View source for Superior, Wisconsin

{{short description|City and county seat of Douglas County, Wisconsin}}
{{About|the city|the adjacent village|Superior (village), Wisconsin|the adjacent town|Superior (town), Wisconsin}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2025}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Superior, Wisconsin
| settlement_type    = [[City]]
| nickname           = Twin Ports (with [[Duluth]])
| motto              =
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
| border             = infobox
| total_width        = 280
| perrow             = 1/2/2
| caption_align      = center
| image1             = Tower Avenue.jpg
| caption1           = Downtown Superior
| image2             = Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, Wisconsin 01.jpg
| caption2           = [[Cathedral of Christ the King (Superior, Wisconsin)|Cathedral of Christ the King]]
| image3             = Swenson Hall at the University of Wisconsin-Superior.jpg
| caption3           = [[University of Wisconsin–Superior]]
| image4             = Cabin deck P7120288.jpg
| caption4           = [[SS Meteor (1896)|SS ''Meteor'' Maritime Museum]]
| image5             = Lighthouse, Wisconsin Point 11 6 20 (50579185716).jpg
| caption5           = [[Wisconsin Point Lighthouse]]
}}
| image_flag         =
| image_seal         =
| image_map          = File:Douglas County Wisconsin Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Superior Highlighted 5578650.svg
| map_caption        = Location in Douglas County, Wisconsin
| pushpin_map        = Wisconsin#USA
| pushpin_label      = Superior
| pushpin_relief     = yes
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = [[United States]]
| subdivision_type1  = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Wisconsin]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of counties in Wisconsin|County]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Douglas County, Wisconsin|Douglas]]
| government_footnotes =
| government_type    =
| leader_title       = Mayor
| leader_name        = Jim Paine
| established_title  = Incorporated
| established_date   = September 6, 1854
| unit_pref          = Imperial
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web |title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_55.txt |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=August 7, 2020 |archive-date=October 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009015452/https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_55.txt |url-status=live }}</ref>
| area_total_km2     = 117.47
| area_land_km2      = 94.85
| area_water_km2     = 22.63
| area_total_sq_mi   = 45.36
| area_land_sq_mi    = 36.62
| area_water_sq_mi   = 8.74
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_ft       =
| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_est     =
| pop_est_as_of      =
| pop_est_footnotes  =
| population_footnotes = <ref name="census.gov">{{Cite web | url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/superiorcitywisconsin,US/PST120219 | title=QuickFacts - Superior city, Wisconsin; United States | publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
| population_total   = 26,751
| population_density_km2 = 273.88
| population_density_sq_mi = 709.35
| timezone           = [[North American Central Time Zone|CST]]
| utc_offset         = −6
| timezone_DST       = CDT
| utc_offset_DST     = −5
| coordinates        = {{coord|46|43|14|N|92|06|14|W|region:US-WI_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP code]]s
| postal_code        = 54880
| area_codes         = [[Area codes 715 and 534|715 and 534]]
| blank1_name        = [[Federal Information Processing Standards|FIPS code]]
| blank1_info        = 55-78650
| website            = {{URL|http://www.ci.superior.wi.us|ci.superior.wi.us}}
}}
'''Superior''' ({{langx|oj|Gete-oodenaang}})<ref>{{cite web |last1=Donovan |first1=Brian R. |title=Key to Ojibwe Place Names |url=https://faculty.bemidjistate.edu/bdonovan/placenames.html |website=faculty.bemidjistate.edu |access-date=July 15, 2022 |archive-date=July 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715211823/https://faculty.bemidjistate.edu/bdonovan/placenames.html |url-status=live }}</ref> is a city in [[Douglas County, Wisconsin]], United States, and its [[county seat]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web |url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=June 7, 2011 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |archive-date=July 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712220218/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> The population was 26,751 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]]. Superior and nearby [[Duluth, Minnesota]], sit at the western tip of [[Lake Superior]] and together form the [[Twin Ports]], a major Great Lakes harbor.

