Douglas County Attractions
From Lake Superior, one the most pristine and beautiful lakes in the world, to the breath-taking landscapes, picturesque towns and villages, numerous state and county parks and Wisconsin's highest waterfall, Douglas County features spectacular scenery and unsurpassed relaxation and recreational opportunities for everyone. The area offers four seasons of natural beauty and sports and outdoor activities but also has a wealth of historical attractions, maritime treasures, great food, lodging, entertainment, special events and family fun.
First settled by mound building Indians, and then later by the Sioux and Chippewa, the area was rediscovered by the French fur traders in the 1600's. Because Douglas County lies on one of the major water highways, the Bois Brule-St. Croix River Portage Trail, early travelers of inland America soon found their way to Douglas County as this water trail was the most convenient connecting link between Lake Superior and the Mississippi River.
Douglas County is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts all year round. Anglers in spring enjoy some of the best fishing in the state with catches of chinook, coho salmon, walleye and lake trout. Musky, northern pike, walleye, bass, panfish, trout, sturgeon and catfish can be found in the 431 inland lakes in the area. In the summer there is something for everyone's interests. On Lake Superior, the world's largest inland lake, you can take a harbor cruise, sail, swim or enjoy many other water activities. The real adventurer can canoe, go whitewater rafting, or kayak through rapids. Golfing, hiking, biking, camping, exploring, visiting museums, antique shopping and more are all great things to do in Douglas County. In the fall when the area foliage turns brilliant shades of orange, red and yellow visitors can enjoy driving, hiking, and biking through the beautiful countryside. Gun and bow hunting season opens in fall with deer, black bear, duck, rabbit, squirrel and grouse being plentiful, making Douglas County one of the best areas for hunting in the state. When the area becomes a winter wonderland, there are many trails for great cross country skiing, ATVing, smowmobiling or just snowshoeing. Ice fishing, ice skating, watching a dog sled race or a ski race are also popular past times in beautiful snow covered Douglas County.
In every season, the area boasts plenty of festivals, sports events, museums, state parks, and entertainment for the whole family. There are dog sled races in January, stock car races from May to September, the Head of the Lakes Fair in July, Barker's Island Sailboat Regatta and a rodeo in September and many other events throughout the year. You can visit The Fairlawn Mansion & Museum in Superior, which is a beautiful Victorian mansion and is recognized as one of "America's castles." The S.S. Meteor Maritime Museum in Superior features a look at one of the world's last remaining whaleback ships.
The largest waterfall in Wisconsin, Big Manitou Falls, is located in beautiful Pattison State Park. And one of the few covered footbridges remaining in this country is located in Amnicon Falls State Park.
There's dining, lodging, and entertainment in Douglas County to fit everyone's needs! Restaurants from cafes and pubs to family dining, supper clubs, steak houses and specialty seafood, Italian and Mexican restaurants serve great food with friendly service. Campgrounds, RV parks, budget motels, bed and breakfast, inns, hotels and resorts offer visitors a full range of lodging choices. In addition to the special events and sporting events, clubs feature live blues music, karaoke, and other entertainment
Beautiful Douglas Country offers something for everyone in every season of the year!
splendor. Tours are available daily year-round. Special events and programs are held throughout the year.
Museums & Historical Sites
S.S. Meteor Maritime Museum
Barker's Island, Superior
The S.S. Meteor, the worlds only remaining whaleback ship, was built in Superior in 1896 and is now permanently docked on Barker's Island. Designed by Captain Alexander McDougal, the S.S. Meteor is the forerunner of the 1,000 ft. freighters seen in the harbor today. Enjoy guided tours through the pilot house, crew and captain's quarters, galley and engine room. Open daily 10 am - 5 pm, from mid- May to September.
