Wisconsin's Affordable City Is A Scenic Escape With Direct Access To Crystal-Clear Lake Superior

When you set your eyes on Lake Superior, the cleanest of its kind in America, which stretches across multiple states, you just might confuse it with an ocean. Cities like Marquette in Michigan, Two Harbors in Minnesota, and Thunder Bay in Ontario, Canada, offer a wealth of lakeside recreation. Wisconsin, on the other hand, is home to an affordable city named after the lake. Located in Douglas County, Superior is where the waterfront is serene, the forests are abundant, and the museums are fascinating.

A family getaway to Superior is not only great due to the activities available, but also because you won't be breaking the bank. To put it into perspective, the cost of living here is 638% lower than the state average (according to Salary.com). On top of that, the average monthly expense on food for a family is 18.2% below the state median. With that in mind, you can plan a weekend escape to Superior any time of the year — summer is perfect for swimming, fall makes the trails all the more vibrant, winter brings snowshoeing and skiing, while springtime is when the waterfalls are at peak flow.

Superior is situated right across Duluth, an underrated Minnesota city where you can chase fall foliage — Duluth International Airport is a 20-minute drive away. Major cities in Wisconsin, like Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay are five or more hours away. Minneapolis is much closer at two hours and 20 minutes. There are plenty of lakefront hotels in Superior, like Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Suites, and Barkers Island Inn. Androy Hotel and Cobblestone Hotel and Suites have a downtown location.

Lakeside getaways are simply superior, and the 3-mile-long Wisconsin Point further proves this point. The 229-acre sandbar is not only one of the largest of its kind, but it also provides 2.75 miles of beach to splash around. Swimming here is a must during the summer months — this is also a prime birdwatching spot. Common sightings include terns, hawks, warblers, loons, sparrows, and grebes. Some people like coming here during the duck hunting season. As you walk around the sandbar, you'll encounter plaques that educate visitors about the Chippewa People who once lived here.

Walk toward the west end of Wisconsin Point and you'll arrive at a lookout with Superior Entry Lighthouse vistas. A popular ship watching site, the 55.7-foot structure has been guiding ships since 1913, with its red roof standing out in the vast blue. From here, you'll notice Duluth's side of the sandbar that's 7 miles long. To glide across the water, make your way to Barker's Island Marina to charter a sailboat for a sunset cruise. Anglers usually come here for fishing excursions to catch lake trout. Barker's Island also boasts a 2.75-mile-long beach, where people go to lounge on the sand, take a dip in the cool lake, and gaze at the birds overhead.

Lake Superior Estuarium is a wonderful place to learn about the ecology and creatures that live in the Great Lake. Children can engage in hands-on activities, view the interactive displays, and check out the maps at the free-of-charge attraction. If you end up coming to the city during winter, you can attend the Lake Superior Ice Festival. Every January, the community gathers to play mini and disc golf, participate in the kubb tournament, marvel at the ice sculptures, indulge in delicious bites, and watch the fireworks.

When you've had your fair share of waterfront fun, Superior has more things to offer. Head to the Fairlawn Mansion and Museum to admire the Victorian property that belonged to Martin Pattison and his family. Dating back to the late 19th century, the estate is adorned with lush gardens that bloom with roses, lilies, and peonies. Inside, the ceiling is covered with intricate gilded murals, while the fireplaces ooze luxury with their marblework. The master bedroom is located on the second floor, while the third floor operated as a foster home between 1920 and 1962. A standout feature of the mansion is its piercing tower that's four stories high.

History buffs can swing by the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center to observe relics like military vehicles. You'll come across personal belongings of veterans, their uniforms, and weapons, as well as an M-60 Tank and P-38 Lighting — you can even see the P-38J's cockpit, nicknamed "Marge." Meanwhile, the SS Meteor Maritime Museum opens its doors from May to October. As the world's last whaleback ship, this attraction allows you to explore the vessel's interior, climb the stairs, and step onto its deck. Don't miss the exhibits on shipbuilding and wrecks found in the Great Lakes.

A World of Accordions is a unique museum in Superior. This unusual spot houses more than 1300 instruments belonging to the accordion family. Among the presented items are the Titano Super V – Emperor, Hohner accordion, and Symphonetta chromatic bandoneon. The 4,400-acre Superior Municipal Forest is a must-visit for hikers, bikers, kayakers, and archery enthusiasts. With cedars, red pines, white birches, and aspens, this outdoor haven is the ideal place to reconnect with nature. To view Wisconsin's tallest waterfalls on full display, make your way to Pattison State Park, which is less than 20 minutes away by car.