Bordered by Saint Louis, Superior, and Allouez bays, the city is framed by two rivers: the [[Nemadji River|Nemadji]] and the [[Saint Louis River (Lake Superior tributary)|Saint Louis]]. Superior is at the junction of [[U.S. Route 2 in Wisconsin|U.S. Route 2]] and [[U.S. Route 53#Wisconsin|U.S. Route 53]] immediately north of, and adjacent to, both the [[Superior (village), Wisconsin|Village of Superior]] and the [[Superior (town), Wisconsin|Town of Superior]]. It is an industrial city, with ship harbors along two sides, several large rail yards, an oil refinery, and a shipyard. Superior and neighboring Duluth feature [[museum ship]]s ({{SS|William A. Irvin}} in Duluth and {{SS|Meteor|1896|6}} in Superior), devoted to the local maritime heritage. Superior was the final port of call for {{SS|Edmund Fitzgerald}} before her sinking on November 10, 1975.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.shipwreckmuseum.com/edmund-fitzgerald/the-fateful-journey/ |title=Edmund Fitzgerald History, The Fateful Journey |website=Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society |language=en |access-date=April 19, 2020 |archive-date=April 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428073738/https://www.shipwreckmuseum.com/edmund-fitzgerald/the-fateful-journey/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==History==
The first log cabin in Superior was erected in September 1853 on the banks of the [[Nemadji River]], at the same time that ground was broken for construction of the [[Lock (water navigation)|locks]] and ship canal at [[Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan]]. This was intended to allow ships to bypass the rapids at that site. Superior was incorporated as a city on March 25, 1889.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ci.superior.wi.us/57/History-of-Superior |title=History of Superior - Superior, WI - Official Website |website=www.ci.superior.wi.us |access-date=January 8, 2019 |archive-date=January 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110070331/http://www.ci.superior.wi.us/57/History-of-Superior |url-status=live }}</ref> Around the same time Superior became the seat of newly formed Douglas County. Immediately there was eagerness for a railroad from [[Lake Superior]] to the Pacific Coast, and investment flowed in, but then the [[Panic of 1857]] hit, investment slowed, and the population of the new city collapsed from 2500 to 500.<ref name=HABS>{{cite book |last=Lusignan |first=Paul R. |title=Massachusetts Block |publisher=National Park Service - Historical American Buildings Survey |pages=4 |url=http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/wi/wi0200/wi0240/data/wi0240data.pdf |author2=Thomas Hendrickson |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203081323/http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/wi/wi0200/wi0240/data/wi0240data.pdf |archive-date=February 3, 2014}}</ref>

Twenty-five years later the [[Northern Pacific Railway]] and other rail lines finally arrived, fulfilling the dream of a rail and water highway from coast to coast. In 1883 General John H. Hammond formed the Land and River Improvement Company, which developed much of West Superior, including the West Superior Iron and Steel plant. Numerous grain, coal and lumber businesses formed in the same period.<ref name=HABS />

In the Boom Period from 1888 to 1892, Land and River Improvement and others built architect-designed business blocks on Tower Avenue, seeing Superior as the "new Chicago". Many of the investors were from out East, so the buildings received names like the New Jersey Block and the Maryland Block.<ref name=HABS /> By 1892, population was 34,000. Then the [[Panic of 1893]] hit, and development slowed again.<ref name=HABS />

<gallery>
File:Fairlawn Mansion.jpg|[[Fairlawn Mansion]], built by Superior's three-time mayor Martin Pattison for his family in 1891. The 42-room mansion is now a museum.
File:The twin ports-Superior, Wisconsin, Duluth, Minnesota.jpg|1915 panoramic map of the [[Twin Ports]], Superior on the left and [[Duluth]] on the right
File:MinnesotaBlockSuperiorWI.JPG|Minnesota Block (Board of Trade Building), built 1892
</gallery>

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{cvt|55.65|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{cvt|36.96|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{cvt|18.69|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web |title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=November 18, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110220065340/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=February 20, 2011}}</ref> Most of Superior is level, with a gradual slope toward Lake Superior.

