7 Beautiful Towns To Visit On Lake Superior

Touching multiple states, the greatest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior, covers 31,700 square miles or 82,170 square kilometers. Known for scenic nature, including the Wabakimi Provincial Park and the Pictured Rocks National Seashore, its shores are also dotted with many towns, the most beautiful of which are below. 

Ashland, Wisconsin

Ashland, known as the hometown of Lake Superior, is a quaint port city located in northern Wisconsin at the edge of Chequamegon Bay. It's a paradise for anglers, famous for hosting some of the state's most stunning waterfalls. Fishing enthusiasts can find ample bass in both shallow areas and deep waters of the lake, while late March is prime time for steelhead fishing in the rivers along the South Shore. Those interested in other outdoor activities can hike to three beautiful waterfalls found along the Tyler Forks and Bad rivers in Copper Falls State Park. The region is home to nearly 300 species, making it one of the best spots for bird-watching in the Midwest. As winter approaches, hiking gives way to ice-fishing, with additional recreational options such as skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and snowmobiling across over 200 miles of pristine trails. The town itself boasts a vibrant historical center adorned with colorful murals, earning Ashland the title of Historic Mural Capital of Wisconsin. Additionally, it serves as a fantastic starting point for exploring the Instagram-worthy ice caves of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Bayfield, Wisconsin

Nestled in the northernmost part of the state, Bayfield is a quaint lumber and commercial fishing town that has transformed into a favored resort destination, serving as the primary entry point to the breathtaking Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. This remarkable archipelago consists of 21 islands in Lake Superior and boasts rugged hiking trails, stunning lighthouses, and intriguing sea caves. In the warmer months, visitors can enjoy freshwater boating, kayaking, and sailing on Lake Superior, along with the annual Race Week regatta during the week of July 4th. For additional adventures, a quick 25-minute ferry ride leads to Madeline Island, the only Apostle Island excluded from the National Lakeshore. Nearby, you’ll find numerous fresh fruit orchards, and the town itself is home to a variety of eateries that serve dishes made with local ingredients. There are also many bakeries where you can grab items for a picturesque picnic at Big Bay State Park. Afterward, you can explore the park's trails that run along the lake's edge to expend some energy. For more entertainment, there’s the annual Apple Fest on the first weekend of October and concerts at Big Top Chautauqua, a 900-seat canvas tent located on the lakeshore. 

Duluth, Minnesota

Set in a harbor, Duluth comes with unforgettable water vistas and an incredible list of sights and activities with many parks around. Its waterfront Canal Park offers atmospheric strolls and picnics with views of large sea-bound vessels passing through the canal. There are several shops and restaurants in the park, along with departing sightseeing or dinner cruises. The Maritime Visitor Center offers history on the Great Lakes shipping while crossing the picture-worthy landmark of the Aerial Lift Bridge takes one to the five-mile stretch of sandy beaches along Park Point. For the active, there is the Lakewalk that follows the lake's shoreline for over seven miles with recreational opportunities on the way, including the historic Fitger's Brewhouse, Duluth Rose Garden, and Brighton Beach. Families with kids love visiting the harbor-side Great Lakes Aquarium to see and learn about Lake Superior's fish and wildlife. There is also the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, Duluth Children's Museum, and Lake Superior Zoo. The Enger Park comes with a tower to climb for panoramic views, while the trendy Lincoln Park neighborhood is known for great dining and shopping. 

Grand Marais, Minnesota

Nestled on the southern shore of the lake, just below the Canadian border, Grand Marais is a secluded and peaceful village, beautifully surrounded by the Superior National Forest. The town serves as the eastern gateway to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, while its pristine beaches along Lake Superior provide tranquility and solitude, particularly Agate Beach, located north of Main Street, which is famous for its collection of semi-precious agates. With some of the darkest night skies in the country, these beaches are ideal for stargazing or setting up a telescope late into the night. Visitors can enjoy beer and wine tastings at North Shore wineries and breweries, while the former home of William Donahey and his wife Mary, creators of the 1914 comic strip The Teenie Weenies, is now a whimsical Pickle Barrel House Museum. This unique 16-foot-tall, two-story cabin resembles two giant barrels and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Also included is the Inner and Outer Lights lighthouses, located on the west pier at the Grand Marais Harbor of Refuge, which are wonderful to explore and photograph. With a population of just 350, this charming location perched on the hills by the lake offers numerous crowd-free outdoor activities, and Big Springs, Michigan's largest freshwater spring, teeming with trout, is just over an hour away. 

Marquette, Michigan

Marquette, the largest city in Michigan's Upper Peninsula with a population of about 21,000, serves as a key port for iron and ore shipping and hosts Northern Michigan University. It is the regional hub for shopping and dining, and the university's DeVos Art Museum features a permanent collection of over 1,500 artworks by local and regional artists, as well as Japanese art and artifacts. In the summer, visitors can enjoy the exciting 90-minute Historic Marquette Walking Tour led by characters in period costumes, who provide a historical interpretation of local sites. For those interested in history and culture, the Marquette Regional History Center offers a permanent collection that spans from prehistoric copper culture to modern times, complemented by various special exhibits. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, the area is home to historic lighthouses and Presque Isle Park, a 323-acre forested area with views of Lake Superior. The park offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and biking, all set against breathtaking water vistas. Sunset Point is a must-visit spot for spectacular sunsets over the lake. Additionally, visitors can discover the intriguing Little Icebergs at Presque Isle Park, and thrill-seekers can enjoy cliff diving from the Blackrocks, with jumps ranging from 10 to 15 feet into Lake Superior.

Munising, Michigan

Set in the heart of the national forest at the west end of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising acts as the gateway to some of the most spectacular beauty on the Upper Peninsula. The dramatic sandstone cliffs streaked by minerals sit stark against the bare sand dunes that are juxtaposed by waterfalls and inviting beaches along the forested shoreline. Stretching for over 40 miles in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to Grand Marais, it is perfect for exploring via kayaking, with beautiful beaches, lighthouses, picturesque hiking trails, and waterfalls on the way. Comprising a population of 2,500-some residents, the quaint small-town charm is enriched by a restaurant scene serving fresh fish from the lake and cute bakeries selling drool-worthy goods prepared in small batches, such as the Muldoon's Pasties with a porch and picnic tables.

Whitefish Point, Michigan

Marking the entry point to Whitefish Bay, the town juts out into Lake Superior with unmatched vistas over the lake. Known most for its Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, one must see the bell on display from the ship S.S. Edmond Fitzgerald, commemorated by Gordon Lightfoot's song, The Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald. There, one will also get acquainted with the shipwreck history in the area, learn about the life-saving devices, and see the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior. Acting as a migration corridor for birds, the area is a globally Important Bird Area designee, where one can bird-watch and photograph some of the over 340 recorded species of birds from the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory. Moreover, the town is located near one of the best waterfalls east of the Mississippi, the Tahquamenon Falls, just 20 miles southwest of Whitefish Point near Paradise.

These scenic towns set on the shores of Lake Superior are home to beautiful harbors, historic ports, and vibrant centers. A must-visit during summer, one is guaranteed to have a recharging getaway inclusive of endless water fun and sports, along with hiking opportunities inland.