& Douglas County WISCONSIN

Superior

&DouglasCounty

WISCONSIN

OFFICIAL 2019 TRAVEL AND ACTIVITIES GUIDE

Superior-Douglas County, WI

Oﬃcial 2019 Travel and Activities Guide | 1

Contents

History and Heritage Wisconsin Point Map & Information Where to Play
Page 4
Page 6 & 7 Pages 8 & 9
Pages 10 & 11 Pages 13 & 14 Pages 15 & 16
Page 17
Where to Shop Where to Eat Where to Sleep Camping

Events

Page 18

Parks & Forests Recreation Trails
Pages 19-21 Pages 22-25
Pages 26 & 27
Page 28
Winter Recreation Douglas County Map Our Communities City of Superior Map Photo Contest & Photography Credits Emergency Contacts Visit Our Neighbors Chamber Member List
Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Pages 32
Pages 34 & 35

Connect With Us

Welcome Center

Online

TravelSuperior.org [email protected]
Stop by the Superior-Douglas County Welcome Center, located in the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center at 305 Harborview Parkway in Superior. We have visitor guides, brochures, rack cards, maps, and other information on attractions in Superior, Douglas County, Northwestern Wisconsin, and beyond!

Community App

Travel Superior is excited to oﬀer this new community app to assist in guiding you in exploring Douglas County! This app showcases area businesses, events, and local oﬀerings that are unique to this area. Available on the Apple Store or Google Play, just search: Travel Superior.

By mail

Superior-Douglas County Welcome Center

SUPERIOR WATER, LIGHT & POWER

305 Harborview Parkway Superior, WI 54880

Get Social!

Great service. Even better.

Superior-Douglas County Chamber/ Travel Superior 205 Belknap Street

Facebook.com/TravelSuperior @TravelSupWI

Superior, WI 54880

By phone

@TravelSupWI

Welcome Center: (715) 392-2773 or (800) 942-5313 Travel Superior:

Pinterest.com/visitdouglasco/

www.swlp.com

(715) 394-7716

2 | www.travelsuperior.org

(800)-942-5313

Welcome

“We welcome you to Superior and Douglas
County! You’ll enjoy our authentic food and beverage options, our unique businesses, and our wonderful lodging properties while taking in all that northwest

Wisconsin has to oﬀer. We know all of our amazing

hospitality businesses will help make your vacation one to remember.”
- Taylor Pedersen, President and CEO of Travel Superior
“Welcome! Built on a rich heritage of utilizing our woods and water, I welcome you to enjoy many of those same spaces that our citizens and visitors still love today. From world class trails and parks to fun shops and a thrilling nightlife, we are glad you are here and hope you enjoy your stay! “ - Jim Paine, Mayor, City of Superior

“With over 280,000 acres of county owned scenic north woods beauty, Douglas County and its forests truly are a Wisconsin gem. There are countless ways to experience our regions natural beauty whether

through ATV/UTVing, ﬁshing, hunting, horseback

riding, biking, hiking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and so much more. Welcome to Douglas County!”
– Mark Liebaert, Douglas County Board Chair

300 Marina Drive | Superior, WI barkersislandinn.com | 715-392-7152

!

Located on the Lakewalk in historic Canal Park Lakeside rooms with fantastic views Close to Dining, Shopping, and Attractions

!!!

Free High-Speed Internet Complimentary “On the House ” Hot Breakfast

®

!!!!

Indoor Pool / Whirlpool / Fitness Center Refrigerators and Microwaves in all rooms Earn Hilton Honors Points/Miles