=== Climate ===
{{Weather box
|location = Superior, Wisconsin (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1909–present)
|collapsed =
|single line = Y
|Jan record high F = 55
|Feb record high F = 60
|Mar record high F = 80
|Apr record high F = 92
|May record high F = 96
|Jun record high F = 98
|Jul record high F = 105
|Aug record high F = 99
|Sep record high F = 97
|Oct record high F = 89
|Nov record high F = 79
|Dec record high F = 60
|year record high F = 105
|Jan high F = 22.5
|Feb high F = 26.9
|Mar high F = 36.1
|Apr high F = 46.0
|May high F = 57.4
|Jun high F = 67.0
|Jul high F = 76.1
|Aug high F = 74.8
|Sep high F = 66.6
|Oct high F = 53.0
|Nov high F = 39.1
|Dec high F = 27.3
|year high F = 49.4
|Jan mean F = 14.1
|Feb mean F = 18.0
|Mar mean F = 28.5
|Apr mean F = 38.9
|May mean F = 49.1
|Jun mean F = 58.2
|Jul mean F = 67.1
|Aug mean F = 66.4
|Sep mean F = 58.4
|Oct mean F = 45.8
|Nov mean F = 32.4
|Dec mean F = 20.2
|year mean F = 41.4
|Jan low F = 5.8
|Feb low F = 9.1
|Mar low F = 21.0
|Apr low F = 31.8
|May low F = 40.9
|Jun low F = 49.5
|Jul low F = 58.0
|Aug low F = 58.0
|Sep low F = 50.1
|Oct low F = 38.6
|Nov low F = 25.6
|Dec low F = 13.1
|year low F = 33.5
|Jan record low F = −37
|Feb record low F = −38
|Mar record low F = −38
|Apr record low F = -2
|May record low F = 11
|Jun record low F = 25
|Jul record low F = 34
|Aug record low F = 31
|Sep record low F = 19
|Oct record low F = 9
|Nov record low F = −19
|Dec record low F = −32
|year record low F = -38
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 0.81
|Feb precipitation inch = 0.89
|Mar precipitation inch = 1.41
|Apr precipitation inch = 2.64
|May precipitation inch = 3.37
|Jun precipitation inch = 4.56
|Jul precipitation inch = 3.88
|Aug precipitation inch = 3.92
|Sep precipitation inch = 3.39
|Oct precipitation inch = 3.17
|Nov precipitation inch = 2.12
|Dec precipitation inch = 1.29
|year precipitation inch = 31.45
|Jan snow inch = 14.5
|Feb snow inch = 12.4
|Mar snow inch = 9.1
|Apr snow inch = 1.7
|May snow inch = 0.0
|Jun snow inch = 0.0
|Jul snow inch = 0.0
|Aug snow inch = 0.0
|Sep snow inch = 0.0
|Oct snow inch = 0.2
|Nov snow inch = 5.8
|Dec snow inch = 12.3
|year snow inch = 56.0
|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 7.1
|Feb precipitation days = 5.6
|Mar precipitation days = 7.1
|Apr precipitation days = 8.8
|May precipitation days = 11.6
|Jun precipitation days = 11.5
|Jul precipitation days = 10.4
|Aug precipitation days = 9.6
|Sep precipitation days = 9.9
|Oct precipitation days = 9.7
|Nov precipitation days = 8.1
|Dec precipitation days = 7.0
|year precipitation days = 106.4
|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 6.8
|Feb snow days = 5.2
|Mar snow days = 3.7
|Apr snow days = 1.6
|May snow days = 0.0
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.0
|Oct snow days = 0.1
|Nov snow days = 3.1
|Dec snow days = 5.7
|year snow days = 26.2
|source 1 = [[NOAA]]<ref name = nws>{{cite web |url=https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=dlh |title=NowData - NOAA Online Weather Data |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=June 13, 2021 |archive-date=May 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509024006/https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=dlh |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=NCEI>{{cite web |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00478349&format=pdf |title=Station: Superior, WI |work=U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020) |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=June 13, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195132/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00478349&format=pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1890= 11983
|1900= 31091
|1910= 40384
|1920= 39671
|1930= 36133
|1940= 35136
|1950= 35325
|1960= 33563
|1970= 32237
|1980= 29571
|1990= 27134
|2000= 27368
|2010= 27244
|2020= 26751
|estyear=
|estimate=
|estref=
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |title=Census of Population and Housing |author=United States Census Bureau |author-link=United States Census Bureau |access-date=May 29, 2013 |archive-date=July 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701194652/https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br />[[2020 United States census|2020 census]]<ref name="census.gov"/>
}}

===2020 census===
As of the [[2020 United States census|census of 2020]],<ref name="2020-census-5578650">{{cite web |title=2020 Decennial Census: Superior city, Wisconsin |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US5578650&y=2020&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29 |website=data.census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=July 15, 2022 |archive-date=July 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715212004/https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US5578650&y=2020&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20(PL%2094-171) |url-status=live }}</ref> the population was 26,751. The [[population density]] was {{cvt|730.5|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 12,593 housing units at an average density of {{cvt|343.9|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 87.7% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 2.1% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.8% [[Black (U.S. Census)|Black]] or [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.9% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.1% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.6% from [[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|other races]], and 6.7% from two or more races. Ethnically, the population was 2.1% [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race.

===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web |title=U.S. Census website |url=https://www.census.gov/ |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=November 18, 2012 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709054630/https://www.census.gov/ |url-status=live }}</ref> of 2010, there were 27,244 people, 11,670 households, and 6,548 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was {{cvt|737.1|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 12,328 housing units at an average density of {{cvt|333.5|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 91.5% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 1.4% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 2.6% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.2% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.2% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 3.1% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] people of any race were 1.4% of the population.

