Superior (/sʊˈpɪr.i.ər/; Ojibwe: Gete-oodenaang)[3] is a city in, and the county seat of, Douglas County, Wisconsin, United States.[4] The population was 26,751 at the 2020 census. Located at the western end of Lake Superior in northwestern Wisconsin, the city lies at the junction of U.S. Route 2 and U.S. Route 53 immediately north of, and adjacent to, both the Village of Superior and the Town of Superior.
Superior, Wisconsin
Gete-oodenaang (Ojibwe)
| |
|---|---|
Downtown Superior
| |
| Nickname:
Twin Ports (with Duluth)
| |
Location of the city of Superior
in Douglas County, Wisconsin | |
  Superior Show map of Wisconsin  Superior Show map of the United States | |
| Coordinates: 46°43′14″N 92°06′14″W / 46.72056°N 92.10389°W / 46.72056; -92.10389 | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Wisconsin |
| County | Douglas |
| Incorporated | September 6, 1854 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Jim Paine |
| Area | |
| • Total | 45.36 sq mi (117.47 km2) |
| • Land | 36.62 sq mi (94.85 km2) |
| • Water | 8.74 sq mi (22.63 km2) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 26,751 |
| • Density | 709.35/sq mi (273.88/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| ZIP codes |
54880
|
| Area code(s) | 715 and 534 |
| FIPS code | 55-78650 |
| Website | ci.superior.wi.us |
Bordered by Saint Louis, Superior, and Allouez bays, the city is framed by two rivers: the Nemadji and the Saint Louis. Superior and the neighboring city across the bay, Duluth, Minnesota, form a single metropolitan area called the Twin Ports. They share a harbor that is one of the most important ports on the Great Lakes. Both cities feature museum ships (SS William A. Irvin in Duluth and SS Meteor 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.[5] It is an industrial city, with ship harbors along two sides, several large rail yards, an oil refinery, and shipyard.
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 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.[6] 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.[7]
25 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.[7]
In the Boom Period from 1888 to 1892, Land and River Improvement and others built impressive 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.[7] By 1892, population was 34,000. Then the Panic of 1893 hit, and development slowed again.[7]
Between 1890 and 1920, the city was heavily settled by migrants from the eastern United States as well as immigrants from over 15 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Poland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Hungary, and Croatia.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 55.65 sq mi (144.13 km2), of which, 36.96 sq mi (95.73 km2) is land and 18.69 sq mi (48.41 km2) is water.[8] Most of Superior is level with a gradual slope toward Lake Superior.
| Climate data for Superior, Wisconsin (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1909–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 55 (13) |
60 (16) |
80 (27) |
92 (33) |
96 (36) |
98 (37) |
105 (41) |
99 (37) |
97 (36) |
89 (32) |
79 (26) |
60 (16) |
105 (41) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 22.5 (−5.3) |
26.9 (−2.8) |
36.1 (2.3) |
46.0 (7.8) |
57.4 (14.1) |
67.0 (19.4) |
76.1 (24.5) |
74.8 (23.8) |
66.6 (19.2) |
53.0 (11.7) |
39.1 (3.9) |
27.3 (−2.6) |
49.4 (9.7) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 14.1 (−9.9) |
18.0 (−7.8) |
28.5 (−1.9) |
38.9 (3.8) |
49.1 (9.5) |
58.2 (14.6) |
67.1 (19.5) |
66.4 (19.1) |
58.4 (14.7) |
45.8 (7.7) |
32.4 (0.2) |
20.2 (−6.6) |
41.4 (5.2) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 5.8 (−14.6) |
9.1 (−12.7) |
21.0 (−6.1) |
31.8 (−0.1) |
40.9 (4.9) |
49.5 (9.7) |
58.0 (14.4) |
58.0 (14.4) |
50.1 (10.1) |
38.6 (3.7) |
25.6 (−3.6) |
13.1 (−10.5) |
33.5 (0.8) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −37 (−38) |
−38 (−39) |
−38 (−39) |
−2 (−19) |
11 (−12) |
25 (−4) |
34 (1) |
31 (−1) |
19 (−7) |
9 (−13) |
−19 (−28) |
−32 (−36) |
−38 (−39) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 0.81 (21) |
0.89 (23) |
1.41 (36) |
2.64 (67) |
3.37 (86) |
4.56 (116) |
3.88 (99) |
3.92 (100) |
3.39 (86) |
3.17 (81) |
2.12 (54) |
1.29 (33) |
31.45 (799) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 14.5 (37) |
12.4 (31) |
9.1 (23) |
1.7 (4.3) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.2 (0.51) |
5.8 (15) |
12.3 (31) |
