Welcome to Lake Superior
Lake Superior, the largest of North America’s Great Lakes, is a breathtaking natural wonder that offers visitors a variety of recreational activities and stunning scenery.
As the world’s largest freshwater lake in area and the third largest in volume, this immense body of water stretches from the upper peninsula of Michigan north to Ontario, Canada, and west to the eastern edge of Minnesota.
From charming port cities like Grand Marais, Minnesota, to the impressive landmarks of the Terry Fox Monument and Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay, Lake Superior’s surroundings offer countless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures in Tahquamenon Falls State Park or delving into history at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, you’ll find the perfect adventure here.
Top 3 Facts About Lake Superior
01
Impressive Size
The largest of the 5 Great Lakes in North America, Lake Superior is also considered the largest lake in the world by surface area. It’s so big that it holds 10% of the earth’s fresh surface water!
02
Numerous Shipwrecks
It’s believed that between 350 and 550 ships have been wrecked in Lake Superior, taking more than 10,000 lives. While this might sound scary, it’s a fascinating part of the lake’s history. Just imagine all the stories those sunken ships could tell!
03
It’s All In a Name
The Ojibwe name for Lake Superior is Gitchi-Gami, which translates to “Great Sea.” When you’re standing near its shore, you’ll agree this name is very fitting.
Must-See Attractions
Terry Fox Monument
Monument & Viewpoint
Experience a blend of inspiration and natural beauty at the Terry Fox Monument, located on the edge of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Here, you can pay homage to Terry Fox’s incredible fight against cancer and heroic spirit, all while taking in breathtaking views of Lake Superior.
Fort William Historical Park
Living History Museum
This expansive living history site in Thunder Bay offers a vivid recreation of the Fort William fur trade post as it was in 1816. Visitors can engage in interactive experiences, learn about the cultural confluence of Indigenous Peoples and fur traders, and even gaze at the stars through a large telescope at the David Thompson Astronomical Observatory.
Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
Speciality Museum
Dive into Lake Superior’s intriguing and sometimes tragic maritime history at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. Located at the Whitefish Point Light Station in Michigan, the museum brings to life the tales of over 200 shipwrecks that haunt the waters of the lake, known as the “Graveyard of the Great Lakes.
Annual Events and Festivals
June 22, 2024
Grandma’s Marathon
Lace up your running shoes and join the excitement of Grandma’s Marathon, a scenic 26.2-mile race along the stunning north shore of Lake Superior. Starting just outside Two Harbors and finishing in Duluth’s Canal Park, this marathon has grown from a humble beginning to a celebrated world-class event, attracting over 20,000 participants every June.
June 10 – 12, 2024
Sidewalk Days Festival
The annual Sidewalk Days Festival in Duluth transforms Superior Street into a vibrant hub of shopping, food, music, and entertainment. It features local retailers, festival foods, live music, and activities for all ages. Don’t miss the Classic Car Show, the YMCA Sidewalk Shuffle 5K, and a host of other exciting events that make this festival a cherished tradition for locals and visitors alike.
July 19 – 21, 2024
Country on the Bay
A fan of country music? Head to Thunder Bay in July for a weekend of top-notch musical performances. The 2024 lineup includes Blake Shelton, Dallas Smith, High Valley, and Mackenzie Porter and runs from July 19 to 21, 2024, in Fort William Historical Park. But be sure to grab your tickets early, as this festival has become a favorite among country music fans for its picturesque setting and friendly atmosphere.
Into the fall, you’ll find countless fall festivals celebrating the harvest season.
Top Hiking Destinations
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
41382 W M-123, Paradise, MI
Spanning 50,000 acres, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is a superb destination for hiking enthusiasts. You’ll find a variety of trails dotted across the park, including the 3.8-mile roundtrip Giant Pines Loop Trail in the Upper Falls area, the 7-mile roundtrip Wilderness Loop Trail that attaches to the Clark Lake Loop & Giant Pines Loop, and the North Country Trail, which stretches 16 miles within the park limits and ties together several park trails.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
R R 1, Pass Lake, ON P0T 2M0, Canada
Situated on the Sibley Peninsula near Thunder Bay, Ontario, the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is a sanctuary for those wanting tranquility and a connection with the outdoors. With over 60 miles of hiking trails meandering through lush forests and along rugged cliffs, it offers ample opportunities for exploration. Don’t miss the chance to see the renowned sea lion formation—a colossal rock structure that strikingly resembles a resting giant.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
3206 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN
Gooseberry Falls State Park, just 39 miles from Duluth, is a picturesque North Shore stop renowned for its stunning waterfalls and accessible trails. Start your journey from the visitor center, where a short, paved path leads to the Middle Falls, the park’s most photographed spot. Continue your exploration by following the Riverview Trail, which takes you past the Lower Falls to the mouth of the Gooseberry River and Lake Superior’s shore.