There were 11,670 households, of which 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.2% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.9% were non-families. 34.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.84.

The median age in the city was 35.4 years. 21.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 13.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26% were from 25 to 44; 25.9% were from 45 to 64; and 13.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.

===2000 census===
As of the [[2000 United States census|2000 census]], there were 27,368 people, 11,609 households, and 6,698 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was 740.9 people per square mile (286.1/km<sup>2</sup>). There were 12,196 housing units at an average density of 330.2 per square mile (127.5/km<sup>2</sup>). The racial makeup of the city was 94.26% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.68% [[African American (U.S. Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 2.23% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.84% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.04% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.26% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.69% from two or more races. 0.83% of the population were [[Hispanic]] or [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Latino]] of any race. 15.8% were of [[germans|German]], 13.6% [[norwegians|Norwegian]], 10.9% [[swedish people|Swedish]], 9.3% [[irish people|Irish]], 7.2% [[Polish people|Polish]], 6.9% [[finns|Finnish]] and 5.3% American ancestry.

There were 11,609 households, out of which 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.3% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.3% were non-families. 34.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.91.

The city's median household income was $31,921, and the median family income was $41,093. Males had a median income of $33,712 versus $22,073 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $17,253. 13.4% of the population and 9.6% of families were below the [[poverty line]]. 16.0% of those under the age of 18 and 7.8% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.7% under the age of 18, 12.9% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 15.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.8 males.

==Economy==
[[File:2009-0617-Superior-DouglasCtyCourt.jpg|thumb|[[Douglas County Courthouse (Wisconsin)|Douglas County Courthouse]]]]

The transportation industry accounts for more than 1,000 jobs. The [[Twin Ports]] of Duluth–Superior, the largest in the [[Great Lakes]], welcomes both domestic and foreign vessels. Bulk solids (such as grain) make up much of the tonnage handled by the port, and the silos of such port facilities are visible on the Superior waterfront. In 2004, the port's busiest year since 1979, more than 41.4 million metric tons were shipped out of the port. [[BNSF Railway]] has an operations hub in Superior.

[[Cenovus Energy]] operates a refinery in Superior.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Upgrading & refining |url=https://www.cenovus.com/Our-operations/Upgrading-and-refining |access-date=March 7, 2023 |website=www.cenovus.com |language=en}}</ref> The refinery is located along a pipeline connecting western Canada and the [[Midwestern United States|Midwest]]. On April 26, 2018, there was an [[2018 Husky Energy Refinery explosion|explosion]] at the refinery. Douglas County issued a state of emergency due to heavy smoke, and then an evacuation order for local residents and workers. There were 20 injuries, and five were taken to hospital in Duluth. No fatalities were reported.

Growing area manufacturers include FenTech, Inc., which manufactures vinyl doors and windows; Charter NEX Films, a producer of plastic films; Genesis Attachments, manufacturer of shears and grapples; [[Amsoil]], a producer of synthetic motor oil and lubricants; and Crane Song Ltd.<ref>[http://www.cranesong.com Crane Song Ltd.]</ref> a manufacturer of discrete Class A electronics for recording studios. Fraser Shipyards also provides many jobs to local residents. They repower and repair commercial vessels.

==Arts and culture==
[[File:2009-0617-Superior-CarnegieLibrary1.jpg|thumb|Superior has both the first and last [[Carnegie library|Carnegie libraries]] built in Wisconsin. The first, pictured, was built in 1901 and served as the main library until 1991.{{Citation needed|date=February 2017}}]]

[[Superior Public Library]] is located in downtown Superior.

Superior City FC, a semi-professional soccer club, compete in the [[United Premier Soccer League]] (UPSL). Founded in 2023, the club supports a Men's UPSL Premier team, a Women's UPSL Premier team, and multiple amateur adult teams. The club plays their home games at the NBC Spartan Sports Complex, located at Superior Senior High School.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 12, 2023 |title=Local athletes flock to Superior City FC |url=https://www.superiortelegram.com/sports/local-athletes-flock-to-superior-city-fc |access-date=August 25, 2023 |website=Superior Telegram |language=en}}</ref>

Every summer, Superior Porchfest<ref>[https://www.superiorporchfest.org Superior Porchfest]</ref> takes place, occurring every two weeks on Thursdays between June and September. This community event features musical performances on the porches of homeowners in various neighborhoods, transforming these spaces into makeshift stages. The lineup typically includes at least three musical acts, with the potential for up to six. Superior Porchfest is organized by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Siggy's Musical Garden.<ref>[https://siggysmusicalgarden.org Siggy's Musical Garden]</ref>

