Superior, Wisconsin: Where Fun is Always Superior – Best Things to Do and Places to Visit!

Give Pattison State Park a full day out there, because the falls and the trails both want all the time. The accordion museum runs on its own hours out there, so call ahead before you turn up at it. Wisconsin Point wants a whole morning out there and the swimsuit comes right along with you. The zoo takes a whole afternoon with the kids. Pack layers.

Welcome to Superior, Wisconsin, one of the better-kept secrets in the Midwest. This charming city runs natural surroundings, historical landmarks and family attractions that work at any age. A slow getaway or a busy one, Superior covers both.

Take the Great Lakes region at Wisconsin Point, one of the largest freshwater sandbars in the world. Walk the beach, take the air, and the views out over Lake Superior do the rest. Or for something more active, head to Pattison State Park, where the hiking, the biking and the rough country of the Northwoods are. And do not skip the ice caves, which are the kind of thing kids remember.

Key Takeaways

Superior, Wisconsin offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and family-friendly attractions.
Visitors can experience the beauty of the Great Lakes region with a visit to Wisconsin Point or Pattison State Park.
Don’t forget to check out the ice caves, a natural wonder that is truly breathtaking.

The Superior, Wisconsin Experience

Welcome to Superior, Wisconsin, the city that put it in the name. It sits in the Midwest and it runs the strongest of what Wisconsin has. With this much on, boredom does not happen here.

The first thing to do in Superior is Pattison State Park. The park holds the highest waterfall in Wisconsin, which is worth standing in front of. Walk the park for the scenery, or take a picnic with the family.

For something more active, head over to Wisconsin Point. This sandbar is one of the largest freshwater sandbars in the world and it suits a slow afternoon with Lake Superior in front of you. Bring the swimsuit and get in, or rent a kayak and work the shoreline.

History people should take the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center. This museum marks the life and legacy of Richard Bong, a World War II flying ace out of Superior. You get his life and his achievements alongside the history of the area.

And no trip to Superior is complete without the local cooking. Stop at the Cedar Lounge for burgers and a cold beer, or head over to the Anchor Bar for the strongest pizza in town.

So pack the bag and head for Superior, Wisconsin. It stays with you.

Seasonal Fun in Superior

Superior, Wisconsin works all year and every season runs its own things. Summer, fall, winter or spring, there is always something on in Superior.

Summer Activities

Summer in Superior is about getting outside while the weather holds. Here are the things not to miss:

Beaches and Water Sports: With Lake Superior nearby, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, boating, kayaking, and more. Head to Wisconsin Point for a sandy beach and calm waters.
Hiking and Biking: Take advantage of the warmer weather and explore the many hiking and biking trails in the area. Check out Pattison State Park for some of the best hiking trails in the region.
Outdoor Festivals: Summer is festival season in Superior. Check out the Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival or the Superior Downtown Farmers Market for some fun in the sun.

Fall Activities

Fall in Superior brings the foliage, the cold air and the seasonal run of things. Here is what to do:

Fall Colors: Take a scenic drive or hike to see the fall foliage in all its glory. The Amnicon Falls State Park is a great place to start.
Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes: Get in the fall spirit by visiting a local pumpkin patch or corn maze. Check out the Simek’s Farm for some good old-fashioned fun.
Haunted Houses: Get spooked at one of the many haunted houses in the area. The Haunt at Wentworth is a popular choice for those looking for a scare.

Winter Activities

Winter in Superior gets cold, and that does not empty the calendar. Here is what keeps you warm:

Skiing and Snowboarding: Hit the slopes at Mont du Lac Resort for some winter fun. They have trails for all skill levels.
Ice Fishing: Bundle up and head out onto the ice for some ice fishing. Lake Superior is home to a variety of fish species, including trout and salmon.
Indoor Activities: When it’s too cold to be outside, check out some of the many indoor activities in the area. The Superior Public Library is a great place to curl up with a good book.

Spring Activities

Spring in Superior brings the warmth back and starts the season off. Here is how to welcome it:

Golfing: Hit the links at one of the many golf courses in the area. Nemadji Golf Course is a popular choice for golfers of all skill levels.
Fishing: Spring is a great time to go fishing in the area. Head to the St. Louis River for some excellent fishing opportunities.
Outdoor Markets: Spring is the start of farmers market season in Superior. Check out the Superior Downtown Farmers Market for fresh produce and local goods.

Whichever season you come in, Superior has plenty on. So pack the bag, take the curiosity, and go and take Wisconsin.

Outdoor Adventures

Superior, Wisconsin is a good place to get outside. A hard hike, a slow bike ride or a day on the beach, all three are covered here.

Hiking Trails

Hiking people are in luck. Superior runs some of the strongest hiking trails in the region. Superior Hiking Trail is the one most people take, with Lake Superior and the forests open across the view. It is well-marked and it runs every difficulty, so every level gets a walk.

Biking Trails

For two wheels, Superior runs biking trails too. Osaugie Trail is the busiest, following the waterfront with the lake alongside it. It is flat and easy to ride, which makes it the one for families with young children.

