River Rovers
2025-07-02 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-09 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-16 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Lake Superior Estuarium, 3 Marina Drive, Superior, WI, 54880, United States
Join us outdoors on Wednesdays in the summer from 10:00 am -12:00 pm for River Rovers. River Rovers is a free nature playgroup for children ages 3-7, with a different theme each week. Expect caring educators, story time, snacks, outdoor activities and more.

Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian/trusted adult for the duration of their involvement in the programming. This event is best suited for families or small groups — no large school or summer-camp groups. For questions, can contact Estuary Educator Lauryn Cartee via phone at 715-399-4090 or via email at lauryn.cartee@wisc.edu.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

Is there anything else we should know to help ensure a positive experience for you and/or the youth you’re bringing? You may request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, more information, or other services to make this program more accessible, by contacting Lauryn Cartee via email at Lauryn.Cartee@wisc.edu or Ryan Feldbrugge via phone at 715-399-4090. Contact Lauryn or Ryan as soon as possible. Ideally requests come 20 business days before the program occurs to ensure a match with services, but we know that timing is difficult with the drop-in nature of River Rovers. Feel free to contact Lauryn or Ryan to learn more about the program and its set-up, and to see what we can arrange. There’s no added cost to you for these services.

River Rovers Dates 2025June 25 — What is a River?July 2 — WeatherJuly 9 — Eggs and NestsJuly 16 — CamouflageJuly 23 — Urban ExplorationJuly 30 — Plants** NO River Rovers August 7**August 13 — seasonal topic to be determined!

Latest event details on Facebook

Lake Superior Day 2025
2025-07-20 11:00 - 15:00 | WI
Celebrate the Greatest Lake July 20th on Barker’s Island in Superior, Wisconsin

Join us on Barker’s Island in Superior to relax, play, and learn in celebration and appreciation of the Greatest Lake.

Enjoy for free:

Interactive activities, games, and learning opportunities for kids, adults, and families all focused on learning about and appreciating this Great Lake

Visit the Lake Superior Estuarium

Stand-up paddleboarding (try it out!) from noon-3pm

Prizes donated from local businesses

Bus running between Superior Public Library and the event

Food and Tours:

Superior Cubans

Sweeden Sweets

Half price guided tours on the SS Meteor Whaleback Ship starting at 10:30am. Last tour departs at 1:30 pm. Reserve your tour time online: www.superiorpublicmuseums.org. Exhibit space also open 10:30-1:30…come explore inside the ship!

Bus Information:

Catch the free bus in the main parking lot at the Superior Public Library (1530 Tower Avenue). The bus is a school bus from Voyageur Bus Company with steps for entry, a wheelchair lift, 3 wheelchair spots and room for 25 people on bus seats.

The schedule below is a best estimate. The bus should be ready for passengers 10-15 minutes before departure time. For example, people can load the bus at the library starting at 10:45am to be ready for the 11:00 departure.

FROM LIBRARY to eventFROM EVENT to library11:0011:3012:00 noon12:301:001:302:0011:1511:4512:1512:451:151:452:153:00

Ready to leave Lake Superior Day? Meet the bus in front of the red building, the Lake Superior Estuarium.

EXTEND THE FUN WITH CONNECTED EVENTS

Wisconsin Point Spotted Knapweed Pull at Wisconsin Point

Saturday, July 19, 9:30am – 12 noon (note this is the day before the big event) Meet at Wisconsin Point Lot 5

To kick off a weekend of celebrating Lake Superior, join us for a morning of stewardship on Wisconsin Point! We will be hand-pulling some of the non-local Spotted Knapweed plants that have spread around the parking lot. To learn more and sign up, visit this page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spotted-knapweed-pull-at-wisconsin-point-tickets-1373285165899.

Paddle for the People

Sunday, July 20

North Shore Stand Up Paddleboarding hosts the eighth annual Paddle for the People 4K recreational paddle race around Barker’s Island. The free race begins at 10 a.m. with mandatory check in from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. (Register online at duluthsup.com. Registration is limited.)

SPONSORS

This year’s Lake Superior Day event 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 the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the following partners: the City of Superior, North Shore SUP, Paddle it Forward, University of Wisconsin-Superior, The Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve, Minnesota Sea Grant, and Douglas County 4-H. Thank you to businesses that support the event through logistics or donations to the free prize drawing: Barkers Island Inn, Barker’s Island Marina, Duluth Pottery and Tile, Epicurean, Cap’n J’s Mini Golf, Bluetick Design, and more to come.

HISTORY OF LAKE SUPERIOR DAY

Lake Superior Day was started in the early 1990s to highlight the importance of this great water body to the basin’s environment and economy. This year’s event is coordinated by the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve operated by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Reserve encompasses over 16,000 acres along the St. Louis River freshwater estuary. Come enjoy the festivities in appreciation of the lake!

Lake Superior Day was started in the early 1990s to highlight the importance of this great water body to the basin’s environment and economy. Now it is held every 3rd Sunday in July. This year’s event 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 the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the following partners: the City of Superior, University of Wisconsin-Superior, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, The Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve, North Shore SUP and Wisconsin Sea Grant. The Reserve encompasses over 16,000 acres along the St. Louis River freshwater estuary. Come enjoy the festivities in appreciation of the lake!

