Barker's Island Archives

Enjoying Winter Wonders at Lake Superior Ice Festival

Hundreds were out enjoying the professional hand-carved ice sculptures, snow slide, and new this year the ice carousel.

January 29, 2022

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.- It was the perfect winter weather to enjoy all the season has to offer in Superior at the Lake Superior ice festival at Barker’s Island. “We came out today to enjoy this beautiful event and what an incredible turnout it has been for the Superior community! But this is our first time here and it is quite amazing,”…

Registration Now Open for 23rd Annual Cause for the Paws 5k

Proceeds from the Event Benefit the Humane Society of Douglas County

August 18, 2021

Brett Scott,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – As the dog days of summer set in, the Humane Society of Douglas County in Superior invites you to sign up for their upcoming 23rd annual Cause for the Paws 5k Walk/Run. This year the event is happening Saturday, September 18 from 8 a.m. until noon. The fun takes place at the entrance to Barker’s Island in…

Barkers Island Farmers Market Continues

The weekly events at Barkers Island will continue from 8:45 a.m. to noon every Saturday until October.

May 29, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. –Barkers Island in Superior continued their farmers market this weekend. Despite the challenging weather, it’s been a good year for vendors who locally grow their produce. Some say, they following up on a strong year drawing in more people each weekend. “Since then we’ve picked up a lot of customers this year. So it’s been really good for…

Superior Public Library Card Holders Can Now Check Out Free Area Museum Passes

Once checked out, the passes are good for six weeks.

March 22, 2021

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In Superior it now pays to have a library card, which will get you free passes to area museums. The library is restarting an initiative from 2019. Library card holders in good standing can get up to four passes to Superior’s different museums: Fairlawn Mansion, the SS Meteor Maritime Museum at Barker’s Island, The Bong Veterans Historical Center,…

Great Outdoors: Marinas Set to Re-Open

April 21, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

KNIFE RIVER, Minn. – As of Friday the 17th, Governor Tim Walz expanded Minnesota’s essential services allowing some outdoor recreational activities to fall under that category. “The first thing we did was get careful and serious about social distancing in the workplace and then we were preparing to shut down,” Barkers Island General Manager, Eric Thomas says. In Wisconsin, marinas…

2nd Annual “Superior Sinker” Event Underway

February 19, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – One group of young professionals over in Superior is putting on a unique fundraiser. After its success last year, the organization Superior Jaycees is underway with its second annual “Superior Sinker” event. For the fundraiser, the group put a car out in the middle of the frozen pond on Barker’s Island. The public can now guess the…

Parking Lots, Sidewalks and More Flood on Barker’s Island

Combination of high winds and high lake levels meant unprecedented waves.

October 22, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The storm affected more than just Duluth. Across the bridge in Superior, a section of Barker’s Island got flooded. Parking lots, sidewalks, and more were drowned in water, along with the big attraction, the SS Meteor. Quite a few people in the area told FOX 21 that the Meteor tried to float away Monday, as Barker’s Island dealt…

Paddling Practice for 18th Annual Dragonboat Festival

Teams practice techniques and strokes at Barkers Island Marina.

August 19, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Teams competing in this weekend’s 18th Annual Lake Superior Dragonboat Festival got together this evening to practice before the big race on Barker’s Island. Teams of 20 people practiced different strokes with their ores and what to do in situations like falling in the water. According to instructors it’s not that hard to learn, but learning how to…

City Of Superior Old Firehouse Fundraiser

Northlanders hit the greens Monday night for a good cause

August 19, 2019

Ryan Compeau,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The City of Superior’s Old Firehouse was built in 1898 and is open to the public for self-guided tours giving you a look back at what things were like in the 1800’s. Now in order to keep the free museum open, fundraising events are needed to keep it open and maintained. Capt’n J’s Miniature Golf on Barker’s Island…

Celebrating Lake Superior, Restored Barker’s Island Beach

Lake Superior Day coincided with opening of Barker Island Beach to the public.

July 21, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- At Barker’s Island Sunday Lake Superior was given its own day for the important role it plays in the Northland. “It really is what draws people here and keeps people here,” said Deanna Erickson, Education Coordinator with the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve. “It supports our economy it supports our health it creates our weather, it adds…

Learning to Paddleboard at SUP Camp

North Shore SUP holds 4-day camp for kids to learn basics.

