Mark your calendars! Lake Superior Day is back on Sunday, July 20, with a full afternoon of fun, learning, and lake appreciation from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Barker’s Island in Superior, Wisconsin.

Whether you’re a lifelong lake lover or a first-time visitor, this family-friendly celebration is packed with free activities for all ages. Paddleboard on the bay, make your own water-themed puppets, explore science booths, enjoy local food, and connect with the amazing community that treasures this Great Lake.

What’s Happening at Lake Superior Day?

• Free kids’ activities and crafts
• Stand up paddleboarding with North Shore SUP
• Interactive booths with local scientists and freshwater experts
• Half-price tours aboard the historic SS Meteor whaleback ship
• Lake Superior Estuarium open for exploration
• Food vendors serving up local favorites
• Free prize drawings and giveaways

A free shuttle bus will run between the Superior Public Library and Barker’s Island every 30 minutes starting at 11 a.m., making it easy to get to the event without parking stress.

Why Celebrate Lake Superior?

Lake Superior isn’t just a pretty view—it’s a vital natural resource that supports our communities. It’s the cleanest, coldest, and clearest of the Great Lakes and the largest freshwater lake by surface area in the world. From shipping and fishing to recreation and drinking water, Lake Superior plays an essential role in our region’s health and economy.

Every day, over 600,000 people in the Lake Superior basin rely on this incredible lake—and it’s home to countless fish, birds, plants, and animals too. Lake Superior Day is our chance to say thank you.

Accessibility & Location

This outdoor event takes place near the Lake Superior Estuarium (3 Marina Drive, Superior, WI) on grassy areas and paved walkways. Restrooms include accessible portable toilets and indoor single-user restrooms. The shuttle bus is wheelchair accessible with a lift and space for up to three wheelchairs.

The event is free and open to the public. Some optional activities, such as food purchases and SS Meteor tours, have a small cost. For accessibility information or accommodation requests (including free translation services), visit LakeSuperiorNERR.org or contact Luciana Ranelli at 715-399-4085.

More Ways to Get Involved

Start your Lake Superior celebration early with two great events:

Wisconsin Point Stewardship Morning

Saturday, July 19 | 9:30 a.m. – Noon
Join volunteers to help hand-pull invasive spotted knapweed at Wisconsin Point.
Free to attend. Register here.

Paddle for the People – 4K Paddle Race

Sunday, July 20 | Race at 10 a.m. | Check-in: 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Join North Shore SUP for a free, recreational paddle race around Barker’s Island.
Register in advance at duluthsup.com.

Who Makes Lake Superior Day Happen?

Lake Superior Day in Superior is coordinated by the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve, operated by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, in partnership with NOAA and local collaborators including:

• City of Superior
• North Shore SUP
• Paddle it Forward
• University of Wisconsin–Superior
• Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve
• Minnesota Sea Grant
• Douglas County 4-H

Big thanks to local businesses who make the event even more special with donations and support: Barkers Island Inn, Barker’s Island Marina, Duluth Pottery and Tile, Epicurean, Cap’n J’s Mini Golf, and Bluetick Design.

Come for the lake, stay for the fun—and leave inspired to protect one of Earth’s greatest treasures. See you on the island!