==Parks and recreation==
There are several parks in the city, including the second largest municipal forest in the United States, located in the city's Billings Park neighborhood.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}

==Government==
The current mayor of Superior is Jim Paine, who was first elected in 2017.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kaeding |first1=Danielle |last2=Shalaby |first2=Olivia |last3=White |first3=Marcus |title=Paine to Lead as Superior's Next Mayor |url=https://www.wpr.org/paine-lead-superiors-next-mayor |access-date=November 16, 2021 |publisher=Wisconsin Public Radio |date=April 5, 2017 |archive-date=November 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117054305/https://www.wpr.org/paine-lead-superiors-next-mayor |url-status=live }}</ref> Superior is also governed by a Common Council. The Common Council serves as the legislative branch of the City government, enacting ordinances, resolutions, approving the budget, setting policies and taking other actions as necessary to guide the operations of City government. Nonpartisan elections are held in April of each year, If more than two candidates vie for the same office, a primary will be held the preceding February. A re-organizational meeting is held the third Tuesday in April where the Council President and vice-president are selected.<ref>Superior Wisconsin Website - accessed August 11, 2025, https://www.superiorwi.gov/198/Municipal-Government</ref>

The Common Council is supported by several committees. Committee meetings are open to the public and subject to the open meeting rules. The Committee of the Whole is made up of ten councilors and meets immediately after the 2nd monthly Regular Council Meeting, except in April, when the Council organizes and elects their president and Vice President. There are six standing committees: Committee of the Whole, Finance, Human Resources, License and Fees, Public Safety, and Public Works. Special committees may be established by three-fourths vote of the council. The city has more than 40 Committees and Commissions which are made up of City of Superior residents, elected officials and/or City Staff.<ref>Superior Municipal website - accessed August 11, 2025 - https://www.superiorwi.gov/208/Committee-Meetings</ref>

{{Hidden begin
|titlestyle = background:#ccccff;
|title = Presidential election results
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{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; font-size:95%;"
|+ Presidential election results<ref>{{cite web |title=Ward by Ward Report November 5 2024 election |url=https://elections.wi.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Ward%20by%20Ward%20Report_November%205%202024%20General%20Election_Federal%20and%20State%20Contests.xlsx |website=Wisconsin Elections Commission |publisher=Wisconsin Elections Commission |access-date=December 10, 2024}}</ref>
|- bgcolor=lightgrey
! Year
! [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
! [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
! [[Third party (U.S. politics)|Third parties]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[2024 United States presidential election in Wisconsin|2024]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|39.4% ''5,329''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''58.7%''' ''7,943''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.9% ''328''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Wisconsin, 2020|2020]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|37.9% ''5,083''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''59.6%''' ''7,999''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|2.5% ''328''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Wisconsin, 2016|2016]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|37.4% ''4,642''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''54.9%''' ''6,828''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|7.7% ''956''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Wisconsin, 2012|2012]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|29.6% ''3,783''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''69.0%''' ''8,816''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.4% ''178''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Wisconsin, 2008|2008]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|29.5% ''4,154''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''68.9%''' ''9,711''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.6% ''229''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Wisconsin, 2004|2004]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|30.6% ''4,566''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''68.5%''' ''10,217''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.8% ''125''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Wisconsin, 2000|2000]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|28.2% ''3,687''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''66.1%''' ''8,647''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|5.6% ''738''
|}
{{Hidden end}}

==Education==
[[File:YellowjacketUnion2.jpg|thumb|right|Yellowjacket Union at the [[University of Wisconsin–Superior]]]]

Superior is served by the [[Superior School District]], which has one high school, one middle school, and five elementary schools, with a total enrollment of over 5,000 students. Superior High School enrolls more than 1,500 students. Its mascot is Sparty the Spartan. Over 1,400 students are also enrolled in the Maple School District. Parochial schools include the Catholic Cathedral School, the Protestant-based Maranatha Academy and Twin Ports Baptist School.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.superiorchamber.org/visitor/index.asp |title=Visitor Information<!-- Bot generated title --> |website=superiorchamber.org |access-date=November 30, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061201192757/http://www.superiorchamber.org/visitor/index.asp |archive-date=December 1, 2006 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The [[University of Wisconsin–Superior]] (UWS) is a public liberal arts college. Originally opened as a state Normal School (teacher's college), UWS became part of the [[University of Wisconsin System]] in 1971.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.uwsuper.edu/aboutuwsuperior/history/ | title=The History of UW-Superior |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206045707/http://www.uwsuper.edu/aboutuwsuperior/history/ | archive-date=February 6, 2007 }}</ref>

[[Northwood Technical College]] (formerly WITC) offers skill development and technical education, with an enrollment of over 2,200.