Best Golf Courses
Enger Park Golf Course
1801 W Skyline Pkwy, Duluth, MN 55806, United States
Perched atop a high bluff just south of downtown Duluth, Enger Park Golf Course offers golfers a delightful experience with stunning views of Duluth Harbor. This historic course, established in 1927 near Enger Park Tower, features a unique 27-hole layout with parkland, links, and traditional styles. From navigating densely wooded areas to mastering strategic bunkers and scenic ponds, all levels of players will find the course both challenging and fun.
Strathcona Golf Course
530 Chapples Park Dr, Thunder Bay, ON
Nestled in the rolling, wooded terrain of northwest Thunder Bay, Strathcona Golf Course features an exciting 18-hole, par 72 course to tackle. Established in the 1920s, this course has matured beautifully over the years and offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. Its rich history and natural setting provide an ideal backdrop for a round of golf, while its four sets of tee boxes ensure everyone is challenged just enough.
Superior National at Lutsen
5731 MN-61, Lutsen, MN
Superior National at Lutsen, situated along the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior, is a destination in itself. This stunning 27-hole course, featuring the Canyon, Mountain, and River Nines, is set against the backdrop of Moose Mountain, with the Poplar River weaving through the landscape. Recognized as one of Minnesota’s finest, the course is suitable for a quick “Emergency 9″ or a full 18-hole round, along with the unique option of Foot Golf for a fun, family-friendly variation.
Water Sports
Time Out Sailing
Sailing excursions
Are you a sailing fanatic, or have you always wanted to give it a try? You’ll be pleased to hear that Lake Superior is a superb place to give it a go. Join Time Out Sailing in Duluth, where you’ll glide along the shoreline and learn the ins and outs of this thrilling water sport. Options for excursions include a half-day tour, a full-day adventure complete with open water exploration, and a romantic sunset cruise.
I’d Rather Be Fishing Charters
Fishing charter
For those eager to reel in a big catch on Lake Superior, look no further than “I’d Rather Be Fishing.” Set off from Duluth’s harbor for a chance to catch some of the biggest freshwater fish in North America while soaking in the stunning views of the North Shore and the crystal-clear waters of the Great Lake. Plus, there’s no need to stress the finer details, as they’ll provide lunch during the excursion and dinner arrangements with your catch.
Such a Nice Day Adventure
Kayak rentals & trips
If you’ve found yourself in Thunder Bay and are eager for a fun and rejuvenating day out on the water, be sure to check out Such a Nice Day Adventure (S.A.N.D Adventure). These experts offer daily guided tours of the Rossport Islands, renowned as one of the best wilderness paddling destinations in the Great Lakes. Or, opt for a more leisurely hourly rental, a bucket-list-worthy multi-day excursion, or sharpen your skills with a course or class—all offered by S.A.N.D Adventure.
Winter Activities
Lutsen Mountains
Nestled in northeastern Minnesota, Lutsen Mountains is the largest ski resort in the Midwest, boasting four interconnected mountains and a total of 95 runs. This resort offers over 1,000 acres, a 1,000-foot vertical drop, and the region’s only gondola. The icing on the cake is the spectacular views of Lake Superior that you’ll enjoy from just about anywhere on the mountain.
Loch Lomond Ski Area
Looking for a ski resort near Thunder Bay? Loch Lomond, located just 9km along Lake Superior’s shores, offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. With 17 runs and a vertical drop of 750 feet, this resort is known for providing the best skiing experience in Northern Ontario.
Big Thunder Ski Jumping Center
Although no longer operational, Big Thunder Ski Jumping Center in Thunder Bay, Northwestern Ontario, Canada, deserves a mention. It was home to a twin ski jumping hill and part of Big Thunder National Training Centre. Between 1975 and 1995, this center hosted 29 FIS Ski Jumping World Cups and 50 Canadian Ski Jumping Championships tournaments. However, it has been closed and unmaintained since 1996.
