The Lake Superior Estuarium is a gateway to the headwaters of the Great Lakes.  Beautiful interactive displays tell stories of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior, and the communities on their shores.  The exhibit hall includes a play area for young children, maps to orient you to the largest estuary on Lake Superior, and information to help you get out and explore.

The Lake Superior Estuarium is a gateway to the headwaters of the Great Lakes.  Beautiful interactive displays tell stories of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior, and the communities on their shores.  The exhibit hall includes a play area for young children, maps to orient you to the largest estuary on Lake Superior, and information to help you get out and explore.

FREE Special Saturday event: Family Movie in the Estuarium at 1pm!

Featured movie: Ponyo (2008), Rated G - Animation, Adventure, Comedy

During a forbidden excursion to see the surface world, a goldfish princess encounters a human boy named Sosuke, who gives her the name Ponyo. Ponyo longs to become human, and as her friendship with Sosuke grows, she becomes more humanlike. Ponyo's father brings her back to their ocean kingdom, but so strong is Ponyo's wish to live on the surface that she breaks free, and in the process, spills a collection of magical elixirs that endanger Sosuke's village.

The Lake Superior Estuarium is a gateway to the headwaters of the Great Lakes.  Beautiful interactive displays tell stories of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior, and the communities on their shores.  The exhibit hall includes a play area for young children, maps to orient you to the largest estuary on Lake Superior, and information to help you get out and explore.

The Lake Superior Estuarium is a gateway to the headwaters of the Great Lakes.  Beautiful interactive displays tell stories of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior, and the communities on their shores.  The exhibit hall includes a play area for young children, maps to orient you to the largest estuary on Lake Superior, and information to help you get out and explore.

The Lake Superior Estuarium is a gateway to the headwaters of the Great Lakes.  Beautiful interactive displays tell stories of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior, and the communities on their shores.  The exhibit hall includes a play area for young children, maps to orient you to the largest estuary on Lake Superior, and information to help you get out and explore.

Special Saturday event: Story time in the Estuarium at 12pm and 3pm!

The Lake Superior Estuarium is a gateway to the headwaters of the Great Lakes.  Beautiful interactive displays tell stories of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior, and the communities on their shores.  The exhibit hall includes a play area for young children, maps to orient you to the largest estuary on Lake Superior, and information to help you get out and explore.

The Lake Superior Estuarium is a gateway to the headwaters of the Great Lakes.  Beautiful interactive displays tell stories of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior, and the communities on their shores.  The exhibit hall includes a play area for young children, maps to orient you to the largest estuary on Lake Superior, and information to help you get out and explore.

Join FOLSR in a celebration of art, science, and culture featuring Ojibwe artist and author Sam Zimmerman!

See the full agenda and details here.

The Lake Superior Estuarium is a gateway to the headwaters of the Great Lakes.  Beautiful interactive displays tell stories of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior, and the communities on their shores.  The exhibit hall includes a play area for young children, maps to orient you to the largest estuary on Lake Superior, and information to help you get out and explore.

The Lake Superior Estuarium is a gateway to the headwaters of the Great Lakes.  Beautiful interactive displays tell stories of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior, and the communities on their shores.  The exhibit hall includes a play area for young children, maps to orient you to the largest estuary on Lake Superior, and information to help you get out and explore.

River Talks is an annual free, informal speaker series about the St. Louis River Estuary in Duluth-Superior and a cooperative project between Wisconsin Sea Grant and the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Learn about the St. Louis River! Scientists, businesses, and agency staff who work and depend on the St. Louis River Estuary will share their thoughts and information about river projects each month during the academic year. But these presentations won’t be a one-way street. You’ll get to ask questions and share your thoughts, too.

Do you have questions, or would you like to get on the series email list? Contact series organizer, Marie Zhuikov with Wisconsin Sea Grant: mzhuikov@aqua.wisc.edu.

November 8 – Harmful Algal Blooms in the St. Louis River, 6:30 p.m. presentation by Euan Reavie, Natural Resources Research Institute, at the Lake Superior Estuarium (3 Marina Dr., Superior, Wis.). 

