23 Best Things to Do in Superior, Wisconsin

Superior is a charming town located on the shores of Lake Superior. There are many things to do in Superior, Wisconsin which makes it a great place to visit.

The town has a number of historical sites from a historic Victorian Mansion to an original SS Meteor Whaleback Ship. There are also plenty of fun, family-friendly activities available in the town such as rollerblading, visiting the zoo, playing games of mini-golf, and relaxing at the beach.

Superior is also surrounded by scenic beauty from state parks, captivating waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and picturesque sandy beaches on Lake Superior. The incredible nature found around the town is one of the best parts about visiting Superior, Wisconsin.

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23 Things to Do in Superior Wisconsin

There are many things to do in Superior, Wisconsin, and in the surrounding areas. Below is a list of the best 23 things to do when visiting this charming town in Wisconsin.

1. Pattison State Park

Located at 6294 WI-35, Superior, WI 54880

This beautiful state park is ideal for nature walks, picnics, and day hikes. The park is 1,436
acres and runs along the Black River.

A highlight of Pattison State Park is seeing the Big Manitou Falls and Little Manitou Falls. Big Manitou Falls is Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall and has a height of 165 ft, while Little Manitou Falls is only 30 ft. A trail goes around both falls and features several scenic lookout points.

Pattison State Park is open year-round. It is a great sport for camping, and they even have
winter campsites available. Other activities at Pattison State Park include hiking, fishing,
paddling, geocaching, and swimming.

2. Wisconsin Point

Located at Wisconsin Point Rd, Superior, WI 54880

You can’t visit Superior, Wisconsin without seeing Lake Superior, and Wisconsin Point is the perfect place to do that!

Wisconsin Point is a 229-acre peninsula that extends into Lake Superior. This is the best place to visit for a beach near Superior, Wisconsin as there are over 2 miles worth of sandy beaches here.

One unique thing about Wisconsin Point is that it is home to one of the largest freshwater
sandbars in the world. It is a great place to go swimming and enjoy the fresh sea breeze from Lake Superior.

Besides relaxing on the sandy beach, other things to do at Wisconsin Point include checking out the lighthouse, hiking, birdwatching, or looking for wildlife at the wildlife observation area.

3. Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center

Located at 305 E 2nd St, Superior, WI 54880

This local history museum is a perfect activity for history buffs, especially those interested in military history.

The museum is named after Richard I. Bong, who was a World War II veteran. Bong was a pilot of a P-38 Lightning plane and led more than 200 missions in the Southwest Pacific during World War II.

Today the museum serves as a memorial for Bong and other veterans. There are many
interesting exhibits such as military vehicles, war relics, and a restored P-38 Lightning plane.

4. Fairlawn Mansion and Museum

Located at 906 E 2nd St #3245, Superior, WI 54880

Step back in time by visiting a Victorian Mansion and gardens. The Fairlawn Mansion is a
Queen Anne Victorian-style house that was originally built in 1891. The mansion was built as the home of the lumber and mining baron, Martin Pattison and his family.

The Fairlawn Mansion has stood the test of time and today it is a museum open to the public for guided tours. The interior of the mansion consists of four floors and is filled with elegant antiques, gilded murals on the ceilings, a grand staircase, and other heirlooms and furniture reminiscent of the late 19th century and early 20th century.

In the summer, the Fairlawn Mansion’s vast gardens are filled with blooming flowers, making it the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon stroll.

5. Lake Superior Zoo

Located at 7210 Fremont St, Duluth, MN 55807

See lions, tigers, bears, and more at the exciting Lake Superior Zoo. Located just across the state line, the zoo is only a short drive from Superior, Wisconsin.

The Lake Superior Zoo has a wide variety of animal exhibits, including mammals, reptiles,
amphibians, and birds from around the world. The zoo also offers a variety of educational
programs and events that are held throughout the year.

Kids will love visiting the zoo and seeing unique animals like Kangaroos, Lions, Leopards,
Monkeys, and so much more. Exploring the zoo is one of the best kid-friendly activities near Superior, Wisconsin.

6. World of Wheels Skate Center

Located at 1218 Oakes Ave, Superior, WI 54880

Enjoy some rollerblading fun with the whole family at the World of Wheels Skate Center. Zip around the roller skating rink while listening to upbeat music at this fun-filled place. The World of Wheels Skate Center features a rollerblading rink, a video arcade, and a cafe serving up tasty treats.

World of Wheels Skate Center also offers several special events and themed nights throughout the year. It is also a great place to celebrate kid’s birthdays or other special events.

7. Barker’s Island

Located at Barker’s Island, Superior, WI 54880

Barker’s Island is a man-made island just off the lakefront of Superior, Wisconsin. Barker’s Island features two museums, Barker’s Island Marina, Barker’s Island Festival Park, and
Barker’s Island Beach.

Barker’s Island Beach is a great place to go for a beach day. The sandy beach is a relaxing place to spend a summer afternoon by building sandcastles, sunbathing, or taking a swim in the cool waters of Lake Superior. As Lake Superior is so far north the water stays pretty chilly, even in the summer, but it makes for a refreshing place to swim on a hot summer day.