Where to Eat
Duluth Grill
$ – $$ • Casual American
Betty’s Pies
$ – $$ • Comfort Food, Classic Pies
Wacky’s Thunder Bay
$ – $$ • Bar Bites
Where to Shop
Two Loons Gallery and Boutique
Gift Shop
Duluth Candy Co
Candy Store
Lake Superior Trading Post
Gift Shop
Where to Sleep
Tips on Renting a Vacation Home on Lake Superior
Consider the Location
Lake Superior spans across multiple regions, each with its unique charm. The North Shore in Minnesota offers rugged natural landscapes, ideal for hiking and nature enthusiasts, while areas like Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands are perfect for kayaking and exploring sea caves. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula provides a blend of wilderness and cultural experiences.
Seasonal Variations
Lake Superior’s climate varies significantly with the seasons. Summer offers warmer weather ideal for water activities and hiking, while winter brings the beauty of snow-covered landscapes, perfect for skiing and snowshoeing. Consider the time of year for your visit, as some areas may have limited access or activities during off-peak seasons.
Prepare for Weather Changes
The weather around Lake Superior can be unpredictable. Even in summer, evenings can be cool, and weather conditions can change rapidly. Packing layers and rain gear is essential, ensuring comfort regardless of the weather. Remember sun protection for those unexpectedly sunny days!
Water Safety Awareness
If your vacation includes water activities on Lake Superior, prioritize safety. The lake can have strong currents and cold water temperatures, even in summer. Choose activities that match your skill level, and consider guided tours for a safer experience. Always stay informed about local weather and water conditions, and ensure you have the necessary safety equipment.
Going Deeper on Lake Superior
You might be curious about Lake Superior’s significance in history. Let’s start by looking at its connection to the Ojibwe people. The Ojibwe, known as the Chippewa, have lived in the Lake Superior region for centuries. They are one of the largest Native American tribes in North America, and their historical prominence in the area is significant.
In the 1600s, French explorers reached Lake Superior, called “Upper Lake.” They were attracted to the area because of its rich natural resources and started the fur trade with the Ojibwe people. This fur trade era was essential in shaping the relationship between the Europeans and the Native American tribes in the region.
Now, let’s delve into the role of the French in Lake Superior’s history. Jesuit priests were the first Europeans to record the name “Supérieur” in 1647-48. By 1658, they completed the first European map of Lake Superior’s shoreline. Although far from accurate, this map marked a significant milestone in exploration and increased interest in this vast freshwater lake.
British control played a significant role in Lake Superior’s history as time passed. With the onset of the French and Indian War (1754-1763) and later the Treaty of Paris (1763), British control expanded into the region. This change in power had a lasting effect on the area and further established the connections between European colonial powers and Lake Superior.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Superior
The deepest point in Lake Superior is approximately 1,333 feet (406 meters), making it the deepest of all the Great Lakes. So when you’re out there enjoying the view, remember that there’s quite a lot happening beneath the surface!
Lake Superior is bordered by three US states and one Canadian province. You’ll find Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan on the US side. To the north, there’s the beautiful province of Ontario, Canada. This unique location offers diverse landscapes and experiences for visitors from around the globe.
Lake Superior is often called an inland sea due to its vast size and unpredictable, ocean-like behavior. It has the world’s largest surface area of any freshwater lake, covering about 31,700 square miles (82,100 square kilometers). Its weather patterns and wave conditions can sometimes resemble those found on the open ocean, which makes it a fascinating and challenging place to explore.
There are numerous attractions and activities to enjoy around Lake Superior. You can visit beautiful lighthouses, hike along the scenic shoreline, or explore the many islands and protected areas. For those interested in maritime history, there are numerous shipwrecks to discover and museums showcasing the lake’s unique heritage. Whatever your interests, Lake Superior offers a wealth of opportunities for adventure and learning.
While it is possible to swim in Lake Superior, it’s important to remember that the water can be quite cold, even during the summer months. Hypothermia can set in quickly, so it’s wise to wear appropriate gear like a wetsuit and monitor the conditions closely. Also, be aware of strong currents and changing weather that can create dangerous conditions for swimmers. With a bit of caution and preparation, though, you can certainly enjoy a refreshing dip in this magnificent lake.
Muskoka is known for its picturesque towns and charming villages. Some popular towns you can visit include Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, and Port Carling. Each town offers its unique attractions, shops, and restaurants, making them perfect stopovers during your exploration of the Muskoka region.
The largest predator found in Lake Superior is the lake trout, which can grow up to 50 inches (127 centimeters) in length. While these fish might not be as fearsome as sharks or other ocean-dwelling predators, they are a vital part of the lake’s ecosystem and a key species for anglers seeking a challenge. So, keep an eye out for these impressive creatures as you explore the waters of Lake Superior!