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A smiling woman in glasses and a striped shirt kneels on a paddleboard next to a wet dog, enjoying summer activities in Superior, Wisconsin, with calm water and a clear sky at sunset in the background.
A smiling child wearing a captain's hat stands at a ship's helm, holding the wheel with one hand and touching the brim with the other, inside a bright vintage ship control room—perfect inspiration for Wisconsin places to visit in summer.

Gotta Be Superior

Fun City = Fun Facts

Did you know that Superior is full of greats? The greatest lake, the state’s tallest waterfall, one of the nation’s largest urban forests, and way more. Check out our blog to find something great to explore this summer.

A very close up view of the Superior Entry Lighthouse top from an aerial photo. Lake Superior's water and sky is very blue
A cascading waterfall flows over rocky formations surrounded by lush green foliage and trees in Douglas County, Wisconsin. Sunlight illuminates the scene, highlighting the vibrant greenery and the white water of the falls.

Wisconsin’s Tallest Waterfall

Pattison State Park is home to Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall—the stunning 165-foot Big Manitou Falls. Hike scenic trails, swim at Interfalls Lake, or camp under the stars. With peaceful forests and rich history, it’s the perfect summer escape near Superior.

The Tower District

Tower Avenue is the heart of downtown Superior – a vibrant corridor where local flavor, history, and community charm come together. This walkable stretch is packed with cozy cafés, unique shops, and some of the city’s most beloved restaurants.​

A vibrant row of buildings in the daytime of downtown Superior. There are trees in the middle and lightpoles lining the street.
Two people stand on a wooden and metal platform overlooking a calm lake surrounded by trees—one of the delightful summer activities in Superior, Wisconsin. The platform extends over rocky terrain, providing a view of the tranquil water and lush greenery.

Get outdoors

Summer is simply glorious around these parts.

One reason: there are so many ways to explore the great outdoors in town and at nearby Wisconsin parks, forests, rivers and lakes. Especially on the sandy south shores of Lake Superior. Suggestion: try our campgrounds. Ride some of the region’s world-class bike trails. Set sail. Or just set a fishing hook, cast a line and relax.

Aerial view of a sandy beach along a calm coastline with light waves, perfect for summer activities in Superior, Wisconsin. On the right, dense green trees contrast with the pinkish sand, while the horizon showcases a clear sky dotted with scattered clouds.

Explore Sandy Beaches

Feel the sand between your toes.

Northwest Wisconsin might not be the first place to pop into your mind when you think of incredible beaches, but maybe it should be? Douglas County is home to some stunning beaches with soft sand and warm water along the south shore of Lake Superior. Wisconsin Point is a very popular destination for beachgoers, but the mouths of the Amnicon and Brule rivers are ever-changing hidden gems! 

Whether you’re looking for professional-level golf, or just a fun family activity, Superior has many golf options. The Nemadji Golf Course is a pristine 36 hole course located right in the heart of Superior. A 4-star rated golf course by Golf Digest, Nemadji was voted the best in the Duluth/Superior area 3 of the last 4 years! Experience all Superior has to offer with six incredible courses in the area!

Mini golf in Superior, WI.

Capt’n J’s Miniature Golf is another fun, family-friendly golf option on Barkers Island in Superior! This 18 hole extravaganza has been around since 1982 featuring thrilling bumps, rocks and other obstacles to keep players on their toes.

Aerial view of a dirt road cutting through a lush green forest, with two people riding bicycles down the center—one of many scenic Wisconsin places to visit in summer—surrounded by dense trees and vibrant foliage.

For the Bike Enthusiast

Enjoy miles of trails.

Would you rather keep both wheels on the ground or off the ground? Both options are available for biking across Superior! If you’re looking for a leisure ride on a paved trail, the Osaugie and Millennium trails are where you want to be. Looking for a thrill? Mont du Lac has spectacular mountain biking to get your heart rate up!

Two children run joyfully on grass in front of a large black ship, enjoying summer activities in Superior, Wisconsin. A sign reads, "Tour the World's Last Whaleback Ship." The boy wears a ship captain's hat, and the girl is smiling. The sky is clear and blue.

Family Fun

Quality time.

Grab the kids, dog and Grandma for a fun-filled day in Superior! Explore one of our many museums including the last above-water whaleback ship in existence – the SS Meteor. Parks and beaches are abundant in the area for outdoor picnics and other adventures.

A large group of people paddling in a dragon boat.

