What do Superior, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C., have in common? Sure, they’re both near large bodies of water, share some bird species, and even boast a handful of breweries. But here’s something you might not know: they also share some fascinating presidential connections. From extended summer stays to pivotal campaign stops, Superior has had its moments in the national spotlight. Let’s dive into the stories of when this Really, Really Really Fun® city up north became more than just a charming great lake destination.
A Very Cool-idge Fact
In the summer of 1928, the small city of Superior, Wisconsin, found itself at the center of American politics and history when President Calvin Coolidge chose it as his seasonal retreat. Transforming Superior Central High School into the “Summer White House,” President Coolidge brought a touch of Washington, D.C., to the shores of Lake Superior. The Coolidge Room became the nerve center for presidential duties, but the President was just as eager to enjoy the region’s natural beauty.
When he wasn’t attending to matters of state, Coolidge indulged in one of his favorite pastimes: fly fishing. The Brule River, a renowned trout stream with crystal-clear waters, was his chosen escape. Here, surrounded by the serenity of the Northwoods, he joined the ranks of countless anglers who come each year to test their skills on one of America’s most famous trout streams. The President spent his days casting lines and savoring the peace that the river offered, embodying the simplicity and tranquility he so often craved.
| President Calvin Coolidge fishing at Cedar Island Lodge, rustic lodge of Henry C. Pierce, 35 miles from Superior, Wisconsin, on the Brule River. This lodge was later dubbed The Summer White House. The canoe is named Beaver Dick and the guide is John LaRock. There is a large, white dog in the canoe behind Coolidge. Wisconsin Historical Society |
Coolidge and his family made their summer home at Cedar Island Lodge, a magnificent 4,000-acre estate nestled along the Brule River. The lodge, with its rustic charm and sprawling landscapes, provided the perfect retreat for a president looking to recharge. That summer, the Coolidge family also hosted prominent guests, including Herbert Hoover, who had recently secured the Republican nomination and would go on to become the next president.
The Brule River’s reputation as the “River of Presidents” was further cemented by Coolidge’s visit. Over the years, it has attracted five U.S. presidents—Ulysses S. Grant, Grover Cleveland, Herbert Hoover, Dwight Eisenhower and of course, Calvin Coolidge. These leaders were drawn to the river’s abundant steelhead, brown trout, and coho salmon, making it a favored destination for those seeking both sport and solitude.
While the history made that summer remains a point of pride for Superior, the physical legacy of Coolidge’s stay has not endured. Superior Central High School, which once hosted the Summer White House, was demolished in 2004 despite efforts to preserve it. However, the marker that once stood in front of the school has been relocated to the Douglas County Historical Society, ensuring the story of Coolidge’s time in Superior lives on.
President Coolidge’s summer in Superior wasn’t just a political retreat—it was a moment where history, nature, and leisure converged. The Brule River continues to flow, carrying with it the echoes of a president’s casts and the enduring charm of Wisconsin’s Northwoods.
Spectrum News 1 – segment on President Coolidge’s time in Superior, Wisconsin.
Roosevelt’s Superior Roots
Did you know that one of America’s most iconic presidents, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, has a surprising connection to Superior, Wisconsin? In April of 1892, a 10-year-old FDR visited Superior, and while his time here was brief, it has become the stuff of local legend.
The most famous tale from Roosevelt’s visit involves a dramatic rescue. According to local lore, young FDR was saved from drowning while exploring Alexander McDougall’s shipyard. Though historians can’t verify this thrilling story, it’s a favorite among residents, passed down through generations as a badge of honor for the city. Some say this visit left a mark on the future president, though whether he returned to Superior later in life remains a mystery.
True or not, the story of FDR in Superior is a fascinating blend of history and folklore. It’s a reminder of the unexpected ways great figures can cross paths with small towns, leaving behind a legacy that sparks the imagination. For Superior, Roosevelt’s connection adds a unique and intriguing chapter to the city’s rich past—a story that’s as enduring as the local pride it inspires.
From Rails to Runways: A Presidential Tour Through Superior’s History
Superior, Wisconsin, has played host to a surprising number of presidents, vice presidents, and political heavyweights over the years. From whistle-stop speeches to campaign rallies and even leisurely fishing trips, these visits have left their mark on both local history and the American political landscape.
Let’s start back in September of 1883, when Ulysses S. Grant visited Superior, followed by William McKinley’s stop in October of 1899. The early 20th century saw a flurry of activity, including Theodore Roosevelt campaigning here in 1912 during his Progressive Party run. Fast forward to 1947, when Dwight Eisenhower cast his line into the famous Brule River before catching a train from Superior back to Washington, D.C. Just a year later, Harry S. Truman rolled into town on the rails, delivering one of the last great speeches from the back of a train—a hallmark of political campaigns in his era.
The 1950s and 60s brought even more political action. John F. Kennedy, alongside his family, made his way to Superior in 1959, delivering a speech at the historic Superior Central High School during his campaign. And Richard Nixon? He stopped by not once, but twice: first in 1952 while running for vice president with Eisenhower and again in 1968. Of course, he’d later go on to become president himself.
Jumping ahead a few decades, the modern era of presidential visits brought Donald Trump to town in 2016 for a speech at the Richard I. Bong Airport. Joe Biden also made multiple trips to Superior, first during his vice presidency and then as president, with his most recent visit on January 25, 2024.
It’s not just presidents who’ve come through “Soup Town”—Superior has also hosted future presidents, campaigners, and sitting vice presidents. Each visit adds another chapter to the city’s rich political history. As Superior continues to grow, one can only imagine the future leaders who will pass through and leave their mark on the original Twin Port.
For more on Superior’s fascinating history, stop by the Douglas County Historical Society. And while you’re at it, why not test your local knowledge with the PDD quiz about Superior High School?
12 U.S. presidents have visited Superior, Wisconsin, either during their presidency, campaigns, or personal travels. Here’s a breakdown:
- Ulysses S. Grant – Visited in September 1883.
- William McKinley – Stopped by in October 1899.
- Theodore Roosevelt – Campaigned in 1912 during his Progressive Party run.
- Calvin Coolidge – Made Superior his “Summer White House” in 1928.
- Herbert Hoover – Visited during Coolidge’s summer retreat.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt – Briefly visited as a child in 1892.
- Harry S. Truman – Delivered a whistle-stop speech in 1948.
- Dwight Eisenhower – Fished the Brule River in 1947.
- John F. Kennedy – Campaigned in Superior in 1959.
- Richard Nixon – Visited twice, in 1952 and 1968.
- Donald Trump – Gave a speech at the Richard I. Bong Airport in 2016.
- Joe Biden – Visited multiple times, most recently in January 2024 as president.
Superior’s charm, historical significance, and the famous Brule River have drawn leaders for both political and leisurely purposes, making it a surprising hub of presidential activity over the years.
Written with assistance from Superior, Wisconsin’s local historian Teddie Meronek.