==Media==
===Print media===
* The ''Superior Telegram'', local twice-weekly print newspaper<ref>{{Cite web |last=Panzer |first=Joseph |date=April 25, 2024 |title=A news desert in Douglas County leaves residents without local coverage |url=https://www.dailycardinal.com/article/2024/04/a-news-desert-in-douglas-county-leaves-residents-without-local-coverage |access-date=April 26, 2024 |website=The Daily Cardinal |language=en}}</ref>
* ''[[The Superior Catholic Herald]]'', published by the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Superior]]
* ''Positively Superior''<ref>[https://positivelysuperior.com ''Positively Superior'']</ref> a bi-monthly business-to-business magazine that focuses exclusively on Superior and Douglas County

===Radio===
Superior is part of the Duluth radio and television market.
* [[KDKE]] 102.5 FM – classic [[Country music|Country]]
* [[KUWS]] 91.3 FM – Ideas network of [[Wisconsin Public Radio]]
* [[WDSM]] 710 AM – News Talk Information
* [[WDUL]] 970 AM – Sports
* [[WGHF-LP]] 93.7 FM – Superior Seventh-Day Adventist Church
* [[WSSU (FM)]] 88.5 FM – WPR News & Classical

===Television===
* 6 [[KBJR-TV]] (NBC/CBS) – Superior
* 3 [[KDLH]] (The CW) – Duluth
* 8 [[WDSE (TV)|WDSE]] (PBS) – Duluth
* 10 [[WDIO-DT]] (ABC) – Duluth
* 21 [[KQDS-TV|KQDS]] (Fox) – Duluth
* 27 [[KCWV]] (Family Chanel) – Duluth

==Transportation==
===Highways===
The following routes are located within the city of Superior.
* [[Image:I-535.svg|24px]] [[Interstate 535]] – John Blatnik Bridge
* [[Image:US 2.svg|20px]] [[U.S. Route 2 in Wisconsin|U.S. Highway 2]] – Belknap Street(western portion) E. 2nd Street/US Highway 53 (eastern portion)
* [[Image:US 53.svg|20px]] [[U.S. Route 53#Wisconsin|U.S. Highway 53]]
* [[Image:WIS 35.svg|20px]] [[Wisconsin Highway 35]] – Tower Avenue
* [[Image:WIS 105.svg|20px]] [[Wisconsin Highway 105]] – Central Avenue
* [[Minnesota State Highway 39]] runs from its intersection with State Highway 23 (Commonwealth Avenue) in Duluth and continues east to its eastern terminus at the Wisconsin state line (at the Oliver Bridge), where it becomes Wisconsin Highway 105 upon entering the village of Oliver, Wisconsin.

===Airport===
[[Richard I. Bong Airport]] (KSUW) serves the city and surrounding communities. [[Duluth International Airport]] in Duluth is the nearest commercial airport, with service on three commercial and two cargo airlines, as of December 2018.

===Bus===
The [[Duluth Transit Authority]] provides Superior and nearby Duluth with fixed-route and dial-a-ride public bus service. Intercity bus service to the city is provided by [[Indian Trails]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiantrails.com/sites/default/files/media/Documents/1491_June2023.pdf|title=Indian Trails Schedule 1491|access-date=July 20, 2023}}</ref>

===Rail===
{{Main|Northern Lights Express}}
A proposed [[Amtrak]] route running between [[Duluth, Minnesota|Duluth]] and the [[Twin Cities]] had a planned stop in Superior.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Glischinski |first=Steve |date=May 22, 2023 |title=Minnesota legislature approves funding for Northern Lights Express passenger service |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/minnesota-legislature-approves-funding-for-northern-lights-express-passenger-service/ |access-date=October 22, 2025 |work=[[Trains (magazine)|Trains]]}}</ref> In 2025, a significant portion of the funding was reallocated for the proposed rail line, with lawmakers implying the project will no longer go forward.<ref>Thompson, Howard. "MN Lawmakers Pull Funding from Northern Lights Express Train to Duluth." FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul, May 18, 2025, https://www.fox9.com/news/mn-lawmakers-pull-funding-northern-lights-express-train-duluth.</ref>