June 25, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Kids on Barkers Island in Superior took advantage of the warmer weather by getting in the water on Paddleboards. North Shore SUP held their annual SUP, or Stand-Up Paddleboarding camp. The four-day camp supplies 8-12 year-olds with all the equipment including PFDs, or Personal Floation Devices, and teaches them the basics like paddling and docking properly. According to…

Getting the SS Meteor in Ship Shape

Volunteers freshen up ship for new season.

April 27, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- About 50 volunteers came together to cleanup the SS Meteor Whaleback Ship at Barker’s Island in Superior. Washing, painting the hull, and renovating the bedrooms gets the ship ready for tours starting May 18th. “It’s awesome to have this many people come out and work on this because it takes a great volunteer effort for this huge ship…

Barker’s Island Easter Fest

Over 1200 people packed Barker's Island Sunday

April 21, 2019

Ryan Compeau,

SUPERIOR, Wisc.- More than 1,200 people packed Barker’s Island in Superior today. It’s all for a tradition that goes back twenty years, the Easter Grand Buffet. Barker’s Island served up over two hundred pounds of ham, two hundred forty pounds of fish, and about four hundred forty pounds of potatoes Easter Sunday. Reservations started coming in three weeks ago, and…

The Lake Superior Ice Festival Cometh

Snow Slide is Up as City Gears Up

January 22, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Every year the Lake Superior Ice Festival promises to be bigger and better, showing that cold and snow doesn’t keep Northlanders inside, but brings them outside in a big way. A fan favorite at the free festival, the big snow slide is already up, towering over Barker’s Island Marina. Attendees this year have some new attractions to look…

Winter Rover Program Gets Kiddos Outside For Learning & Fun!

Great Outdoors: Lake Superior Estuarium Hosts 2 Free Events At Barkers Island For Preschoolers & Kindergarteners

January 8, 2019

Brittney Merlot,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The Winter Rovers Program brings kiddos ages 3-7 together outside to learn! It’s like an old fashioned play date hosted by the Lake Superior Estuarium. “We are just trying to connect them to the community in the area and then also get them outside.” explained intern Megan Hogfeldt. “Show them some fun things that they can do…

Superior ATV Trail Doesn’t Connect to Barker’s Island

Hotels in the Area Fearful of Consequences, Councilor says No Worries

December 4, 2018

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The new ATV trail through the city of Superior does not actually connect to Barker’s Island, and the other hotels in the area. The staff at Barker’s Island Inn says the lack of ATV trail connection hurts their business. But City Councilor Brent Fennessey, while still working on reconnecting the hotel, doesn’t see that as the case. Here’s…

Spice Up Your Shrimp!

Make Your Own Shrimp Glaze In Minutes With Barkers Island Waterfront Grille In This Weeks Cooking Connection

December 4, 2018

Brittney Merlot,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In this weeks Cooking Connection, we are spicing up your home cooked shrimp with this simple glaze recipe from Barkers Island Waterfront Grille. All it takes is 2 part jalapeno brine and 1 part honey, whahlah! Enjoy! Categories: Community, Cooking Connection, Entertainment, Features, News, News – Latest News, Wisconsin Tags: Barker’s Island, Barkers Island Food

Spice Up Your Sweet Potatoes This Thanksgiving!

Cooking Connection: Barker's Island Thanksgiving Buffet

November 22, 2018

Brittney Merlot,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In this weeks Cooking Connection, Brittney Merlot takes us to Barker’s Island’s Thanksgiving Buffet! The head Chef teaches us at home, how to spice up our sweet potatoes on this Thanksgiving. With a new flavor, might as well give them a new look too! Check it out! Categories: Community, Cooking Connection, Features, News, News – Latest News,…

Dragon Boats Dwell in Superior

Training and Preparations Underway for Dragonboat Festival

August 22, 2018

Arman Rahman,

Superior, WI- A tradition with roots in ancient China continues this weekend in the Northland. It’s the Dragon Boat Festival, and the rowers have been hard at work preparing. There Be Dragons in Lake Superior, as Dragon Boats and their riders arrived to train for the 16th Annual Dragon Boat Festival. Rowers gathered on the shores of Barker’s Island Marina to…

Lake Superior Ice Festival Kicks Off

The festival will also have food vendors and ice sculptures.

January 26, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – You can expect thousands to be on Barker’s Island in Superior for the Lake Superior Ice Festival. It’s day one and the atmosphere is described as electric. The snow slide will be open and pond hockey will kick off tonight. When you pick a date six months in advance you never know what the weather will be…

Public Comments on Barker’s Island Plans

The city is hoping for your input to restore the beach.