ABOUT LAKE SUPERIOR

Lake Superior is the cleanest, coldest, and clearest of the Great Lakes. The largest lake by surface area in the world, it fuels our local shipping, commercial fishing, and recreational industries while providing clean drinking water. Every day, each of the 600,000 human residents of the Lake Superior basin use water from the lake for drinking, home use, industrial use, or recreation. The lake is essential for countless fish, birds, animals, and plants.

MORE EVENT INFORMATION

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

You may request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, or other services to make this event more accessible, by contacting Ryan Feldbrugge via email at Ryan.Feldbrugge@wisc.edu or phone call 715-399-4090. Contact Ryan as soon as possible, ideally by July 7, 2025. Even if it’s after July 7, feel free to contact Ryan to learn more about the event and its set-up, and to see what we can arrange. There’s no added cost to you for these services.

River Rovers
2025-07-23 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-30 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Lake Superior Estuarium, 3 Marina Drive, Superior, WI, 54880, United States
Join us outdoors on Wednesdays in the summer from 10:00 am -12:00 pm for River Rovers. River Rovers is a free nature playgroup for children ages 3-7, with a different theme each week. Expect caring educators, story time, snacks, outdoor activities and more.

Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian/trusted adult for the duration of their involvement in the programming. This event is best suited for families or small groups — no large school or summer-camp groups. For questions, can contact Estuary Educator Lauryn Cartee via phone at 715-399-4090 or via email at lauryn.cartee@wisc.edu.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

Is there anything else we should know to help ensure a positive experience for you and/or the youth you’re bringing? You may request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, more information, or other services to make this program more accessible, by contacting Lauryn Cartee via email at Lauryn.Cartee@wisc.edu or Ryan Feldbrugge via phone at 715-399-4090. Contact Lauryn or Ryan as soon as possible. Ideally requests come 20 business days before the program occurs to ensure a match with services, but we know that timing is difficult with the drop-in nature of River Rovers. Feel free to contact Lauryn or Ryan to learn more about the program and its set-up, and to see what we can arrange. There’s no added cost to you for these services.

Latest event details on Facebook

Learning from Ishkode (f i r e): A Celebration and Exhibit Opening
2026-03-27 17:00 - 19:30 | Lake Superior Estuarium, 3 Marina Drive, Superior, WI, 54880, United States
Join us at the Lake Superior Estuarium for the opening of a NEW exhibit that shares the history and importance of Ojibwe cultural fire – Ishkode – at Wisconsin and Minnesota Points.

5:00-6:30pm Open house with light snacks6:30-7:30 Celebration and roundtable discussionLearn about the collaborative work to revitalize Ishkode in the coastal forests of Wisconsin and Minnesota Points with the people who are leading the way.

This dynamic new feature in the Estuarium emerged from the research project Nimaawanji’idimin Giiwitaashkodeng (we are all gathered around the fire), led by Dr. Evan Larson and Nisogaabokwe Melonee Montano and their team, and funded by Wisconsin Sea Grant.

River Rovers
2026-06-24 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-01 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-15 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-22 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-29 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-12 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Lake Superior Estuarium, 3 Marina Drive, Superior, WI, 54880, United States
Join us outdoors on Wednesdays in the summer at the Lake Superior Estuarium from 10:00 am -12:00 pm for River Rovers! River Rovers is a FREE nature playgroup for children ages 3-7 with a different theme each week. You can expect caring educators, story time, snacks, outdoor activities, and more. Check out our Facebook for updates on weekly themes: https://www.facebook.com/lakesuperiorreserve/.

Children MUST be accompanied by a parent/guardian/trusted adult for the duration of their involvement in the programming. This event is best suited for families or small groups – please no large school or summer camp groups!

For questions about the program, please contact Christian Cutsforth, Estuary Educator, via phone at 715-399-4090 or email ccutsforth@wisc.edu

Activities are designed with access in mind. You may request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, more information, or other services to make this program more accessible. Contact Luciana.Ranelli@wisc.edu or 715-399-4085 ideally two weeks before each program. Please reach out even after that and we’ll see what we can do. Services are provided at no cost to you.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

Lake Superior Day 2026
2026-07-19 11:00 - 15:00 | WI
Lake Superior Day is CANCELED as a precautionary measure in response to local air quality forecasts.

The Spotted Knapweed pull on Saturday July 18 and the Paddle for the People on Sunday July 19 are also canceled.

The Air Quality Index is projected to be between ‘unhealthy’ and ‘hazardous’ through today and the weekend for Superior and the surrounding area. Because the event and preparations for it are primarily outdoors, we need to keep staff, volunteers, event collaborators, and attendees safe. We are sad to cancel this opportunity to connect and learn in person about Lake Superior and local freshwater. Thank you for understanding and please stay safe!

Celebrate the Greatest Lake July 19th on Barker’s Island in Superior, Wisconsin

Join us on Barker’s Island in Superior to relax, play, and learn in celebration and appreciation of the Greatest Lake.