8. SS Meteor Whaleback Ship Museum

Located at 200 Marina Dr, Superior, WI 54880

One of the unique things to do in Superior, Wisconsin is to go on a ship tour. At the SS Meteor Whaleback Ship Museum, you can go on a tour of the last remaining above-water whaleback ship in the entire world!

This whaleback freighter was originally built in Superior and was designed by Captain Alexander McDougall. The name Whaleback came from the ship’s cigar-shaped steel hulls that kept low in the water when fully loaded with cargo and was a great innovation of their time.

Today, you can tour the ship from the cargo hold to the pilot house. At the museum, there is also an exhibit on shipbuilding and shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.

9. Old Firehouse and Police Museum

Located at 402 23rd Ave E #3707, Superior, WI 54880
The Old Firehouse and Police Museum is a unique way to experience what a police and fire
station was like in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This historic site was originally built in 1898 and features vintage firefighter and police equipment, vehicles, and other memorabilia.

One of the highlights of the museum is the five firefighting rigs, including the fire chief’s
horse-drawn buggy from the 19th century. It is an interesting place to see a historic site and learn about the history of firefighting and police stations in Wisconsin.

10. Mont du Lac Resort

Located at 3125 S Mont Du Lac Rd, Superior, WI 54880

Mount du Lac Resort is open year-round and is a perfect place to experience the outdoors.

Whether you choose to stay in one of their mountain lodges or just visit for the day for some outdoor activities, you are sure to have a great time.

In the winter, Mount du Lac Resort features a variety of winter sports from skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Enjoy a day skiing on the snow-covered slopes before coming back to the cozy mountain lodge log cabin to warm up with some hot chocolate.

Summer is also a great time to visit Mount du Lac Resort. Enjoy summer activities such as
mountain biking, archery, or disc golfing. Another highlight is the Big Kahuna Waterpark which is in the resort’s lake and consists of exciting water slides, diving boards, a climbing wall, and more.

11. Capt’n J’s Miniature Golf

Located at 333 Marina Dr, Superior, WI 54880

This exciting miniature golf course has been operating since 1982 and is a fun, family-friendly activity in Superior, Wisconsin. The 18-hole mini-golf course is perfect for kids and adults and is a great place for an exciting game of mini-golf.

After playing a round of mini-golf with the family, make sure to stop by the snack bar for some tasty treats like ice cream, popcorn, and candies.

12. Osaugie Trail

Located at Osaugie Trail, Superior, WI 54880

The Osaugie Waterfront Trail is a 5-mile out-and-back trail. The asphalt paved path is excellent for walking, running, rollerblading, or biking. This trail is also dog-friendly.

The Osaugie Trail goes past the harborfront of Lake Superior, which is one of the busiest
harbors in Wisconsin. While on the trail there is plenty to see, from watching ships come into the harbor to passing by several historic maritime sites.

13. Millennium Trail

Located at Millenium Trail, Superior, WI 54880

Millennium Trail is a 5-mile out-and-back trail that goes through the Superior Municipal Forest. It is a paved trail that is a great option for a nature walk on a warm, sunny day. The trail is also wheelchair accessible.

Millennium Trail provides a scenic, peaceful trail through the forest with a chance of hearing birds or seeing wildlife. The trail is dog-friendly, and there is even a dog park at one part of the trail.

Read more | Backpacking Wisconsin: 25 Trails To Hike 

14. Duluth Children’s Museum

Located at 2125 W Superior St, Duluth, MN 55806

Only a short distance from Superior Wisconsin is the Duluth Children’s Museum. This museum is perfect for kids and is filled with fun and interactive activities that inspire creativity and imagination.

There are a variety of fun exhibits for kids to explore, including an adventure treehouse, Stem Station, a Little Learners Area, a Learning Lab, and an Aviation Exploration area. Kids are sure to enjoy this exciting and fun children’s museum.

15. Great Northern Classical Rodeo

Located at 4700 Tower Ave, Superior, WI 54880

Every year in September, the Great Northern Classical Rodeo is held at the Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds in Superior, Wisconsin.

The rodeo, which is one of the best rodeos in Wisconsin, takes place before a crowd of 5,000-7,000 spectators and is a thrilling experience to watch. Watch in awe as cowboys and cowgirls take to their saddles for some exciting horse riding and bull riding.

Several events at the rodeo take place, including Bull Riding, Bareback Bronc Riding, Saddle Bronco Riding, Steer Wrestling, Barrel Racing, Team Roping, and more. It is a fun-filled event for the whole family to attend.

16. Enger Tower Park and Gardens

Located at 1601 Enger Tower Dr, Duluth, MN 55806

Enger Tower Park and Gardens gets its name from the 80-foot-high Enger Park Tower which was dedicated to the park in 1939 by the crown prince of Norway. Today, the park and gardens are a relaxing place to wander around, have a picnic, and enjoy some peace and quiet.

You can climb the stairs of the Enger Tower, or just relax and enjoy the scenic nature found in the surrounding park and gardens. It is a great place to visit in spring or summer when the flowers are in full bloom.