January 24, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The city of superior focused in on the future restoration of Barker’s Island Beach during a public meeting. The city held the public meeting to share preliminary engineering concepts for the beach’s future. The beach is a major part of the overall success of Barker’s Island. Wednesday night the Parks Rec and Forestry Department presented drawings of the proposed…

Superior Celebrates Winter with Annual Festival

Coffee Conversation: Lake Superior Ice Festival

January 22, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

SUPERIOR, Wis. -The City of Superior is celebrating the winter season. The Lake Superior Ice Festival is being held Friday, January 26 through Sunday, January 28. There will be The Great Lakes Pond Hockey Classic, ice sculptures, a snow slide, an ice bar, bonfires, a kid’s zone, ice racing, and more. The entire festival is taking place on Barker’s Island…

Lake Superior Ice Festival Preparations Underway

An estimated 3,000-5,000 people will attend the Festival.

January 18, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The 2018 Lake Superior Ice Festival is still about a week away, but workers are busy in Superior getting ready now. Crews are getting the rinks prepared for the pond hockey tournament and clearing snow for the figure skating tournament. The fun begins next Friday, Jan. 26 when thousands will make their way to the ice. New games…

Superior Council Passes New ATV, UTV, Snowmobile Trails

December 19, 2017

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- In a 9-1 vote Tuesday night, the Superior city council voting in favor of an ordinance to allow ATVs, UTVS and snowmobiles on some city streets for an expanded trail system. The looped trail will connect all local businesses and trails around town for Northland riders. A large portion would be in Millennium Park, then Barkers Island to…

Dragon Boat Races to Take Over Barkers Island This Weekend

August 23, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival is coming up this weekend. The funds raised through the event go to Twin Ports Rotary Clubs and the Essentia Health Foundation. However, the races are all free for community members to attend. The event is taking place on August 25 – 26. Races can be watched at Barker’s Island. Other…

Paddle Board Company Finds New Home in Superior

Active Adventures: North Shore SUP

July 21, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A Northland company providing opportunities for families to enjoy the lake has moved to a new location. North Shore SUP has found a new home at Barkers Island. The company offers hourly and day rentals and also gives guided tours and host parties. They also have boards for all ages and sizes. They are open 10 a.m. –…

Vietnam War Memorial Arrives in Twin Ports

Since 1996, 'The Wall That Heals' has Traveled to More Than 400 Towns and Cities Across the United States

July 19, 2017

Brett Scott,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The City of Superior came alive earlier Wednesday to welcome a piece of history into the Northland. From now through Sunday, Twin Ports residents will have the chance to walk through time and remember those who served for our country in the Vietnam War. “Our men and women deserve the military rights of all things from beginning to…

Barker’s Island

Hundreds were out enjoying the professional hand-carved ice sculptures, snow slide, and new this year the ice carousel.

Proceeds from the Event Benefit the Humane Society of Douglas County

The weekly events at Barkers Island will continue from 8:45 a.m. to noon every Saturday until October.

Once checked out, the passes are good for six weeks.

Combination of high winds and high lake levels meant unprecedented waves.

Teams practice techniques and strokes at Barkers Island Marina.

Northlanders hit the greens Monday night for a good cause

Lake Superior Day coincided with opening of Barker Island Beach to the public.

North Shore SUP holds 4-day camp for kids to learn basics.

Volunteers freshen up ship for new season.

Over 1200 people packed Barker's Island Sunday

Snow Slide is Up as City Gears Up

Great Outdoors: Lake Superior Estuarium Hosts 2 Free Events At Barkers Island For Preschoolers & Kindergarteners

Hotels in the Area Fearful of Consequences, Councilor says No Worries

Make Your Own Shrimp Glaze In Minutes With Barkers Island Waterfront Grille In This Weeks Cooking Connection

Cooking Connection: Barker's Island Thanksgiving Buffet

Training and Preparations Underway for Dragonboat Festival

The festival will also have food vendors and ice sculptures.

The city is hoping for your input to restore the beach.

Coffee Conversation: Lake Superior Ice Festival

An estimated 3,000-5,000 people will attend the Festival.

Active Adventures: North Shore SUP

Since 1996, 'The Wall That Heals' has Traveled to More Than 400 Towns and Cities Across the United States

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