10 Best Short Road Trips from Superior, Wisconsin for Scenic Getaways

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10 Easy Road Trips Near Superior, Wisconsin (That Take You Out of Douglas County)

If you live in or around Superior, Wisconsin, you already know it’s a pretty special place. But sometimes you just want to hop in the car, roll the windows down, and explore somewhere new for the day. The good news? There are tons of fun, low-stress day trips near Superior in the surrounding counties of Minnesota and Wisconsin. In this guide, we’ll look at 10 short road trips to:
  • Carlton County, MN
  • Lake County, MN
  • Pine County, MN
  • St. Louis County, MN
  • Bayfield County, WI
  • Burnett County, WI
  • Sawyer County, WI
  • Washburn County, WI
All of these are outside Douglas County, so they’re perfect when you want to “get away” without going very far.

1. Gooseberry Falls State Park – Classic North Shore Waterfalls (Lake County, MN)

If you only do one North Shore trip from Superior, make it Gooseberry Falls State Park. From Superior, you’ll head through Duluth and up the North Shore, and in about an hour and a half or so you’re pulling into the parking lot. It’s that easy.
  • Why go: Multiple waterfalls, easy walking paths, and great photo spots.
  • Best for: Families, beginner hikers, waterfall lovers.
  • Don’t miss: The short paved trail to the Middle and Lower Falls.
What I love about Gooseberry is how simple it is. You can walk from your car to a big, roaring waterfall in just a few minutes. The trails are mostly short, and you can pick how adventurous you want to be. Want a quick 30–40 minute stroll? Done. Want a longer hike along the river? You can do that too. It’s one of those places where you can pack a picnic, let the kids (or the adults) splash around on the rocks, and still be back in Superior by dinner.

2. Split Rock Lighthouse & State Park – Iconic North Shore Views (Lake County, MN)

About 20 minutes past Gooseberry Falls, you’ll find one of the most famous spots on Lake Superior: Split Rock Lighthouse. You’ve probably seen photos of it on postcards or online – that lighthouse perched on the cliff above the lake. In person, it’s even better.
  • Why go: Classic Minnesota lighthouse, sweeping lake views, and good hiking.
  • Best for: History buffs, photographers, couples’ day trips.
  • Don’t miss: The overlook on the state park side where you can see the lighthouse from below.
Walk the trails, tour the lighthouse (seasonal hours), or just stand at the overlook and take in the view. On a clear day, the water stretches out like an ocean. Tip: Combine this with Gooseberry for a full North Shore road trip day from Superior. Leave in the morning, hit both spots, and you’ll still get home before dark in most seasons.

3. Jay Cooke State Park – Swinging Bridge & Wild River Views (Carlton County, MN)

Looking for a quick escape that doesn’t eat up your whole day? Jay Cooke State Park is a fantastic choice and closer than the main North Shore stops. From Superior, you’re looking at roughly a 45–55 minute drive, depending on your route.
  • Why go: Dramatic rock formations, the St. Louis River, and a fun swinging bridge.
  • Best for: Hikers, day-trippers, leaf peepers in the fall.
  • Don’t miss: The iconic swinging bridge and the trails right around the visitor center.
This park feels rugged but still very accessible. The river here is wild and fast, especially in spring. You can stand on the rocky overlooks and really feel the power of the water. If you’re from Superior, this is a go-to spot when friends visit and you want to show them “something cool” without driving all day.

4. Canal Park & Downtown Duluth – Easy Urban Fun (St. Louis County, MN)

Yes, Duluth is the obvious neighbor across the bridge, but if you’re from Superior you might forget it’s also a great “mini road trip” destination when you branch out beyond your usual routine. Spend a day in Canal Park and downtown Duluth and play tourist for once.
  • Why go: Shops, restaurants, lake views, and the famous Aerial Lift Bridge.
  • Best for: Rainy days, foodies, people-watching.
  • Don’t miss: Watching a big ship come through the canal if you can time it right.
You can walk the Lakewalk, grab ice cream, or pop into local breweries and coffee shops. On a warm summer evening, the whole area has that relaxed, vacation feel. Even if you’ve crossed the bridge a hundred times, it’s different when you treat Duluth like a proper day trip destination.

5. Bayfield, Wisconsin – Gateway to the Apostle Islands (Bayfield County, WI)

Head east along the South Shore and you’ll eventually roll into Bayfield, a small harbor town with big charm. This is a little longer drive (often around 1.5–2 hours depending on route and stops), but it still works as a day trip from Superior.
  • Why go: Cute downtown, harbor views, access to Apostle Islands boat tours.
  • Best for: Couples’ getaways, summer day trips, fall color drives.
  • Don’t miss: Walking the marina area and checking out the local shops and cafes.
In the summer, you can hop on a boat tour to see sea caves, lighthouses, and some of the Apostle Islands. In the fall, Bayfield’s apple orchards turn the area into one big harvest festival. If you’re from the Twin Ports area and you haven’t done a Bayfield day yet, add it to your list.