17. Red Barn Outdoor Ice Skating

Located at 901 E 6th St, Superior, WI 54880

Every winter when the temperatures get chilly the Red Barn opens up an outdoor ice skating rink. Ice skating outside is a great winter activity and is a nice way to get some fresh air during the cold and snowy Wisconsin winter.
Enjoy the cool breeze in your hair as you glide around the ice rink. Ice skating is easily one of the best things to do in Superior Wisconsin during the winter. It is a perfect option for couples, families, or groups of friends.

18. A World of Accordions Museum

Located at 1401 Belknap St, Superior, WI 54880

This specialty museum is a great place for music enthusiasts. The small museum is designed to educate and share information about accordion family instruments. There are over 1,300 accordions at the museum, and it is a unique specialty museum in Superior Wisconsin.

19. Davidson Windmill and Eskolin Log House

Located at 7890 Old Hwy 13, South Range, WI 54874

For those interested in history, stop by the historic Davidson Windmill and Eskolin Log House to learn more about Wisconsin’s past.

The windmill was originally built in 1900 by Jacob Davidson, who was a Finnish immigrant who claimed an 80-acre homestead on this land. The historic windmill was used to grind flour and grain for animals throughout the early 1900s.

Today, the site is operated by the Old-Brule Heritage Society, and the windmill and log cabin are historical monuments reminiscent of Wisconsin’s past.

20. Superior Downtown Farmers Market

Located at 1215 Banks Ave, Superior, WI 54880

Get your taste of fresh fruit and vegetables at the Superior Downtown Farmer’s Market.

The Farmers Market is currently held every Wednesday from 11 am until 2 pm. The market features acoustic music, tasty treats, and a variety of produce and agricultural products.

Visiting the Farmer’s Market is a great morning activity and helps support local farmers.

21. Wisconsin Point Lighthouse

Located at Wisconsin Point Rd, Superior, WI 54880

See one of the Lighthouses of the Great Lakes by checking out the Wisconsin Point Lighthouse.

This lighthouse is located on the scenic peninsula of Wisconsin Point.

Access to the Wisconsin Lighthouse involves walking on a rocky path, so it may be easier to simply observe the Wisconsin Point Lighthouse from the shoreline. Either way, it is still a scenic lighthouse to view on Lake Superior and is worth checking out.

22. Fishing in Lake Superior

Located at 200 Marina Dr, Superior, WI 54880

Fishing is a popular pastime in Superior Wisconsin and there are many good areas to fish off the shores of Lake Superior. As one of the famous Great Lakes, Lake Superior is an ideal place for fishing and many types of fish can be caught here.

One of the popular fishing areas is at Wisconsin Point or Barker’s Island. There are also fishing boat charters that leave from the Barker’s Island Marina, which is a great option for experienced fishers.

23. Gooseberry Falls State Park

Located at 3206 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616

Gooseberry Falls State Park is best known for its picturesque waterfalls, which is a scenic place to visit nearby Superior Wisconsin. In addition to the waterfalls, the State Park also features historic log and stone structures, a visitor center, and is on the Lake Superior shoreline.

Several trails go through the Gooseberry Falls State Park, which is great for enjoying nature, birdwatching, and day hikes.

Gooseberry Falls State Park is open year-round, but autumn is one of the most beautiful times to visit, as the fall colors here are truly stunning.

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Best Time of Year to Visit Superior, Wisconsin

Superior Wisconsin can be visited year-round, as there are many different seasonal activities available. From seeing the blooming flowers in the spring, relaxing at the beach in the summer, seeing the fall colors in autumn, and participating in winter sports during winter, there is always something to do no matter what the season.

One of the best times to visit is in the summer when you can enjoy the warm weather and spend time at the beaches on Lake Superior. There are many great summer activities such as hiking, bike riding, and swimming.

Many activities can also be enjoyed during winter in Superior Wisconsin. As it is located in the northern part of the state, snowfall can be frequent making it ideal for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, outdoor ice-skating, and more.

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Where to Stay in Superior, Wisconsin

Below are a couple of the highest-rated and best hotels to stay at when visiting Superior,
Wisconsin.

Cobblestone Hotel & Suites – Superior Duluth

The Cobblestone Hotel & Suites is centrally located in the downtown area, making it a great place to stay to explore some of the best things to do in Superior, Wisconsin. The rooms are clean and spacious, and there is an indoor pool and fitness center available for use. Another highlight is their on-site restaurant, which even has an outdoor patio.

Hampton Inn Superior Duluth

Located near Barker’s Island and the lakefront, the Hampton Inn Superior Duluth is another great choice in Superior Wisconsin. The hotel features comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. There is also a daily continental breakfast that is included with your stay.

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FAQ: Things to Do in Superior Wisconsin

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Conclusion: Best Things to Do in Superior Wisconsin

There are many fun things to do in Superior, Wisconsin which makes it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or family vacation. Whether you are an avid hiker, nature enthusiast, history buff, or just looking for a charming lakeside town, Superior is the place for you.

Superior is a town that can be enjoyed year-round. There are many different seasonal activities from skiing in the winter to hiking the trails of the state parks in the summer. It is also a great destination for families, as there are so many kid-friendly activities in Superior, Wisconsin.

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