Superior is nestled on the western tip of the Great Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world.  The sheer enormity of Lake Superior and its every-changing colors and moods will astound you and awaken the adventurer within.  Our incredible scenery, rich history and unique attractions provide the backdrop for colorful events and recreational opportunities.

The flavor of our rich history can be discovered in our museums, parks and historic districts.  Our unique attractions tell the story of American Indian heritage, early explorers and settlers, the prosperity of our early boomtown days, and our part in American history, especially World War II.

Shopping in Superior you will discover an eclectic mix of goods from items small enough to carry in your hand to something large enough to drive home!  Art galleries, antique shops, pottery, bookstores, jewelry, tens of thousands of old 45 and 78 records, leather goods, gear for hunting, fishing and boating, home furnishings and so much more.  We’re positive you’ll find just what you are looking for—and maybe a few things you weren’t.  And, when you get a case of the “hungries”, you’ll find everything from hamburgers to pizza to French, Chinese and Italian cuisine.

Barker’s Island is a recreational focal point on our waterfront on the shores of Superior Bay and Lake Superior. The island boasts a festival park, specialty shops, restaurants, harbor tours, a glimpse of the past at the Maritime Museum, mini-golf, a children’s playground, charter fishing, a marina and lodging. A statue dedicated to the Seamen of the Great Lakes is located in the festival park. Barker’s Island is also a good place to park for a hike or bike along the Osaugie Waterfront Trail.

 

Events

January

     Great Lakes Pond Hockey

February

      Fairlawn Fashion & Flair

March

      Douglas County Fish and Game League Sports Show

April

     Spring Fling Quilt Show

May

     Fairlawn Garden and Landscape Market

June~October

    Center City Park Farmers Market

    Barker’s Island Farmers Market

June

    Jaws Fishing Derby

July

    A Superior Fourth of July

    Fairlawn Ice Cream Social
    Head of the Lakes Fair
August

    Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival

     Northern Exposure Annual Rabbit and Cavy Show

September    
    Great Northern Classic Rodeo

    East End Family Fun Day

    Duluth-Superior Pride Celebration

    Labor Day Classic Car Show

October

    Scandinavian Fest

    Historic Halloween Howl Costume Party

    Fairlawn Flashlight Tours

   Superior Taste

November

    Residential Holiday Decorating and Lighting Contest

    Community Holiday Festivities

    UW-Superior Winterfest

December

    Fairlawn Victorian Christmas

 

Attractions

A World of Accordions Museum and Harrington ARTS Center

The Museum boasts a unique collection of over 1200 accordions, concertinas, button boxes and other accordion-family instruments and also features technicians’ training, research libraries, world-culture displays and performances by world-class artists in its 800-person concert hall.  (1401 Belknap Street)

 

Gawboy Murals Superior Public Library

Thirty-five colorful murals by talented Anishinaabe artist Carl Gawboy, a member of the Bois Fort Band of the Minnesota Ojibwe, depict Douglas County's history beginning with the Ojibwe Nation's Story of Creation and spanning the next 150 years of development.  (1530 Tower Avenue)

 

Douglas County Historical Society 

Tracing its roots back to 1854, the Douglas County Historical Society serves as guardian to the history of immigration, industry and daily life.  Permanent exhibitions include photos by famous frontier photographer, David F. Barry, “President Coolidge’s Summer White House”, “Immigration Life” and “Superior: The Making of a Labor Town”.  (1101 John Avenue)

 

Fairlawn Mansion

Built in 1890, this Victorian Queen Anne 42-room mansion recalls the elegance and prosperity of Superior’s early boomtown days, as well as the mansion’s unique 42-year period as a children’s refuge.   Twelve Victorian-inspired gardens are being installed on the grounds overlooking Superior Bay and Lake Superior.  Fairlawn is on the National Register of Historic Places. (906 Harborview Parkway)

 

Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center

The Bong Center honors the lives of Medal of Honor recipient, Major Richard I. Bong, America’s ‘Ace of Aces’, and all the veterans who have served to safeguard our freedoms. The Center includes a rare restored P-38 Lightning fighter plane, interactive exhibits and collections that chronicle the service and sacrifice of American veterans and the vital ef­forts of those left behind. (305 Harborview Parkway)

 

Vista Fleet Harbor Tours

Cruise by 1000-foot Lake Freighters, ocean-going ships from around the world, iron ore and coal docks and lighthouses. Breathtaking scenery and exciting harbor activity all await you in America’s greatest inland port 2432 miles from the Atlantic Ocean.  (14 Marina Drive, Barker’s Island)

 

S.S. Meteor Maritime Museum

The S.S. Meteor, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the last remaining of the innovative “whaleback” ships. Launched from Superior in 1896, she carried a variety of cargos on the Great Lakes. In 1972, she was permanently berthed on Barkers Island.  (16 Marina Drive, Barker’s Island)

 

The Old Firehouse & Police Museum

Built in 1898, the Old Firehouse originally housed five horse-drawn rigs, including the City’s first steamer.  Home of Wisconsin’s Police & Fire Hall of Fame, the museum offers a unique look at historic and present day firefighting equipment, a toy fire engine collection and police memorabilia.  A chainsaw sculpture of a firefighter honoring 2010 Extreme Makeover Home Edition recipient Howie Huber and family is also on display.  (402 23^rd Avenue East)