Beaches and Swimming Spots

Superior sits on the shore of Lake Superior, so the beaches and the swimming spots are not in short supply. For somewhere quiet in the sun, head to Wisconsin Point Beach. This beach sits on a peninsula with the lake open around it. And for the busier version, Park Point Beach runs swimming, kayaking and the rest of the water sports.

Camping Spots

To spend a night under the stars, Superior and the country around it run camping spots. Pattison State Park is the busiest, with everything from primitive sites to RV hookups. And the park holds some of the strongest hiking in the area, alongside the waterfalls.

A hard hike, a slow bike ride or a day on the beach, Superior, Wisconsin runs all three. Get outside and take it.

Historical Highlights

History people have plenty in Superior, Wisconsin. Museums through to historical buildings, the range covers it. Here are the historical highlights to take:

Museums

Superior runs museums carrying the city’s past. The Martin Pattison House is a Victorian mansion built in 1890, and it works as a museum now. A guided tour covers the Pattison family and the house itself. And the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is the other one, given over to the life and legacy of Major Richard I. Bong, a World War II fighter pilot from Superior.

Historical Buildings

Beyond the museums, Superior holds historical buildings worth the walk. Fairlawn Mansion is the notable one, a 42-room mansion built in 1890 and running as a museum now. A tour covers the house and the family who lived in it. And the Old Firehouse and Police Museum is the other, carrying police memorabilia and the history of the Superior Police Department.

Shipbuilding History

Superior carries a long shipbuilding history and the Superior Public Museum lays it out. The museum runs exhibits on shipbuilding here alongside the rest of the city’s past. And accordion people, which is a real category, should take the World of Accordions Museum, holding over 1,300 accordions from around the world.

Superior, Wisconsin gives history people plenty. Museums, historical buildings or shipbuilding, all three are covered. So take the camera and work the city’s past.

Natural Wonders

Superior, Wisconsin holds some of the finest natural country anywhere. Waterfalls through to quiet lakes and rivers, the list does not run short. Here are the ones not to miss:

Waterfalls

Waterfall people are in luck. Superior runs some of the finest in the state. Big Manitou Falls, in Pattison State Park, is the highest waterfall in Wisconsin, dropping 165 feet. And Amnicon Falls State Park is the other one, running a series of cascades and falls.

Parks

Pattison State Park is the one nature people should take. Big Manitou Falls sits inside it, and the park runs a lake, hiking trails and camping spots alongside. And for something rougher, head to the Superior Hiking Trail. This 310-mile trail opens Lake Superior and the wilderness around it out in front of you.

Lakes and Rivers

St. Louis River takes the kayaking and the canoeing. A scenic boat tour works too, covering the river and the islands in it. And Wisconsin Point Lighthouse is the other one people take, with Lake Superior and the North Shore across the view.

And no visit to Superior is complete without Barker’s Island. This marina takes the fishing, the boating and a slow afternoon by the water.

A quiet day on the lake or something with more in it, Superior runs both.

Summer runs the beach and the water at Wisconsin Point through the whole of the season. Fall puts the foliage right the way across the whole of the Northwoods around the town. Winter is properly cold out there and the ice caves are the reason to come anyway. Labor Day weekend takes the rodeo out there every single year. And August takes the whole of the dragon boats.

Family Fun

After family activities in Superior, Wisconsin? Arcades through to miniature golf, this town has the options. Here is what works:

Arcades

For classic arcade time, head over to World of Wheels Skate Center. The selection runs old-school pinball machines through to modern video games. Take the quarters, because the high scores need them.

Miniature Golf

For an outdoor thing the whole family manages, take Capt’n J’s Miniature Golf. The course is well landscaped and the obstacles test the putting properly. And the snack bar handles the break.

Skate Parks

For something more active, head over to Superior Skate Park. The park works for skateboarders, rollerbladers and BMX riders at every level. Ramps, rails and the rest of the obstacles run through it. And beginners get plenty of friendly advice from the locals.

So there are the three family options in Superior, Wisconsin. Arcade games, miniature golf or skateboarding, all of them work.

Local Events

Superior, Wisconsin runs busy with activities and events all year. Local or visitor, something is always on. Here are the events not to miss:

Great Northern Classic Rodeo

You do not have to be a cowboy for the Great Northern Classic Rodeo. This annual event runs every Labor Day weekend with some of the strongest cowboys and cowgirls in the country. Bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling and more run through it. And the mechanical bull is there if you fancy it. Put the boots and the hat on and go.

Dragon Boat Festival

For something you will not see elsewhere, take the Dragon Boat Festival. Held in August, it runs dragon boat racing, live music, food vendors and more. Teams of paddlers race the colorful boats down the harbor, and forming your own team is allowed. So take the oars and get in.

Bayside Sounds Summer Concert Series

Music people should not miss the Bayside Sounds Summer Concert Series. It runs every Wednesday evening through the summer months, with local and regional musicians playing outdoors and no charge to attend. So pack a picnic, take a blanket, and take the music under the stars.