==Religion==
Superior is the [[episcopal see]] of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Superior]], and the [[Cathedral of Christ the King (Superior, Wisconsin)|Cathedral of Christ the King]] in Superior is the mother church of the diocese. Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, located in the East End of Superior, has been noted for its architecture. Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church is the only congregation of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod located in Superior. It recently moved from its original location on Belknap Street to a new campus on North 28th Street. Pilgrim Lutheran Church is located along Belknap Street near the University of Wisconsin–Superior. United Presbyterian Church represents the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. as a merger of three churches in a new church building. Faith United Methodist Church is the result of a merger of the city's original three Methodist Churches: First, Central and Trinity. Many small churches dot the city's neighborhoods, representing most major denominations.

==Notable people==<!--consensus reached to standardize this heading per WP:WikiProject Cities/US Guideline -->
{{div col}}
* [[James H. Agen]], Wisconsin state representative<ref>'Wisconsin Blue Book 1897,' Biographical Sketch of James Herman Agen, pg. 676-677</ref>
* [[Wallace W. Andrew]], Wisconsin state representative<ref>'Wisconsin Blue Book 1905,' Biographical Sketch of Wallace W. Andrew, pg. 1096</ref>
* [[Morrie Arnovich]], [[MLB]] All-Star outfielder<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=arnovmo01 |title=Morrie Arnovich Stats |publisher=Baseball Almanac |access-date=December 21, 2012 |archive-date=February 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130214164115/http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=arnovmo01 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Dave Bancroft]], [[MLB]] player and manager, member of the [[National Baseball Hall of Fame]]
* [[David Francis Barry]], photographer of the American West
* [[David L. Bazelon]], judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals
* [[Kris Benson]], [[Major League Baseball]] player<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bensokr01 |title=Kris Benson Stats |publisher=Baseball Almanac |access-date=December 21, 2012 |archive-date=November 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121126022038/http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bensokr01 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Niko Bogojevic]], professional wrestler for [[WWE]]
* [[Richard Bong]], [[Medal of Honor]] recipient and top flying ace of the U.S. in [[World War II]]
* [[C.A. Bottolfsen]], [[List of Governors of Idaho|17th and 19th governor of Idaho]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nga.org/cms/home/governors/past-governors-bios/page_idaho/col2-content/main-content-list/title_bottolfsen_clarence.html |title=Editing C. A. Bottolfsen |publisher=National Governors Association |access-date=September 19, 2012 |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105164355/http://www.nga.org/cms/home/governors/past-governors-bios/page_idaho/col2-content/main-content-list/title_bottolfsen_clarence.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Charles J. Bouchard]], Wisconsin state representative
* [[Dave Bronson]], mayor of [[Anchorage, Alaska]]
* [[Esther Bubley]], photographer
* [[Anthony Bukoski]], short story writer
* [[Solanus Casey]], priest and a "blessed" of the Catholic Church
* [[Carl Cashion]], [[MLB]] player
* [[Agnes Charbonneau]], Wisconsin state representative<ref>'Wisconsin Blue Book 1931,' Biographical Sketch of Agnes Charbonneau pg. 218</ref>
* [[Frank Christopherson Jr.]], Wisconsin state representative<ref>'Wisconsin Blue Book 1966,' Biographical Sketch of Frank W. Christopherson, pg. 29</ref>
* [[Paul Clemens (United States Army)|Paul Clemens]], [[U.S. Army]] general
* [[Charles H. Crownhart]], justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court
* [[Albert W. Durley]], Wisconsin state representative and lawyer<ref>'Wisconsin Blue Book 1907,' Biographical Sketch of Paul W. Durley, pg. 1147</ref>
* [[Russ Ennis]], [[MLB]] player
* [[Ernest R. Feidler]], U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral and Judge Advocate General, Secretary of the [[National Gallery of Art]]
* [[Daniel R. Fitzpatrick]], editorial cartoonist
* [[William R. Foley]], Wisconsin state representative
* [[James B. French]], Wisconsin state representative
* [[Philip Gannon (Wisconsin politician)|Philip Gannon]], Wisconsin state representative
* [[Bud Grant]], head coach of the [[Minnesota Vikings]] from 1967 to 1983; 1985, member of the [[Canadian Football Hall of Fame]] and [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]
