Outdoor activities and relatively affordable prices on the shores of Lake Superior
Superior, Wisconsin, sits at the westernmost tip of Lake Superior, just across the Minnesota border from Duluth. The lake itself is a major draw and source of industry, but there’s more to this northern Wisconsin town than access to the largest freshwater lake in the world. “I’ve found that people are drawn to Superior for its affordability, access to nature and opportunities for outdoor activities like boating, hiking, fishing and kayaking,” says Krysti Gillman, an owner and broker with Kuschel Realty Group, LLC. “The University of Wisconsin–Superior attracts students, educators and families, while the city’s location near Duluth provides access to jobs, culture and amenities.”
Superior, Wisconsin, sits at the westernmost tip of Lake Superior which is a major draw and source of industry.
With retailers and Lake Superior all close by, Superior is in the middle of it all.
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Twin Ports handle major cargo
Given its location on Lake Superior, it’s no surprise that transportation is a major industry in this city. “Superior boasts a rich history tied to the shipping and lumber industries,” Gillman says. The Twin Ports of Superior and Duluth combine to form the largest port in the Great Lakes, handling over 25 million tons of cargo annually. Tourism is another significant industry.
U.S. highways 2 and 53 run through Superior and Duluth. Downtown Duluth is about 7 miles away, and the Duluth International Airport is 11 miles away. The Twin Cities are about 150 miles south. Superior’s hospital is Essentia Health St. Marys’ Hospital-Superior.
Central Superior residents always have fun at Lake Superior.
The North End neighborhood is surrounded by water with access to Lake Superior.
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A massive municipal forest and hundreds of miles of trails
In addition to the lake, the city is home to the 4,400-acre Superior Municipal Forest, and more scenic Northwoods nature is just outside of town. “Pattison State Park and Amnicon Falls State Park are top choices for hiking and biking,” Gillman says.
Wisconsin Point and Minnesota Point together form one of the world’s largest freshwater sandbars, with miles of beaches, historical markers and trails. Those who want to brave the winter can ride 300 miles of snowmobile trails. The city continues to invest in its natural resources. “Superior is seeing investments in infrastructure and tourism, with projects like the revitalization of the waterfront and improvements to local parks,” Gillman says.
Superior Municipal Forest accommodates atv's, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
Relatively affordability and a mix of new and old homes
The median price for a single-family home in Superior is $212,000, about half the national median of around $400,000. “Housing here tends to be more affordable than in larger cities,” Gillman says. By comparison, Duluth’s median price is around $285,000. Townhomes in Billings Park are among the newer housing developments, while some homes near downtown or in the North End neighborhood may date from the 1890s.
Some homes in Superior have enclosed porches.
There are many cottage style home in Superior.
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The University of Wisconsin-Superior offers a public liberal arts education
The Superior School District serves over 5,000 students and earns a C-plus from Niche. The University of Wisconsin-Superior is a public liberal arts university and part of the University of Wisconsin System. The school is home to about 2,500 undergraduates. Northwood Technical College has a campus in Superior as well. The University of Minnesota-Duluth is 10 miles away.
Superior High School first opened in 1965 for the Wisconsin community.
The University of Wisconsin Superior is a cozy campus in the Central Superior neighborhood.
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Superior museums showcase ecology, history and shipwrecks
The SS Meteor Maritime Museum on Barker’s Island is in a freighter ship circa 1896, and its exhibits focus on shipwrecks and shipbuilding. The Lake Superior Estuarium, also on Barker’s Island, houses interactive educational displays. Fairlawn Mansion was built by lumber baron and Superior Mayor Martin Pattison in 1889. The 42-room Victorian mansion became a home for orphaned children in 1920 and now offers tours of the historic building.
The Lake Superior Ice Festival on Barker’s Island features ice sculpture displays, outdoor ice bowling and food trucks. Residents can head to the DECC in Duluth for Broadway productions, touring acts and the Minnesota Ballet.
The Seamen's Memorial Statue at Barker's Island is dedicated to those lost at sea.
Tour the worlds last Whaleback Ship at Barker's Island.
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Local burgers featured on Food Network
Superior is home to Earth Rider Brewery and Thirsty Pagan Brewery. “The local breweries are fun spots to gather the community,” Gillman says. The Anchor Bar has a claim to fame. “It was featured on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,’” Gillman says. “It’s a local legend for burgers.” She also recommends checking out places on Tower Avenue. “Tower Ave has had many upgrades over the last few years, bringing in local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques and more,” Gillman says. Some examples include Empire Coffee and Tiny Riot Boutique, a women’s clothing store.
Find fun boutiques all along Tower Avenue in Superior.
Superior Waffles is always busy serving breakfast downtown Surperior.
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Lake Superior winters are not for the faint of heart
According to FBI data, violent crime counts in Superior have fallen from a high in 2018, and property crime counts have dropped steadily since 2015.
As one might expect, winters on the shores of Lake Superior are no joke. “Winters can be long and harsh,” Gillman says. Residents should expect long stretches of sub-freezing temperatures. Northern Wisconsin averages about 100 inches of snow per year.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