Enjoy for free:

Interactive activities, games, and learning opportunities for kids, adults, and families all focused on learning about and appreciating this Great Lake

Visit the Lake Superior Estuarium

Stand-up paddleboarding (try it out!) from noon-3pm

Prizes donated from local businesses

Bus running between Superior Public Library and the event

Food, Market, and Tours:

Twin Ports Community Market (New in 2026!)

Superior Cubans

Bus Information:

Stay tuned!

Catch the free bus in the main parking lot at the Superior Public Library (1530 Tower Avenue). The library is a central location on multiple bus routes. We encourage even car drivers to park at the library and take the bus to Lake Superior Day, saving closer event parking for those who need it.

The bus is a school bus from Voyageur Bus Company with steps for entry, a wheelchair lift, 3 wheelchair spots and room for 25 people on bus seats.

The schedule below is a best estimate. The bus should be ready for passengers 10-15 minutes before departure time. For example, people can load the bus at the library starting at 10:30 am to be ready for the 10:45 departure.

FROM LIBRARY to eventFROM EVENT to library10:4511:1511:4512:1512:451:151:4511:3012:00 noon12:301:001:302:002:303:003:15

Ready to leave Lake Superior Day? Meet the bus at the end of the rain garden sidewalk, opposite the red building (the Lake Superior Estuarium).

EXTEND THE FUN WITH CONNECTED EVENTS

Wisconsin Point Spotted Knapweed Pull at Wisconsin Point

>>The Spotted Knapweed pull is also CANCELED as a precautionary measure in response to local air quality forecasts. The event organizers will reach out to participants who have signed up to let them know about the cancellation.

Saturday, July 18, 9:30am – 12 noon (note this is the day before the big event) Meet at Wisconsin Point Lot 5

To kick off a weekend of celebrating Lake Superior, join us for a morning of stewardship on Wisconsin Point! We will be hand-pulling some of the non-local Spotted Knapweed plants that have spread around the parking lot. To learn more and sign up, visit this page: Information and registration for the Spotted Knapweed Pull.

Paddle for the People

>>The Paddle for the People is also CANCELED as a precautionary measure in response to local air quality forecasts.

Sunday, July 19

North Shore Stand Up Paddleboarding hosts the eighth annual Paddle for the People 4K recreational paddle race around Barker’s Island. The free race begins at 10 a.m. with mandatory check in from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. (Register online at duluthsup.com. Registration is limited.)

SPONSORS

This year’s Lake Superior Day event 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 the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the following partners: the City of Superior, North Shore SUP, Paddle it Forward, University of Wisconsin-Superior, The Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve, Minnesota Sea Grant, and Douglas County 4-H. The event is graciously sponsored by the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program.

Thank you to businesses that support the event through donations to the free prize drawing: Twin Ports Market, Epicurean, Bong Center, Superior Historic Properties, Whole Foods Co-Op, Carla Brink, Love Creamery, Wren Works, Lake Superior Zoo, Lake Superior Mississippi Railroad, and more to come.

HISTORY OF LAKE SUPERIOR DAY

Lake Superior Day was started in the early 1990s to highlight the importance of this great water body to the basin’s environment and economy. This year’s event is coordinated by the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve operated by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Reserve encompasses over 16,000 acres along the St. Louis River freshwater estuary. Come enjoy the festivities in appreciation of the lake!

Lake Superior Day was started in the early 1990s to highlight the importance of this great water body to the basin’s environment and economy. Now it is held every 3rd Sunday in July. This year’s event 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 the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the following partners: the City of Superior, University of Wisconsin-Superior, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, The Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve, North Shore SUP and Wisconsin Sea Grant. The Reserve encompasses over 16,000 acres along the St. Louis River freshwater estuary. Come enjoy the festivities in appreciation of the lake!

ABOUT LAKE SUPERIOR

Lake Superior is the cleanest, coldest, and clearest of the Great Lakes. The largest lake by surface area in the world, it fuels our local shipping, commercial fishing, and recreational industries while providing clean drinking water. Every day, each of the 600,000 human residents of the Lake Superior basin use water from the lake for drinking, home use, industrial use, or recreation. The lake is essential for countless fish, birds, animals, and plants.

MORE EVENT INFORMATION

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

You may request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, or other services to make this event more accessible, by contacting Ryan Feldbrugge via email at Ryan.Feldbrugge@wisc.edu or phone call 715-399-4090. Contact Ryan as soon as possible, ideally by July 6, 2026. Even if it’s after July 6, feel free to contact Ryan to learn more about the event and its set-up, and to see what we can arrange. There’s no added cost to you for these services.

Lake Superior Day is CANCELED as a precautionary measure in response to local air quality forecasts.

The Air Quality Index is projected to be between ‘unhealthy’ and ‘hazardous’ through today and the weekend for Superior and the surrounding area. Because the event and preparations for it are primarily outdoors, we need to keep staff, volunteers, event collaborators, and attendees safe. We are sad to cancel this opportunity to connect and learn in person about Lake Superior and local freshwater. Thank you for understanding and please stay safe!