Other Local Events

Those are some of the events Superior runs. There are art fairs, farmers markets, festive parades and more besides. Check the local event calendar for what is on while you are here. Something always turns up in Superior, Wisconsin.

Unique Attractions

After something offbeat in Superior, Wisconsin? You are in luck. This charming city runs attractions nobody else has. Here are the ones not to miss:

World of Accordions Museum

Yes, you read that correctly. There is a whole museum given over to accordions in Superior, and it earns the stop. The World of Accordions Museum holds over 1,300 accordions from around the world, some dating back to the 1800s. You get the history of the accordion, the craftsmanship on display, and possibly a tune.

Whaleback Ship Display

The Whaleback Ship was an unusual cargo steamship designed by Captain Alexander McDougall in the late 1800s. Only 44 of them were ever built and the last was scrapped in the 1960s. But you can still see what they looked like at the Whaleback Ship Display in Superior. There is a replica of the Christopher Columbus, the most recognizable of the Whalebacks, and the history of the design comes with it.

Lake Superior Zoo

Animal people should not miss the Lake Superior Zoo. This small zoo holds over 200 animals from around the world, tigers and bears and kangaroos among them. The Barnyard is where the kids pet and feed the farm animals. And the Zoo’s Discovery Center lets you hold a snake or a tarantula if you are up for it.

So there are the three attractions that make a visit to Superior, Wisconsin stick. Music, history or animals, all three are covered.

Dining in Superior

You are in Superior, Wisconsin and the hunger has arrived. There are plenty of places to handle it. A juicy burger, fresh seafood or old-fashioned comfort food, Superior covers all three.

One of the top-rated restaurants in Superior is Thirsty Pagan Brewing. The venue is historic, the brews are good, and the food is better than either. The menu runs American cooking with options for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. And the beer list is long enough to take your time over.

For a family spot, Anchor Bar is the one. This place puts out burgers and beer in a casual room. It suits a meal with the kids or a drink with friends.

For healthy options, Duluth Grill earns the drive. It is not technically in Superior, sitting a short way over in Duluth, Minnesota. The restaurant runs healthy dishes across the board, gluten-free and vegetarian included. And there are indulgent things on the menu too.

Wherever you eat in Superior, something will land. So go ahead and enjoy it, since you are on vacation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to spend a day in Superior, WI?

Start with the outdoors at Pattison State Park, where the waterfalls, the hiking trails and the camping spots are. Then walk the Lake Superior shoreline and take the sun. For something more active, try kayaking or paddleboarding. And history people should not miss the Fairlawn Mansion & Museum.

Where can I find the most delicious eats in Superior?

For seriously good food, the Anchor Bar & Grill does not miss. The place has been putting out burgers, sandwiches and wings for over 100 years. Shorty’s Pizza & Smoked Meat is the other one locals name, running wood-fired pizzas and smoked meats. And for something sweet, head to the Superior Dairy Queen.

What are some quirky and fun facts about Superior, WI?

Did you know Superior holds the world’s largest working inland port? Or that it was a major center for the lumber industry once? And Fargo fans may want to know that some scenes were filmed here. But the most interesting one is that Superior is the only city in the United States with a working harbor shared with a foreign country, which is Canada.

What’s the coolest museum to check out in Superior?

History people should not miss the Fairlawn Mansion & Museum. This restored mansion opens up the lives of Superior’s early residents properly. Original furnishings, artwork and artifacts from the Victorian era fill it, alongside exhibits on local history and culture. And maritime history people should take the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center.

Where’s the best place to shop in Superior, WI?

For shopping with some character, head to the Belknap Street Antique Mall. This large antique emporium is packed with things out of other decades, vintage clothing through jewelry through furniture and collectibles. And for something more modern, take the Mariner Mall, with shops and restaurants through it.

What’s the neighboring city to Superior, WI that’s worth a visit?

For a short road trip, head across the border to Duluth, Minnesota. This charming lakeside city runs attractions in numbers, the famous Aerial Lift Bridge, the Great Lakes Aquarium and the Duluth Art Institute among them. Walk the scenic Lakewalk, or work the historic Glensheen Mansion.

Frequently asked questions about Superior, Wisconsin

How high exactly does the whole of Big Manitou Falls drop inside Pattison State Park out there, then, really now, in the end?

A full 165 feet of it out there, which makes it the highest in the whole of Wisconsin. Pattison State Park runs the trails and the camping and a lake right alongside all of it. Amnicon Falls State Park is the other one out there, a run of cascades instead. Waterfalls.

How many of the accordions does the whole of the World of Accordions Museum actually hold, then, really now?

Over 1,300 of them out there, gathered in from all over the whole of the world. Some of them date right the way back to the 1800s out there themselves. The history of the accordion and the craftsmanship both get covered right the way through. Tunes.

How many of the animals does the whole of the Lake Superior Zoo actually hold, then, really now, in the end?

Over 200 of them out there, coming in from right across the whole of the world. Tigers and bears and kangaroos all live inside the same small zoo out there. The Barnyard takes the petting and the feeding of all of the farm animals out there. Tarantulas.

Keep exploring Superior, Wisconsin