When you think of winter in Wisconsin, you might picture snow-capped hills, frozen lakes, and festive celebrations. Among the cities that embrace the cold, one stands out as the undisputed Winter Capital: Superior. This vibrant city is equipped for both heavy snowfall and milder winters, celebrating the season like no other.
Here’s why Superior is truly Wisconsin’s Winter Capital™.
A Winter Wonderland
Every year, Superior transforms into a stunning winter wonderland, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. With abundant snowfall, the region provides the perfect backdrop for a wide range of winter activities. Whether you enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling, there’s something for everyone.
For a perfect winter retreat, Mont Du Lac Resort is the diamond of the season. With skiing, boarding and tubing options, paired with exceptional lodging, it’s a must-visit. Nearby, the Superior Municipal Forest offers miles of trails for exploration, and local parks provide excellent spots for ice skating and sledding.
Outdoor Activities to Enjoy
Snowmobiling
Superior and Douglas County feature over 300 miles of maintained snowmobile trails winding through the Wisconsin Northwoods. Popular trails include:
Snowshoeing
Explore the winter landscape on foot! Here are some stunning snowshoeing spots:
- Amnicon Falls State Park
- Bayfield Road Snowshoe Trail
- North Country Scenic Trail
- Pattison State Park
- Superior Municipal Forest
Cross-Country Skiing
Stride and glide your way through rolling hills and towering pines on nearly 30 kilometers of Nordic trails in the Superior Municipal Forest, ranging from beginner to advanced. Other nearby options include:
Alpine Skiing/Snowboarding
Experience some of the best downhill skiing and snowboarding in the Midwest! Mont du Lac offers 11 runs and 320 feet of vertical drop, perfect for all skill levels.
Fat-Tire Biking
This increasingly popular activity has plenty of opportunities in Superior and Douglas County. The Superior Municipal Ski Trails include a designated fat-tire bike lane on the “Blue” trail, and the Wild Rivers State Trail Map allows cycling, offering packed-down snow for riders.
Ice Fishing
Try your luck on Lake Superior, where you can catch a variety of species, including walleye, trout, and salmon. The St. Louis River is also a great spot for muskellunge and smallmouth bass. Be sure to check Wisconsin’s fishing regulations before hitting the ice.
Warm, Bright, Indoor Delights
If the cold isn’t your thing, Superior has plenty of indoor attractions to keep you entertained. From cozy cafes and roller rinks to breweries and diverse eateries, the city has something for everyone. Here are some highlights:
Fun Indoor Activities
Enjoy the only indoor roller skating rink in the Twin Ports! Perfect for a date night or a trip with the family, World of Wheels is a fun blast from the past!
Paint your own pottery piece to take home! No experience necessary. A fun and creative activity for all ages and for any group size!
Shopping
Discover thrifted treasures or unique gifts at local boutiques:
- Thrifting and Antiques: Allouez Antiques, Earth Exchange, Antiques on Belknap
- Boutiques and Gifts: Kindred Stone and Co., Weeping Willow Heartfelt Gifts, Angie’s Closet
- Sports and Outdoors: Northwest Outlet GPS, Play it Again Sports
Museums
- Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center: Learn about the life of the Air Force’s “Ace of Aces.”
- SS Meteor Maritime Museum: Built in 1896 in Superior and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the SS Meteor was among an innovative class of ships whose cigar-shaped steel hulls rode low with cargo as they crossed the Great Lakes.
The Fairlawn mansion exhibits recall the elegance and prosperity of Superior’s early boomtown days as a Victorian residence.
Winter Events
What’s not to celebrate!? Superior’s cherry on top are the winter festivals that put anyone in the winter spirit! Check out the top two greatest fests of the year!
Celebrate the beauty of ice on Barker’s Island, featuring games, ATV ice racing, and even an ice carousel!
Just a short trip across the bridge to Duluth, Minnesota, this world-renowned tour of lights attracts visitors of all ages.
Superior, Wisconsin, is more than just a winter destination; it’s a celebration of all things winter. From outdoor adventures to community events, this city captures the essence of a Wisconsin winter like no other. So, bundle up and head to Superior to experience the magic of the season—you’ll understand why it truly deserves the title of Wisconsin’s Winter Capital™!