* [[Lawrence M. Hagen]], Wisconsin state representative
* [[Ogden H. Hammond]], diplomat and New Jersey politician
* [[Christine Hoberg]], singer-songwriter and music producer
* [[William E. Hoehle]], Wisconsin state representative
* [[George Hudnall]], Wisconsin state senator
* [[Eastman Johnson]], artist, co-founder of the [[Metropolitan Museum of Art]]
* [[Doc Kelley]], [[NFL]] player
* [[Bill LaBounty]], songwriter and musician{{citation needed|date=May 2016}}
* [[Tuffy Leemans]], [[NFL]] player, member of the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]
* [[Irvine L. Lenroot]], U.S. representative, U.S. senator, and judge of the U.S. Court of Customs and Patents Appeals
* [[Victor Linley]], Wisconsin state senator
* [[Robert J. MacDonald]], [[Michigan]] state senator
* [[James S. Mace]], Wisconsin state representative
* [[Gordon MacQuarrie]], journalist and outdoors writer
* [[Bruce Mathison]], NFL player
* [[Edgar G. Mills]], Wisconsin state representative and senator
* [[Thomas Brooks Mills]], Wisconsin politician
* [[Thomas B. Murray]], Wisconsin state representative
* [[Ernie Nevers]], member of both College and Pro Football Halls of Fame
* [[Marian Nixon]], actress
* [[Ray J. Nye]], Wisconsin state senator
* [[Scott O'Brien]], special teams coordinator of the [[New England Patriots]]
* [[Bob Olson]], football player
* [[Byron C. Ostby]], Wisconsin state representative
* [[Dave Peterson (ice hockey)|Dave Peterson]], coach of the United States men's national ice hockey team<ref>{{cite news|title=1988 Calgary Winter Olympics: Steady as he goes, this isn't the Dave Peterson show|last=Weiner|first=Jay|date=February 7, 1988|newspaper=[[Star Tribune]]|location=Minneapolis, Minnesota|page=1P|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/119340301/peterson-1988/}}; {{cite news|title=Peterson (continued)|last=Weiner|first=Jay|date=February 7, 1988|newspaper=[[Star Tribune]]|location=Minneapolis, Minnesota|page=10P|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/119340031/peterson-1988/}}</ref>
* [[Angus B. Rothwell]], Superintendent of Public Instruction of Wisconsin
* [[Augustine Francis Schinner]], bishop of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Superior]] and [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Spokane]]
* [[Lewis B. Schwellenbach]], U.S. Secretary of Labor
* [[Frank D. Sheahan]], Wisconsin state representative<ref>'Wisconsin Blue Book 1946,' Biographical Sketch of Frank D. Sheahan, pg. 43</ref>
* [[Mike Sislo]], [[NHL]] player
* [[Henry Clay Sloan]], Wisconsin state representative<ref>{{cite web |url=http://genealogytrails.com/wis/outagamie/bios_se.htm |title=Outagamie County Wisconsin Biographies |website=genealogytrails.com |access-date=December 5, 2015 |archive-date=January 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123152724/http://genealogytrails.com/wis/outagamie/bios_se.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Edward Stack (Wisconsin politician)|Edward Stack]], Wisconsin state representative
* [[James S. Stack]], Wisconsin state representative
* [[Don Stivers]], artist
* [[Doug Sutherland (American football)|Doug Sutherland]], [[NFL]] player
* [[Tarzan Taylor]], [[NFL]] player
* [[David Tipton (defensive tackle)|David Tipton]], [[NFL]] player
* [[Leonard Patrick Walsh]], United States District Court judge in Washington, D.C.
* [[Albert D. Whealdon]], Wisconsin state representative
* [[Jarvis White]], Wisconsin state representative
* [[Jeffrey Williams (astronaut)|Jeffrey Williams]], [[NASA]] astronaut
* [[Oliver E. Williamson]], winner of the 2009 [[Nobel Prize]] in economics
* [[F. A. Woodward]], Superior mayor, Arizona state senator
{{div col end}}

==See also==
* [[Richard I. Bong Memorial Bridge]]
* [[John A. Blatnik Bridge]]
* [[Lakehead Pipeline]]

==References==

{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* Bartlett, Elizabeth Ann. ''Making Waves: Grassroots Feminism in Duluth and Superior'' (Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2016). xvi, 325 pp.

==External links==
{{Commons category|Superior, Wisconsin}}
* [http://www.ci.superior.wi.us/ Superior, Wisconsin government website]

{{Duluth, Minnesota}}
{{Douglas County, Wisconsin}}
{{Wisconsin}}
{{Wisconsin county seats}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Superior, Wisconsin| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:County seats in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Cities in Douglas County, Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Wisconsin populated places on Lake Superior]]
[[Category:Inland port cities and towns in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1853]]
[[Category:1853 establishments in Wisconsin]]