Join us for a free, bird-focused morning! This event is planned in partnership with the Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve, Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, Wisconsin Sea Grant, Embark Supported Employment, Minnesota Land Trust, and the Lake Superior Reserve.

Registration is encouraged but not required. Click here to register!

Birds are already migrating to their winter homes. October is the month where the largest of the raptors–like Bald and Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Rough-legged Hawks, and Northern Goshawks–migrate through Hawk Ridge. Come join us on World Migratory Bird Day to celebrate this movement and indicator of changing seasons!

American Sign Language interpretation is provided.

We welcome people of all ages, abilities, and disabilities to attend this accessible bird observation event at Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory (3980 E Skyline Parkway in Duluth, detailed directions available here). Sit or stand along the roadway to observe birds overhead or along the Lake Superior shoreline or travel up the trail to a set of benches for an “Eyes on the Skies” program at 10 a.m. Expert bird guides will lead discussion and aid observation in all locations.

These activities are designed with access in mind, but if you would like to request additional accommodations, please email Luciana.Ranelli@Wisc.Edu or call Luciana at 715-399-4085 at least 10 days before the event. Free transportation provided from the Superior Public Library to the Lake Superior Estuarium.

We have 15 pairs of binoculars for people to use, a spotting scope, a wheelchair mount for binoculars, and portable seating. Light refreshments will be provided. There is one wheelchair accessible portable bathroom. On bright sunny days there is limited shade, so please bring sun protection. For more site descriptions and photos, please visit the Everyone Can Bird event on Facebook.

Come and stay for the whole time, or meet up with or leave the group when you need. Please bring what you need to be comfortable (suggestions include water, crucial snacks, sun protection, and a portable chair).

TRANSPORTATION DETAILS:

Free shuttle bus transportation is provided from the Superior Public Library (1530 Tower Avenue) to Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth, MN.  The bus is a school bus from Voyageur Bus Company with steps for entry, a wheelchair lift, 4 wheelchair spots and room for 25 adults on bus seats. The ASL interpreters will not be on the bus unless requested–they will be onsite at Hawk Ridge.

BUS PICK-UP – On the side parking lot of the library near Belknap Ave. The bus will be there ready for loading starting at 8:45 a.m. Bus departs the library at 9:00. The bus will stay at Hawk Ridge for the duration of the program.

BUS RETURN – The bus will load Hawk Ridge around 11:30 a.m. and return to the Superior Public Llibrary after the event. 

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Access East Skyline Parkway from Glenwood Ave. and continue past the first overlook on paved road another half mile or so on the gravel road to another overlook. Look for Hawk Ridge signage and the count platform. Accessible parking is available closest to the welcome table and Hawk Ridge merchandise trailer. Visitors should look for parking guidance via signage when they arrive. More information can be found on the Hawk Ridge website visitors guide.

WEATHER:

The 10-11 a.m. Eyes on the Skies program will happen rain or shine! In the event of bad weather, the 10 a.m. Eyes on the Skies program will occur under shelter at the Lester Amity Chalet (2940 Seven Bridges Rd, Duluth, MN 55804). Other aspects of Everyone Can Bird may need to be canceled due to weather conditions. Any changes will be communicated directly to people who have registered for the event and posted on the Everyone Can Bird event on Facebook.

River Talks is an annual free, informal speaker series about the St. Louis River Estuary in Duluth-Superior and a cooperative project between Wisconsin Sea Grant and the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Learn about the St. Louis River! Scientists, businesses, and agency staff who work and depend on the St. Louis River Estuary will share their thoughts and information about river projects each month during the academic year. But these presentations won’t be a one-way street. You’ll get to ask questions and share your thoughts, too.

Do you have questions, or would you like to get on the series email list? Contact series organizer, Marie Zhuikov with Wisconsin Sea Grant: mzhuikov@aqua.wisc.edu.