Lake Superior Dragon boat Festival

A time-honored tradition in China, dragon boats in Superior come together one August weekend each year for paddling, drumming and celebration—for a cause. The Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival, organized by the Superior Rotary Club and Duluth’s Harbortown Rotary Club, features a race in the Superior Bay off Barker’s Island.

With nearly 100 teams and boats, this 20-year-old event is one of the largest of its kind, and worth coming to watch for free. Stick around for food, entertainment and festivities.

Gondik Law speedway

Gondik Law Speedway is Superior’s hometown dirt-track racing destination, where high-speed action and roaring engines bring fans together all summer long. This 3/8-mile clay oval hosts weekly WISSOTA and sprint car races, thrilling crowds with late models, modifieds, street stocks, and more under the lights. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or taking in a special event like the Northern Nationals, it’s a fun, family-friendly motorsports experience that’s a must-see in the Twin Ports.

A red and white race car speeds along a dirt track in front of empty grandstands at a Wisconsin racetrack, with motion blur showing its movement—a thrilling scene for those seeking unique Wisconsin places to visit in summer. A pole is visible in the foreground.
A brightly lit vintage theater marquee in Superior, Wisconsin, showcases "Fri Blk Roots" and "Sat Band," along with "Sun Drag Show." The red and blue neon lights glow against the brick building backdrop, adding charm to summer activities in this vibrant town.

Duluth Superior Pride

The annual Duluth Superior Pride festivities draw people together for a weekend of Labor Day inclusivity and celebration. Barker’s Island Festival Park features a car and motorcycle show, live music, food trucks and fireworks. Proud to identify as LGBTAQI or as an ally? Join the Pride Parade on Tower Avenue, which is also home to the Main Club’s annual Pride drag show. 

Superior was the original Twin Port city to formally recognize Pride, and continues to welcome people with diverse identities to join in safe, inclusive events that celebrate equality and self-expression.

Great Northern Classic Rodeo

Don’t horse around with your Labor Day plans. The annual Great Northern Rodeo returns to the Head of the Lakes Fairground with showstopping bronc ridin’, calf ropin’, steer wrasslin’, barrel racin’ fun. The weekend of events are more than just professional rodeo, with a Sunday church service, miracle rodeo, watermelon crawl and more.

The nonprofit rodeo donates proceeds to causes like North Country Ride, Boys and Girls Clubs of Superior, Horse Spirit and local 4-H clubs.

Three women in blue shirts and jeans riding horses each holding the American flag at a rodeo.
A person lifts a slice of cheesy pizza with a spatula, stretching melted cheese, while others sit in the background—capturing the flavor of Wisconsin places to visit in summer.

A foodie’s dream.

For an iconic Wisconsin experience, make sure to eat at a Superior supper club. Here, you can savor the flavors of surf and turf near the shores of Lake Superior. Bars are plentiful if you’re looking to catch a game or party with your crew! There are so many options for foodies in Superior.

An adult and child holding hands walk along a snowy, decorated city street at night. Storefronts are lit up, and Santa’s sleigh and reindeer appear in the moonlit sky—evoking the charm of Wisconsin places to visit in summer, now transformed for winter.

Antiques and treasures abound.

Thrifters and bargain hunters know Superior is the place to dig in. Spend a weekend thrifting, junk hunting and exploring the many antique, vintage and thrift shops across the area. Along with thrifting, visit some adorable gift shops and boutique stores for the latest in fashion.

Two men wearing cowboy hats play guitar and bass on an outdoor stage at sunset, with metal scaffolding above and a colorful sky—capturing the lively spirit of Wisconsin places to visit in summer.

Local brews and good times.

Get a taste of the culture and pulse of this historic port city. Some say every bar is a dive bar here in Northern Wisconsin. If that term is defined by the welcoming, come-as-you-are atmosphere of our establishments, then yeah, they’re dive bars.

Watch the Ships!

Experience the bone-rattling sound of a ship horn in the Original Twin Port! Ships carrying important minerals and grains make their way through the Wisconsin Point canal where visitors can watch them up close.

The Catch of a Lifetime

Reel in the big one.

Experience world-class fishing in the Superior area! From trophy walleye in the St. Louis River, to massive trout and salmon in the mighty Lake Superior, pro and amateur anglers will find it thrilling. There are numerous charter fishing opportunities in the area with guides who know the ins and outs of the local waterways. If fly-fishing is more your speed, the Brule River, Amnicon River and St. Croix River watershed are full of all your favorite target species! 

Fishing rods in holders as the line is dragging out behind a boat.

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