake, beach, hiking paths, camping places, and several impressive waterfalls. The waterfall here is Pattison State Park in Wisconsin, the highest waterfall in the state; the Twin Little Manitou Falls are each 30 feet high.
Visitors can swim in the lake and relax on the 300-foot-long sandy beach next to a magnificent waterfall during the hot summer. This park spans 1,436 acres and features excellent hiking routes. In addition to its nature center, this park has many recreational opportunities.
In the summer, you may go swimming and hiking, while in the fall, you can view the changing colors of the leaves. Pattison State Park is a must-see for any nature lover, the park’s scenic charm and opportunities for outdoor exploration make it worth visiting.
Superior Municipal Forest
3100–3188 N 28th St, Superior, WI
For the adventure-seeker, Superior’s Municipal Forest is the perfect destination! This forest is located within the city limits and offers plenty of thrills and surprises.
About 4,400 acres of woodland and wildlife habitat make up this forest. It also features various North American tree species, including cedar, black spruce, red pines, white pines, white birch, balsams, and aspen.
The Superior Municipal Forest is home to 27.78 kilometers of expert and novice cross-country ski tracks in the city of Superior. Hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, biking, bird viewing, canoeing, kayaking, snowshoeing, and horseback riding are all popular in the Superior Municipal Forest.
Brule River State Forest
6250 Ranger Rd, Brule, WI 54820
A short drive from Superior will take you to the Brule River State Forest. The Brule River is a hidden jewel in the Midwest that attracts anglers, canoers, and kayakers worldwide. The park’s size is one of its best features since it allows for various hiking trails suitable for hikers of varying abilities.
There are many routes for walking, skiing, riding snowmobiles, and hunting in the Brule River State Forest. Do you like picnics in the woods when visiting Brule River State Forest? Each of the three picnic spots has its table and grills, and each has its unique features and facilities.
After a day of trekking and horseback riding, you can relax on the shoreline of Lake Superior, where the river ends, or at Rush Lake, located on the eastern edge of the forest.
Superior Hiking Trail
Superior Hiking Trail, Two Harbors
The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) is a few hundred miles of hiking over rugged midwestern terrain stretching south of Duluth, Minnesota, to the Canadian border. The Superior Trail winds its way over the crest of the renowned Sawtooth Mountains, providing stunning views of Lake Superior and more than enough scenery to keep hikers motivated.
The southernmost section, 52.8 miles from the Minnesota/Wisconsin border to the port city of Duluth, is only open to day hikers. The northern branch begins in Duluth and ends at the Canadian border. Its 269 miles of trails are suitable for backpacking and camping. Since cell phone reception is spotty in the far north, it’s best to hike from south to north.
When you have a professional hiking guide with you, they can point out exciting detours, lead the way, and keep you company the whole trip. In addition, attempting the SHT with a company and moral support team is helpful. No matter how far or short a section of the path you choose to travel, you will be awestruck by the natural beauty.
Barker’s Island
Superior, Wisconsin 54880
Barkers Island is conveniently located close to Central Park and the East End neighborhood. Locals and tourists go to Captain J’s Miniature Golf, an 18-hole mini-golf course on Barker’s Island. As you play golf, take in the breathtaking panorama of Superior Lake and Superior Bay.
Capt’n J’s snack bar is open off-hours, so you may stop by after a round of golf and refuel. One of Superior’s most well-known beaches, Barker’s Beach, is also on the Island. Throughout its five miles, the Osaugie Trail follows the shores of Superior Bay.
Wisconsin Point is a popular destination for hikers and bikers on the eastern end. The trail’s surface is asphalt, interspersed with wooden bridges over recycled railroad ties. If you need a spot close by, there is a parking lot on Barker’s Island, between East 18th Avenue and East 2nd Avenue. Free parking allows you to visit nearby popular attractions on foot easily.
Wisconsin Point Lighthouse
Superior, WI 54880
Do you know what it’s like to visit an operational lighthouse? The Wisconsin Point Lighthouse, located on a sandbar spanning 10 miles and connecting Wisconsin Point and Minnesota Point, helps to keep mariners safe at a point when the sandbar divides.
In the summer months, visitors flock to this beach for its nearly three miles of sand and refreshing waters. Bird watching, hiking, strolling dogs, using the beach, and riding horses are very well-liked pastimes. In Superior, this is one of the best places to catch the morning light.
To take a stroll and see what treasures the shore has to offer, the beach is ideal. Often, you will find some beautiful driftwood and agates from Lake Superior washed up. Some excellent parking lots and standard amenities are available to guests at Wisconsin Point.
Superior Entry Lighthouse
Superior, WI 54880, United States
If you’re ever in Superior, Wisconsin, the Superior Entry Lighthouse is a must-see. Constructed back in 1902, this beloved landmark has seen an increase in visitors over the years. During the day, this lighthouse is open to the public. Plus, guided tours are available for those who are interested.
A 10-mile sand bar, a 55-foot lighthouse, and a fog corner building divide Duluth and Superior ports. The sandbar created Minnesota Point, also known as Park Point, in Duluth, Minnesota, by slicing through the bay’s middle.
Large rocks make up the first part, while concrete covers the second. Proper footwear is highly suggested due to the rough terrain that requires some effort and agility to traverse. Observing passing vessels is a breeze from the lighthouse’s lofty perch.
Fairlawn Mansion
906 E 2nd St #3245, Superior, WI 54880
Unlock the secrets of the bustling city of Superior, Wisconsin, as you explore this timeless 42-room Victorian mansion. Step back in time to the turn of the century, and discover the Fairlawn Mansion, a reminder of the prosperity of its previous owner.
Visitors can see marble and tile fireplaces, leaded and stained glass windows, a master bedroom suite from 1891, and more during a tour of the 42-room mansion. Guests can also learn about the house’s history as a home for disadvantaged kids.