October 11, 2023 – “Duluth’s Lost Industries Along the St. Louis River,” an in-person presentation at 6:30 p.m. by local historian and author, Tony Dierckins. His talk will be held at the Lake Superior Estuarium (3 Marina Dr., Superior, Wis.). Refreshments will be provided.

Join us for a night of Stargazing over Lake Superior! Wisconsin Point is one of the best locations along Lake Superior in the Twin Ports to look up at the night sky. Join Starry Skies North, the Arrowhead Astronomical Society, and Friends of Lake Superior Reserve for a fun filled night looking up at the stars.

Being outdoors can help us slow our minds and bring our attention to what is happening in the present moment. Take a moment to slow down and experience guided mindfulness practice in an outdoor setting with staff from UW-Superior’s Pruitt Center, and learn some ways to think about incorporating mindfulness in natural spaces into your life. Whether you are experienced or new to mindfulness practice, you are welcome and encouraged to attend this session!

Please park and meet at the Lake Superior Reserve Estuarium (3 Marina Drive) at 3:00pm. This event will take place outdoors; we will walk short distances to different locations on the northwest end of Barkers Island. Please come prepared with comfortable clothing and footwear. You may wish to bring a blanket or soft pad for comfort while seated.

While some plants have been established in this region for a very long time, other plants are newcomers who happen to be good competitors with incredible survival skills! Do you know who is who? Get to know some of these plants who are “non-local plant beings” (another term for non-native species) and join staff from Fond du Lac Band’s Resource Management department as we take a walk among the plants. We’ll get to know some of the area’s rooted non-local beings as well as some native plants, and learn about the approaches that Fond du Lac staff take to work with these plants on the landscape.

Please park and meet at Lot 4 on WI Point, where this walk will begin and end. We will depart on the walk at 3:00 and be back at Lot 4 by around 4:10. For those interested, we may drive down to the end of WI Point to observe a few additional species and wrap up by 4:30. We will travel around half a mile round trip, the first half on rustic trails, the second half along the paved road. There will be water and refreshments available. There are no restrooms at Lot 4, but there are pit toilets at the first (Lot 1) and last (Lot 5) parking lots if needed. Please come prepared with comfortable clothing and footwear, and be prepared to be outside in the elements for the duration of the walk. There is poison ivy just off the trails that we will be walking, so we recommend wearing long pants and close-toed shoes.

Join us for a free, bird-focused morning! This event is planned in partnership with the Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve, Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, City of Superior, Wisconsin Sea Grant, Embark Supported Employment, and the Lake Superior Reserve   

In August baby birds begin to “graduate” into adulthood as they prepare for migration. Come join us for a celebration of this exciting adventure for the new adult birds!  

American Sign Language interpretation is provided.

We welcome people of all ages and ability levels to attend this accessible birding event at the Lake Superior Estuarium on Barker's Island in Superior. Move along the boardwalk or paved trails on a guided bird hike, or explore bird artifacts like feathers and skulls indoors at your own pace. These activities are designed with access in mind, but if you would like to request additional accommodations, please email Luciana.Ranelli@Wisc.Edu or call Luciana at 715-399-4085 at least 10 days before the event. Free transportation provided from the Superior Public Library to the Lake Superior Estuarium.

We have 15 pairs of binoculars for people to use, a spotting scope, a wheelchair mount for binoculars, and portable seating. 

Light refreshments will be provided. Come and stay for the whole time, or meet up with or leave the group when you need.

There are two single-user indoor, wheelchair accessible bathrooms inside the Estuarium.

Registration is encouraged but not required. Follow this link to register.

TRANSPORTATION DETAILS:

Free shuttle bus transportation is provided from the Superior Public Library (1530 Tower Avenue) to the Lake Superior Estuarium (3 Marina Drive). The bus is an ADA accessible bus from Voyageur Bus Company with 4 wheelchair spots and room for 20 adults on bus seats. The ASL interpreters will not be on the bus unless requested–they will be onsite at the Lake Superior Estuarium.

PICK-UP – On the side parking lot of the library near Belknap Ave. Bus departs the library at 9:15 AND will return to the library after the first trip to pick up any people who arrive at later times.