56.0 (142) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 7.1 | 5.6 | 7.1 | 8.8 | 11.6 | 11.5 | 10.4 | 9.6 | 9.9 | 9.7 | 8.1 | 7.0 | 106.4 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 6.8 | 5.2 | 3.7 | 1.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 3.1 | 5.7 | 26.2 |
| Source: NOAA[9][10] | |||||||||||||
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1890 | 11,983 | — | |
| 1900 | 31,091 | 159.5% | |
| 1910 | 40,384 | 29.9% | |
| 1920 | 39,671 | −1.8% | |
| 1930 | 36,133 | −8.9% | |
| 1940 | 35,136 | −2.8% | |
| 1950 | 35,325 | 0.5% | |
| 1960 | 33,563 | −5.0% | |
| 1970 | 32,237 | −4.0% | |
| 1980 | 29,571 | −8.3% | |
| 1990 | 27,134 | −8.2% | |
| 2000 | 27,368 | 0.9% | |
| 2010 | 27,244 | −0.5% | |
| 2020 | 26,751 | −1.8% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[11] 2020 census[2] | |||
As of the census of 2020,[12] the population was 26,751. The population density was 730.5/sq mi (282.0/km2). There were 12,593 housing units at an average density of 343.9/sq mi (132.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 87.7% White, 2.1% Native American, 1.8% BlackorAfrican American, 0.9% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.6% from other races, and 6.7% from two or more races. Ethnically, the population was 2.1% HispanicorLatino of any race.
As of the census[13] of 2010, there were 27,244 people, 11,670 households, and 6,548 families residing in the city. The population density was 737.1/sq mi (284.6/km2). There were 12,328 housing units at an average density of 333.5/sq mi (128.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 91.5% White, 1.4% African American, 2.6% Native American, 1.2% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 3.1% from two or more races. HispanicorLatino 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 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.
As of the 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/km2). There were 12,196 housing units at an average density of 330.2 per square mile (127.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 94.26% White, 0.68% BlackorAfrican American, 2.23% Native American, 0.84% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.26% from other races, and 1.69% from two or more races. 0.83% of the population were HispanicorLatino of any race. 15.8% were of German, 13.6% Norwegian, 10.9% Swedish, 9.3% Irish, 7.2% Polish, 6.9% 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 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.
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.[14] The refinery is located along a pipeline connecting western Canada and the Midwest. On April 26, 2018, there was an 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., 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.
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.[15]
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]
The current mayor of Superior is Jim Paine, who was first elected in 2017.[16]
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third parties |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 37.9% 5,083 | 59.6% 7,999 | 2.5% 328 |
| 2016 | 37.4% 4,642 | 54.9% 6,828 | 7.7% 956 |
| 2012 | 29.6% 3,783 | 69.0% 8,816 | 1.4% 178 |
| 2008 | 29.5% 4,154 | 68.9% 9,711 | 1.6% 229 |
| 2004 | 30.6% 4,566 | 68.5% 10,217 | 0.8% 125 |
| 2000 | 28.2% 3,687 | 66.1% 8,647 | 5.6% 738 |
Superior is served by the Superior School District, which has one high school, one middle school, and six 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.[18]
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.[19]
Northwood Technical College (formerly WITC) offers skill development and technical education, with an enrollment of over 2,200.
Superior is part of the Duluth radio and television market.
The following routes are located within the city of Superior.
Interstate 535 – John Blatnik Bridge
U.S. Highway 2 – Belknap Street(western portion) E. 2nd Street/US Highway 53 (eastern portion)
U.S. Highway 53
Wisconsin Highway 35 – Tower Avenue
Wisconsin Highway 105 – Central AvenueRichard 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.
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.[21]
A proposed Amtrak route running between Duluth and the Twin Cities has a planned stop in Superior and is the final stop before arriving in Duluth or the first stop after departing from Duluth. Previously, Superior was served by passenger rail until 1984 at the Superior Union Station.
Superior is the episcopal see of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Superior, and the 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.