Canal Park

1-800-426-7866

Duluth

218-720-3000, 310 Canal Park Drive, Duluth, MN

®

History and Heritage

From the early Native Americans to a history rich with shipping and industry — like the story of northern Wisconsin, Douglas County’s heritage is a mosaic of culture, history, nature, and commerce. The ﬁrst-known inhabitants of Douglas County were Mound Builders, an advanced group of people that mined copper in the Minong Range and at Manitou Falls on the Black River. In 1618, Stephen Brule’, a French voyager for Champlain, coasted along the south shore of Lake Superior and the Ojibwa people. In 1632, Champlain’s map appeared showing “Lac Superior de Tracy” as Lake Superior and the lower end shore as “Fond du Lac.” Soon after, fur trading companies established settlements. For more than a
In 1848, Wisconsin became the 30th state to join the Union. Helping to spur the growth of northern Wisconsin, Douglas County lies on one of the major water highways used by early travelers and voyagers of inland America. This water trail, the Bois BruleSt. Croix River Portage Trail, was the most convenient connecting link between Lake Superior and the Mississippi River. Spurred by the prospect of a lucrative shipping and iron ore industry, businessmen from Chicago and St. Paul laid claim to the

“Marge” The P38 Plane at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center

born. In 1889, the booming settlement at the Head of the Lakes would soon be named the county seat for Wisconsin’s fourth-largest county. Named for Senator Stephen A. Douglas of Illinois, famed opponent of Abraham Lincoln, Douglas County would hold pride in its largest city, Superior, and money was pumped into the city’s shipping and railway industries. That pride continues even today. century, the Hudson Bay Company, the Northwestern Fur Company, and Superior site and plans began for the the John Jacob Aster Fur Company maintained trading posts with the Native Americans. plotting of a great city. Immediately there was eagerness for a railroad from Lake Superior to the Pacific Coast. This was later solidified with construction of the Northern Pacific, and the dream of a rail and water highway from coast to coast was
Soon, the entire Wisconsin
We have many attractions that

pay homage to our rich history. For historical attractions in Superior and Douglas County, see page 8.
Territory grew with a steady inﬂux of immigrants from England, Scandinavia, Ireland, and Germany.

(800)-942-5313

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STARTING THIS SUMMER!

P-38 & M-60 Experience

Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Get Up Close with the Fighter & Tank!

See the Collection Not on Display!

TOUR TODAY!

May - Oct Hours Mon-Sat: 9AM - 5PM; Sun: 12PM - 5PM Nov - Apr Hours Tues - Sat: 9AM - 5PM

Special off-hour tours available upon request.

BongCenter.org | 715-392-7151 | 305 Harbor View Pkwy — Superior, WI

SUPERIOR’S BEST MUSEUM — THE NORTHLAND’S BEST STORIES

Wisconsin Point

experience for all of your senses.

T

here are fewer freshwater lakes

as beautiful and moving as Lake Superior. One of Douglas County’s ﬁnest features, Lake Superior is a source of economic vitality and recreation, and is home to a wide variety of wildlife.

Barker’s Island Festival Park and Marina

Located on Marina Drive in the City of Superior, Barker’s Island Festival Park features a playground, band shell pavilion, walking paths, swimming, and more. Barker’s Island also has a marina complete with a service center and plenty of amenities. Barker’s Island provides easy access to the

The greatest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior is the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area. Lake Superior is so vast that it contains 10 percent of all the Earth’s fresh surface water and as much water as all the other Great Lakes combined. But Lake Superior is more than just a whole lot of water — it’s a place to enjoy swimming, boating, kayaking, ﬁshing, and outdoor recreation. The beauty, power, and vastness of Lake Superior have inspired songwriters, poets, artists, writers, and photographers.

waters of Superior Bay and the St. Louis River, as well as the many boating opportunities on Lake Superior.

Boat Launches

The City of Superior has four boat launch facilities located on the Superior Bay and the St. Louis River:

Beaches

•••••
Arrowhead - west end of Superior at the end of Belknap Street North 21st Street - west end of Superior off 21st Street Barker’s Island - off Highway 2 and Marina Drive Loon’s Foot Landing - off Highway 2/53 on 30th Avenue East Kayak Launch (primitive only) at Woodstock Bay, end of North 28th Street.
Superior and Douglas County are home to beaches on the south shore of Lake Superior. By far the most popular Lake Superior beach area in Douglas County is Wisconsin Point, just outside of Superior. See page 7 for a beach map and for more information on enjoying Wisconsin Point.

Stroll along beaches, experience a south shore sunset, wade in the waters and search for skipping stones, or just take in the wildlife.