RETURN – The bus will load at the Lake Superior Estuarium and return to the library after the event, starting at 11:30 am. The bus will be available for return trips if anyone needs to leave earlier or later than 11:30 am. The last departure will be at 12:15 pm.

Community members of all ages are invited to join in a community environmental care-taking project as a part of Lake Superior Day 2023 – an annual celebration of lake and water.

This special pre-event will take place prior to the start of Lake Superior Day, 9:00 – 11:00 am on Wisconsin Point. Registration is free but required. If you would like to register please use this link.

Spotted Knapweed is a non-local plant that competes with native plants for habitat and resources. Removal of this plant will support healthy ecosystems for local, native plants. Participants will learn how to identify spotted knapweed and will be trained on proper and respectful removal techniques. We will spend two hours working to remove spotted knapweed in known hotspots at the end of Wisconsin Point.

This activity will involve walking from the parking lot to locations off of the road where spotted knapweed is concentrated. Removal of knapweed is a physical activity that involves getting close to the ground and using body strength to remove plants. Physical movements may include pulling, bending, crouching or kneeling.

If you are interested in learning more about spotted knapweed and its designation as an invasive plant, visit this Wisconsin DNR information page: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/fact/SpottedKnapweed.html

Orientation:

We will meet up at Lot 5 on Wisconsin Point at 9:00 am, Sunday, July 16th. Participants do not need to have any prior training on removal of spotted knapweed. Registered participants will be provided with proper supplies (gloves and garbage bags) and there will be on-site training in the identification and removal of this plant.

This Lake Superior Day community caretaking event was developed by a team from the 2022-23 Leadership Superior Douglas County cohort. This event is hosted by the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve and supported by the Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve as a part of the annual Lake Superior Day celebration. Participants are encouraged to stop by Barkers Island in Superior following the spotted knapweed pull to experience all of the Lake Superior Day booths, activities, and entertainment!

Summer open hours! The Lake Superior Estuarium is a gateway to the headwaters of the Great Lakes. Beautiful interactive displays tell stories of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior, and the communities on their shores. The exhibit hall includes a play area for young children, maps to orient you to the largest estuary on Lake Superior, and information to help you get out and explore.

Summer open hours! The Lake Superior Estuarium is a gateway to the headwaters of the Great Lakes. Beautiful interactive displays tell stories of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior, and the communities on their shores. The exhibit hall includes a play area for young children, maps to orient you to the largest estuary on Lake Superior, and information to help you get out and explore.

There are several concrete planter boxes out front of the Lake Superior Estuarium, and they’re quite drab right now, which is a shame because the Estuarium itself is so lively. Many education and outreach activities are based out of the Estuarium and we want to show everyone who comes how exciting both the Estuarium and estuary are.

We are looking for volunteers to help bring some life to the planters, and brighten up the Estuarium! 

Today we are looking for three to five volunteers to help plant various flowers in the planters. Children are welcome! During the morning the Reserve will be hosting a free nature playgroup for children ages 3-7, so feel free to come for both. Please bring clothes that can get dirty.

Summer open hours! The Lake Superior Estuarium is a gateway to the headwaters of the Great Lakes. Beautiful interactive displays tell stories of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior, and the communities on their shores. The exhibit hall includes a play area for young children, maps to orient you to the largest estuary on Lake Superior, and information to help you get out and explore.

Summer open hours! The Lake Superior Estuarium is a gateway to the headwaters of the Great Lakes. Beautiful interactive displays tell stories of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior, and the communities on their shores. The exhibit hall includes a play area for young children, maps to orient you to the largest estuary on Lake Superior, and information to help you get out and explore.

Summer open hours! The Lake Superior Estuarium is a gateway to the headwaters of the Great Lakes. Beautiful interactive displays tell stories of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior, and the communities on their shores. The exhibit hall includes a play area for young children, maps to orient you to the largest estuary on Lake Superior, and information to help you get out and explore.