Enjoy the beautiful garden throughout the hot summer months. The estate becomes decked out in all its holiday finery in the weeks preceding Christmas. A tiny gift store inside the Museum sells historical- and antique-themed souvenirs.
World of Wheels Skate Center
1218 Oakes Ave, Superior, WI 54880
A trip to the World of Wheels Skate Center is one of the best family-friendly activities in Superior, Wisconsin. Located on Oakes Avenue in Superior, Wisconsin, it is west of the UW-Superior campus by only a few blocks.
Don some roller skates or rollerblades and blast zipping around the rink while jamming to your favorite tunes and playing games with your friends. The decor is charmingly retro while still seeming spotless and cutting-edge.
In addition to the usual amenities such as ice skating, a movie arcade, a redemption station, and the WOW Cafe, they also provide first-rate service. Plus, they have weekly public skating sessions for all ages and backgrounds.
World of Accordions Museum
1401 Belknap St, Superior, WI 54880
Helmi Harrington’s baby, the Harrington Arts Center in Superior, Wisconsin, houses the Accordion Museum. A visit here will immerse you in the world of accordions, with over 130 showcases exhibiting over 1,300 unique accordions. But what would an accordion museum be without music? That’s why live performances are included in your visit, so you can truly experience the sound of the accordion!
The World of Accordions Museum is also home to the Hanni Strahl Concert Hall, a 1,000-seat venue that has hosted some of the world’s best accordion ists. You can explore the Museum on your own, with a curator, or while watching live demonstrations of musical instruments.
Docents use anecdotes that emphasize the personal relevance of accordions to specific families to make the past more engaging and applicable to modern audiences. Look at the accordion figures, games, albums, t-shirts, and more they have for sale.
Police Museum
402 23rd Ave E #3707, Superior, WI 54880
One of the best things you can do is check out the Police Museum at the East 23rd Avenue and East 4th Street crossroads. The Old Firehouse and Police Museum is a two-story brick structure that stores antique fire engines, buggies, and other interesting relics.
The Museum also features a hall of fame for law enforcement and firefighters from Wisconsin. The ground level houses the Old Firehouse & Police Museum, which primarily showcases vintage fire apparatus.
You don’t have to have any special knowledge to recognize the incredibleness of these vintage machines and the courageous individuals who drove them. The signage is plentiful and well done, providing a wealth of information on each display for those who want to explore at their own pace.
Lake Superior Zoo
7210 Fremont St, Duluth, MN 55807
Lake Superior Zoo is definately worth visiting! It’s the only zoo in North Eastern Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin, with the distinction of being the nineteenth-oldest in the United States. The zoo’s expansiveness is remarkable. Trees and hills dot the surrounding 19 acres, which also features water from Kingsbury Creek.
There are many exhibits at the zoo that feature stunning creatures from around the world. Both local Minnesotan species and exotic ones from other places like Australia and Africa are at your disposal. Meet some monkeys in the marsh or observe some snapping turtles at play.
The reef tank is excellent for watching vividly colored fish and corals. And then there are the slimy, reptilian buddies, like lizards and snakes, that are much more numerous! They also provide virtual tours and a zoo mobile that travels to schools and other events to deliver animals and entertainment.
SS Meteor Whaleback Ship Museum
200 Marina Dr #3285, Superior, WI 54880
The distinctively curved hulls of the freight steamships known as “Whalebacks” were once employed to transport grain and minerals across the Great Lakes. The SS Meteor is the last surviving Whaleback ship; you can tour it. Captain Alexander McDougall planned and constructed it (1845–1924).
You’ll see it all on your guided ship tour, from the bridge to the hold. Keep in mind that the ship wasn’t designed for convenience. You must use ladders and make your way up and down narrow staircases. Wearing shoes and pants is highly recommended. Exhibits about shipbuilding and shipwrecks in the Great Lakes are also on show.
Great Lakes Aquarium
353 Harbor Dr, Duluth, MN 55802
Come to the Great Lakes Aquarium for a day of fun and exploration. The enormous sturgeon marine touch pool is the largest in North America. Here you’ll find an array of animals from marine and freshwater habitats, including river otters, birds of the area, fish of Lake Superior and the Amazon, and seahorses. All of these creatures await your discovery and learning.
Upon entering, the freshwater aquarium’s beautiful wall of water and a massive artificial fish will immediately catch your attention. Great Lakes-themed “habitats,” a touch tank with stingrays, and the ever-entertaining Zhoosh and Anang, a pair of river otters, are just a few of the highlights.
When you get to the top of the escalator, you’ll see an exhibit named “Fire, Ice, and the Rise of Life,” which delves into the origins of life on Earth and in the surrounding area. Nautilus mollusks, a snapping turtle, a few arctic graylings, and a newborn sturgeon are the fascinating live creatures on display.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
415 Washington Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814
Start your trip to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore at the tourist center in the Bayfield Headquarters. An introduction film and exhibits on the park’s history, flora, fauna, and recreational options are all available here.
Windswept beaches and sandstone cliffs give tourists a glimpse of where sea and sky meet and where different cultures and eras collide. This archipelago is home to more than 240 bird species, which pass through on their way to or from other locations.
The clean water, underwater rock formations, and exciting shipwrecks in this location make for potential world-class scuba diving. You can pitch a tent on the mainland or at one of the islands dotting the lake’s shoreline. Over fifty kilometers of well-kept hiking paths are available throughout the park.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Superior, Wisconsin
Superior, Wisconsin, is a great destination for travelers and locals alike! You can sample the area’s delicious local flavors with various restaurants and bars. Plus, there are always plenty of exciting events and outdoor activities to participate in, so don’t miss out!