You’ll understand exactly what we mean when we say that Lake Superior is an

Resident and non-resident boat launch fees apply. Annual and daily permits are available. Daily permits are sold at launch sites for $5. When launches are open, annual permits are sold at

•

Barker’s Island Marina Ship’s Store

at 250 Marina Drive
Kwik Trip at 3027 East Second
Street •

•

Northwest Outlet at 1814 Belknap

Street

•

Parks and Recreation oﬃce at 1316

North 14th Street, 2nd ﬂoor. Fish Cleaning Stations are located at Barker’s Island and Loon’s Foot Landing. For more information on boat launches please call the Parks and Recreation hot line at (715) 395-7299.

(800)-942-5313

About Wisconsin Point

“Best of the Lake 2018” voting contest by Lake Superior Magazine. prohibited.
Wisconsin Point, along with Minnesota Point, make up the largest freshwater sandbar in the world. Wisconsin Point Road is accessible via Moccasin Mike Road oﬀ of US Highway 2/53 just on the been on Wisconsin Point since 1913. eastern edge of the City of Superior. The Though it’s not open for tours, the Point is made up of 229 acres with 2 3/4 lighthouse is one of the most highly
• Fires may not be started closer than
10 feet from the nearest plant life.
• Camping is not allowed between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 5 a.m., except during the spring smelt run.
• Horseback riding is not allowed on Wisconsin Point.

Superior Entry Lighthouse

The Superior Entry Lighthouse has

miles of beach — perfect for walking,

photographed landmarks in Superior

• By City ordinance, all pets must be

swimming, wildlife viewing, photography, and Douglas County, and is a must-visit on-leash.

and more.

for lighthouse enthusiasts!

Wisconsin Point will be undergoing extensive restoration in Summer 2019. This project includes ADA compliant boardwalks, shoreline stabilization, and infrastructure improvements. You can learn more about the Wisconsin Point project at http://www.ci.superior. wi.us/835/WI-Point-Restoration-AccessImprovement-

Rules and Regulations

Please be sure to follow all rules and regulations to help preserve Wisconsin Point!
• Motor vehicle traﬃc and parking is prohibited between the hours of 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. on Wisconsin Point Road, including any parking areas, beyond Lot #1, except during the spring smelt run season as deﬁned by the Parks and Recreation Department.

°

Fun fact: Wisconsin Point was voted

“Best Sandy Beach Swimming” in the

• Glass beverage containers are

Center open center hours.

Old Firehouse & Police Museum

Where to Play

Superior Squadron

• Museum & Education Division at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center 305 Harbor View Parkway Superior, WI 54880 (715) 392-7151 • Aircraft Division at the Superior Airport
402 23rd Avenue East Superior, WI 54880

Aircraft Division at the Superior Airport - Open

(715) 394-5712 superiorpublicmuseums.org [email protected]

Commemorative Air Force Lake

Wednesdays and Saturdays 10 am - 2pm or by appointment.

The 1898 Firehouse served as a working fire station until 1982. It now houses vintage fire-fighting vehicles and equipment, fascinating memorabilia, and the Police & Fire Hall of Fame, which honors Wisconsin police officers and firefighters for outstanding acts of bravery and community service. Open seasonally. Always free admission.

Fairlawn Mansion

906 East 2nd Street Superior, WI 54880 (715) 394-5712 superiorpublicmuseums.org [email protected]
4804 Hammond Avenue Superior, WI 54880 (218) 349-5079 cafduluth.com

Built in 1890 as the opulent family residence of lumber and mining baron Martin Pattison and his wife Grace, the Mansion also served as the Superior Children’s Home and Refuge for 42 years. House tours offered year-round. Available for weddings & special events. Visit the Carriage House Gift Shop for unique merchandise.
The Commemorative Air Force was incorporated in 1971 with a mission to restore and preserve WWII era combat aircraft. Today the Aircraft Division restores and displays restored aircraft including two PBY Catalinas. The museum, first opened by volunteers in 2001, has grown to offer over 3,000 historic artifacts ranging from the Civil War to today.

Please call or visit website for current hours.

Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center

305 Harbor View Parkway Superior, WI 54880 (715) 392-7151

bvhcenter.org

Lake Superior Estuarium

3 Marina Drive (Barker’s Island) Superior, WI 54880

Named for America’s Ace of Aces, Major Richard I. Bong. The Center honors veterans of WWII and later conflicts. Exhibiting a restored P-38 fighter. Admission charged. Every Friday at 9 am, “The Flag of Remembrance”, an American Legion Post 435 program, honors the life and memory of a deceased veteran by flying the veteran’s flag for one week over the center. Groups & Motorcoach travel welcome.

Museum & Education Division at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical

(715) 399-4093 lakesuperiorreserve.org

The Lake Superior Estuarium houses fun, family-centered exhibits that tell the story of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior and the communities on their shores. The exhibits provide an engaging, intuitive environment that reﬂects the integration of our communities and Lake Superior ecosystems.

Open daily 9am - 5pm, Sunday
12-5.

SS Meteor Historic

Whaleback Ship 300 Marina Drive

Fairlawn Mansion

(800)-942-5313

Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center

S.S. Meteor and Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve

Barker’s Island

Douglas County Historical Society

Richard I. Bong Veterans

Historical Center

Superior, WI 54880 (715) 394-5712

1101 John Avenue, Superior

(715) 392-8449

305 Harbor View Parkway, Superior

(715) 392-7151

superiorpublicmuseums.org [email protected] Duluth-Superior Symphony

Orchestra

Superior Public Museums - Fairlawn,

S.S. Meteor, Old Firehouse & Police Museums 906 East 2nd Street, Superior (715) 394-5712
Built in Superior, Wisconsin, in
1896 by local inventor Captain Alexander McDougall, the SS Meteor is the last surviving example
130 West Superior Street, Ste. LL2, Duluth (218) 623-DSSO (3776)

of McDougall’s innovative whaleback Fond-du-Luth Casino ships. Tour the ship from engine room to pilot house to get a taste of what life was like sailing the Great Lakes. Open mid-May through midOctober.
129 E. Superior Street, Duluth (218) 720-5100

Glensheen 3300 London Road, Duluth

Three Museums,

Superior Museums

218-726-8910

One Heritage,

Public

Countless Stories

SUPERIOR-DOUGLAS COUNTY

KDK Charter Services

AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 451 Marina Drive, MEMBERS

Superior (218) 724-1264
Amnicon Falls State Park 4279 Cty. Road U, South Range (715) 398-3000
Lake Superior Zoo 7210 Fremont Street, Duluth
Barker’s Island Marina Sailboats Inc. (218) 730-4500 250 Marina Drive, Superior (715) 392-7131

Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center

9245 E Main St, Solon Springs
Black Bear Casino Resort 1785 Hwy 210, Carlton

(888) 771-0777

(715) 378-4272

Fairlawn Mansion

Buy one

Brule River Canoe Rental 13869 E. US Hwy 2, Brule (715) 372-4983
Nemadji Golf Club & Grill

906 E. 2nd St.

admission,

S.S. Meteor

5 North 58th Street, Superior

Barker’s Island

receive the second for 1/2 price

Commemorative Air Force Lake Superior Squadron 4804 Hammond Avenue, Superior (218) 349-5079
(715) 394-0266

Old Firehouse & Police Museum

402 23rd Ave. E.

Pattison State Park 6294 South State Road 35, Superior

Good through December 30, 2019. Not valid with any other oﬀers.

715-394-5712

No admission charge

www.superiorpublicmuseums.org

(715) 399-3111

Where to Shop

SUPERIOR-DOUGLAS COUNTY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERS

Globe News 1430 Tower Avenue, Superior (715) 392-2090
Angie’s Closet, LLC 1315 Tower Avenue, Superior (715)394-7002
Hammond Steak

House & Liquor Store
Art on the Planet 1413 Tower Avenue, Superior (715) 969-8213
1402 North 5th Street, Superior (715) 392-3269
Artistic Florals by Leslie 1705 Tower Avenue, Superior (715) 718-5688

Art on the Planet