6. Hayward, Wisconsin – Lakes, Lumberjacks & Musky Country (Sawyer County, WI)

Drive a bit southeast from Superior and you’ll find Hayward, a classic Northwoods town surrounded by forest and lakes.
  • Why go: Fishing, small-town charm, outdoor fun.
  • Best for: Anglers, families, cabin weekend scouting.
  • Don’t miss: Poking around the downtown area and checking local bait shops and cafes.
Hayward is a hub for fishing and boating, with several well-known lakes nearby. Even if you’re not fishing, the drive down from Superior gives you that “up north” feeling – tall pines, winding roads, and plenty of water. If you’re thinking about renting a cabin with friends or family later on, a day trip here is a great way to scout the area.

7. Spooner, Wisconsin – Railroad History & Northwoods Vibes (Washburn County, WI)

Another easy Wisconsin road trip from Superior is Spooner, located south of the city in Washburn County.
  • Why go: Small-town feel, access to lakes, and regional events.
  • Best for: Casual exploring, antique browsing, weekend wanderers.
  • Don’t miss: Strolling through town and checking seasonal festivals or events.
Spooner makes a nice, relaxed day trip if you’re not in the mood for big hikes or busy tourist spots. It’s the kind of place where you can grab coffee, walk the main street, and maybe stumble into a local event or farmers’ market. If you like combining a short drive with a “let’s just see what we find” attitude, Spooner fits that perfectly.

8. Danbury & the St. Croix River Area – Quiet Woods & Water (Burnett County, WI)

Head south and a bit west from Superior and you connect with the Danbury area and the nearby St. Croix River corridor in Burnett County.
  • Why go: Canoeing, kayaking, and slow-paced river time.
  • Best for: Paddlers, campers, anyone needing some peace and quiet.
  • Don’t miss: Exploring river landings and scenic pull-offs along the St. Croix.
This is where things start to feel really remote in the best possible way. Tall pines, clear water, and long stretches of road where you might not see many other cars. Bring a picnic, your fishing gear, or just a good book and enjoy the quiet.

9. Pine City & Hinckley – History, Sweets, and Roadside Exploring (Pine County, MN)

If you’re up for heading a bit farther into Minnesota, Pine County offers some easy-going stops around the Pine City and Hinckley area.
  • Why go: Roadside treats, small-town history, and a classic highway-drive vibe.
  • Best for: Casual drivers, history lovers, those pairing it with a longer Twin Cities run.
  • Don’t miss: Exploring local bakeries, diners, and historical sites as you go.
This kind of trip is perfect if you like the journey as much as the destination. Think: windows down, old playlist on, stopping whenever something roadside catches your eye. It’s a nice change of scenery from the Lake Superior shoreline, showing off more of central Minnesota’s rolling fields and woods.

10. Two Harbors, Minnesota – Laid-Back North Shore Town (Lake County, MN)

On your way up the North Shore from Duluth, before Gooseberry Falls, you’ll hit Two Harbors – a smaller, quieter town right on Lake Superior.
  • Why go: Harbor views, lighthouses, and a more relaxed feel than Duluth or Bayfield.
  • Best for: Low-key wandering, coffee-and-walk days, scenic drives.
  • Don’t miss: Walking near the harbor area and checking out lakeside viewpoints.
Two Harbors is one of those places that doesn’t scream for attention, but once you stop, you’re glad you did. It’s an easy day trip from Superior, especially if you don’t want to drive as far as Gooseberry or Split Rock.

Tips for Planning Your Road Trips from Superior

Before you head out on any of these road trips near Superior, Wisconsin, a little prep goes a long way:
  • Check drive times: Most of these are roughly 45 minutes to 2 hours from Superior. Look at a map ahead of time.
  • Watch the weather: Lake Superior can change conditions fast, especially along the North Shore.
  • Pack layers: Even in summer, the lake breeze can be cool. A light jacket in the car never hurts.
  • Bring snacks and water: Some stretches get pretty remote with limited services.
  • Check park or tour hours: Especially for lighthouses, boat tours, and visitor centers.
If you’re like most people in the Twin Ports area, you probably have a few go-to spots. Maybe this list will nudge you to try a new direction next time you get that “let’s just drive somewhere” feeling.

Where Will You Drive Next?

From waterfalls and lighthouses in Lake County, MN to quiet rivers and forest towns in Burnett, Sawyer, and Washburn County, WI, there’s a lot to explore within a short drive of Superior without ever setting foot in Douglas County. Have you done any of these road trips from Superior? Do you have a favorite hidden gem in Carlton, Bayfield, or St. Louis County? I’d love to hear about it. Drop your experiences, tips, or favorite stops in the comments, and if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are planning their own Northwoods road trip. The more ideas we share, the better our next adventures will be.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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