GENERAL INFORMATION

DOUGLAS COUNTY - is a Fine Place to Live and to Visit

Douglas County is the fourth largest county in Wisconsin (land area) with 1,342 square miles and lies in the northwest corner of the Indian Head Country and the state. Most of the county is within a half hour's drive from Superior, the County Seat. The Superior-Duluth harbor ranks second in the nation in tonnage. Industry, agriculture, recreation, and forestry are the major sources of income for Douglas County residents today.

The breathtaking beauty and historical lore of Douglas County make a visit to the western tip of Wisconsin a must for every visitor. Originally settled by the Chippewa Indians, the Douglas County area is a four-season spectacular, where fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and skiing combine to make family fun a way of life. The towns dotting the countryside are interesting and picturesque, and two beautiful state parks, sandy public beaches, and a multitude of clean, sparkling lakes only add to the county's charm.

Douglas County's most memorable attraction, the majestic Lake Superior, is the largest fresh water lake in the world, encompassing 3,200 square miles. The "Grand Lac" has a maximum depth of 1,290 feet and a maximum width of 160 miles. The Seaman's Memorial Statue, dedicated to those men who lost their lives on the great lake, is located on Barker's Island in Superior, adjacent to the S.S. Meteor Maritime Museum, the last remaining "whaleback" freighter. Also boarding on Barker's Island are the Vista Fleet excursions, a mandatory stop for any visitor wishing to experience the excitement of the world's largest port. Ships from many foreign ports, as well as huge "lakers" over one thousand feet in length, cruise in and out of the Superior/Duluth harbor at regular intervals between April and November. Lumbering is another of Douglas County's major industries, reflected in the rich history portrayed at Fairlawn Mansion and Museum, built by Superior's second Mayor, timber baron, Martin Pattison. The historical lore of a by-gone age is also abundant at Superior's Fire House and Police Museum, where a treasure of vintage fire engines is housed.

Located on the eastern edge of Lake Superior, Wisconsin Point allows an unforgettable view of Lake Superior. "The Point" also offers an abundance of natural beauty for the nature lover, hiker, picnicker, swimmer, and photo buff. Untouched by human hands, it is a veritable goldmine of driftwood and agates. A sandy beach, lighthouse, and the Superior entry draw visitors for a memorable afternoon or a star-filled evening. An Indian cemetery also offers a glimpse of the past.

East from Superior, the visitor will find the Brule River, Amnicon State Park and the Richard I. Bong Memorial. Known as the "River of Presidents", the Brule is a perfect location for canoeing or kayaking, and the Brule River Forest offers an abundance of wooded hiking trails for the nature enthusiast. Presidents Grant and Cleveland fished the Brule, and Calvin Coolidge made it the site of his summer White House. Eisenhower enjoyed the hospitality of Cedar Lake Lodge as well. Amnicon Falls State Park, is an 800 acre untouched natural setting, which provides a quiet oasis for campers, picnickers, hikers, and nature lovers. At one point, the Amnicon River divides to form an island, which can be reached by a covered bridge. The picturesque bridge provides an excellent vantage point of the falls for photographers. 

A trip south of Superior is just as rewarding as a trip east. Highway 35 will take the visitor to Pattison State Park, named for timber baron, Martin Pattison. Highlighted by spectacular scenery, which includes the highest waterfall in the state, Pattison Park also offers excellent camping and picnicking facilities, a supervised swimming beach, hiking trails and groomed snowmobile and cross-country ski trails.

Lucius Woods County Park, located on Highway 53 in Solon Springs, is another must for any visitor to Douglas County. Situated on St. Croix Lake, the park offers swimming, boating, fishing, and camping. A divide at the north end of the lake is the result of glacier activity 10,000 years ago. It created the unusual northern flow of the Brule River and the southern flow of the St. Croix.

Overall, Douglas County is a sportsman's paradise, a history buff's dream, a nature lover's utopia, and a ship enthusiast's delight.