Old Firehouse & Police Museum
23rd Avenue East & 4th Street, Superior
The Old Firehouse & Police Museum, currently under restoration, is the last of the turn-of- the-century fire stations. It has earned the designation as Wisconsin's Police & Fire Hall of Fame. The museum houses antique fire engines, police cars, police and fire memorabilia, a hose tower, jail cell and even has brass pole used by firefighters of long ago. The museum showcases a unique collection of toy fire engines. Open daily for tours, 10 am - 5 pm, Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Fairlawn Mansion & Museum
Hwys. 2 & 53, Superior
715-394-5712
Recognized as one of "America's Castles", the Fairlawn Mansion & Museum, built in 1890, is a majestic 42 room Victorian mansion. Located in Superior across from Barker's Island, Fairlawn Mansion was the private residence of Martin and Grace Pattison and their family. With its restoration in 1998, visitors today can enjoy the mansion's first floor splendor and elegance as it was at the turn of the century splendor. Tours are available daily year-round. Special events and programs are held throughout the year.
Parks & Nature Centers
Amnicon Falls State Park
US Hwy. 2 & County Trunk U, Superior
715-399-3111
Enjoy natural beauty and endless recreational activities when you visit Amnicon Falls State Park. A popular attraction for residents and vacationers, the park is located along the Amnicon River and features the "Douglas Fault." One of the park's favorite attractions is a1930's covered footbridge, one of only six remaining in the Midwest. The park features camping, picnicking, walking and hiking on 9 miles of nature trails, canoeing and snowshoeing. A park naturalist offers programs at the Nature Center.
Park sticker is required.
Pattison State Park
WI Hwy. 35, 18 miles south of Superior
715-399-3111
Featuring the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin and the 3rd highest east of the Mississippi, Big Manitou Falls is the most popular attraction in Pattison State Park. Rising nearly 165 feet high, Big Manitou Falls is a spectacular sight! Pattison State Park is known for its geological history, Indian heritage and northern Wisconsin past. Recreational activities include camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Park sticker is required.
Harbor View Park at the Visitors Center
U.S. Highway 53, Superior
A perfect spot for children, the Harbor View Park features great scenery for all and lots of playground equipment for children.
Richard I. Bong World War II Heritage Center
305 Harbor View Parkway, Superior,
The Bong Heritage Center takes visitors through the story of America's involvement in WWII—from pre-war life in America, to Pearl Harbor, to homefront activities, and more. The center features Dick Bong's famous P-38 "Marge" fighter plane in the museum's central exhibit. Visitors of all ages will be able to appreciate how this conflict helped our young, multi-ethnic nation recognize the courage, abilities, and sacrifices of all our citizens.
Special Things To Do
Head of the Lakes Fair
47th St. & Tower Ave., Superior
Highlighting the summer is the annual Head of the Lakes Fair, which features nationally known headliners. Their nightly performances are free with fair admission. At the fair enjoy midway rides, games, 4-H displays, vendors and more for the whole family.
Superior Speedway
Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds, Superior
715-394-7848
Throughout the summer, you will see the best racing in the northern area every Friday evening at the Superior Speedway. Car races feature late model, modified, super stock and street stock cars on the area's fastest 3/8 mile, high-banked clay oval track. Races begin in mid -May and continue to the September Northern Nationals.
Harbor Tours
Barker's Island, Superior
218-722-6218
Enjoy scenic narrated harbor tours daily from May to October on Lake Superior, the world's largest inland lake. Special lunch, dinner and moonlight cruises are available.
Whitewater Rafting
St. Louis River, Carlton
218-384-4637
Fun for the entire family, from novice to seasoned, experience the adventure of whitewater rafting, just 15 miles south of Superior. The trip usually takes two to three hours. Equipment, shuttle service and guides are provided. Offered daily May to September.
Points of Interest
Wisconsin Point on Lake Superior
Moccasin Mike Road, Superior
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Superior, you'll enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Superior as well as a great sandy beach where beach wanderers can collect driftwood and agate. The area features a lighthouse and Native American burial grounds.
Barker's Island & Marina
Barker's Island, Superior
All sorts of boating experiences can be enjoyed on Barker's Island, located in Lake Superior. There's a 420-slip marina, docking facilities, sailboat rentals. On the island you'll find places to dine, lodging accommodations and shopping.
