Self Storage Units in Superior, WI, on Elmira Avenue

Regional Insights for Superior, WI and Duluth, MN

Whether you’re relocating to a new city, downsizing, or renovating your home, KO Storage offers a practical way to temporarily store your belongings. Self-storage allows you to declutter your space, making the moving process more efficient and organized. This ensures that your possessions are safely stowed away until you’re ready to settle into your new home, making the transition smoother and less stressful. Moving and KO Storage work together to offer a flexible and convenient approach to managing your belongings during times of change. But we also want to help you get accustomed to your new area, that’s why we’ve done the research and assembled this Superior and Duluth area guide.

History of Superior and Duluth:

Superior’s history can be traced back to indigenous peoples who inhabited the area long before European settlers arrived. The city’s development accelerated in the mid-19th century with the arrival of the railroad and the establishment of Superior as a major shipping hub for lumber, iron ore, and grain. The construction of the Duluth Ship Canal in 1871 further bolstered Superior’s importance as a port city, facilitating the transportation of goods between the Great Lakes and the rest of the country. Over the years, Superior evolved into a bustling industrial center, home to thriving industries such as shipbuilding, manufacturing, and paper production. Duluth, on the other hand, boasts a similarly rich history shaped by its strategic location at the westernmost point of Lake Superior. The city’s origins can be traced back to the establishment of a fur trading post by French explorers in the 17th century. Like Superior, Duluth experienced rapid growth with the expansion of the shipping industry in the 19th century, becoming a vital link in the transportation of iron ore mined from the Mesabi Range to steel mills across the country. The city’s skyline was dominated by grain elevators, iron ore docks, and lumber mills, reflecting its status as a major port and industrial center. Throughout their histories, Superior and Duluth have faced challenges and experienced periods of economic downturn, including the decline of traditional industries and the impact of economic recessions. However, both cities have demonstrated great resilience and adaptability by diversifying their economies and embracing new opportunities in fields such as tourism, healthcare, and education. Today, Superior and Duluth are vibrant communities known for their natural beauty, cultural attractions, and thriving waterfront districts, attracting visitors and residents alike to explore their storied past and promising future along the shores of Lake Superior.

Schools in Superior and Duluth:

In Superior, the Superior School District oversees the education of students from kindergarten through high school. The district includes several elementary schools such as Great Lakes Elementary, Bryant Elementary, and Northern Lights Elementary, each offering a nurturing environment for young learners to thrive. Superior Middle School and Superior High School provide students with comprehensive educational experiences, emphasizing academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and community engagement. Additionally, the city is home to the University of Wisconsin-Superior, a public university offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields, including education, business, and the arts. Duluth, meanwhile, is served by the Duluth Public Schools district, which encompasses a wide range of educational options for students of all ages. Elementary schools like Lester Park Elementary, Lowell Elementary, and Piedmont Elementary provide a strong foundation for learning, while middle schools such as Lincoln Park Middle School and Ordean East Middle School prepare students for the transition to high school. Duluth East High School and Duluth Denfeld High School offer rigorous academic programs, as well as numerous extracurricular activities and sports teams. Additionally, Duluth is home to the University of Minnesota Duluth, a renowned public research university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as science, engineering, education, and the humanities. Both Superior and Duluth are committed to providing high-quality education to their residents, with a variety of schools and colleges dedicated to fostering academic achievement, personal growth, and lifelong learning.

Superior and Duluth’s Diverse and Robust Economy:

Superior, Wisconsin, and Duluth, Minnesota, are dynamic cities with thriving economies supported by a diverse array of businesses. From longstanding local enterprises to national corporations, these businesses contribute to the vitality and growth of the region. Enbridge, a major energy transportation company, operates pipelines and storage facilities in the region, facilitating the transportation of oil and natural gas across North America. Essentia Health is a leading healthcare provider in the area, offering a wide range of medical services, including hospitals, clinics, and specialty care centers, to residents of Superior, Duluth, and the surrounding communities. Lakehead Constructors is a prominent construction company that specializes in commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects, contributing to the development and modernization of both cities. ALLETE is a diversified energy company with holdings in electric utilities, renewable energy, and infrastructure, playing a vital role in powering homes and businesses throughout the region. Minnesota Power, a subsidiary of ALLETE, provides electricity to customers in northeastern Minnesota, including the city of Duluth, through its network of power plants and transmission lines. National Bank of Commerce is a leading financial institution offering banking, lending, and wealth management services to individuals and businesses in Superior, Duluth, and the surrounding areas. Maurices is a popular women’s clothing retailer headquartered in Duluth, known for its trendy apparel, accessories, and footwear sold through its network of stores and online platforms. Cirrus Aircraft is a renowned manufacturer of general aviation aircraft, including the popular SR Series of single-engine planes, produced at its headquarters and manufacturing facility in Duluth. Great Lakes Fleet, a subsidiary of Canadian National Railway, operates a fleet of self-unloading bulk carriers that transport iron ore and other commodities on the Great Lakes, supporting the region’s mining and manufacturing industries. Kwik Trip is a convenience store chain with locations in Superior and Duluth, offering a wide selection of snacks, beverages, and fuel options to travelers and residents. Duluth Trading Company, headquartered in Duluth, is a retail and online seller of workwear, outdoor apparel, and accessories, catering to customers who value durability, comfort, and functionality. Holiday Companies operates gas stations, convenience stores, and travel centers throughout the region, providing fuel, snacks, and other amenities to travelers and residents alike.

Discover Superior and Duluth: A Blend of History, Culture, and Outdoor Charm:

In Superior, outdoor enthusiasts can explore the beauty of Wisconsin Point, a scenic peninsula jutting into Lake Superior, offering sandy beaches, hiking trails, and birdwatching opportunities. Barker’s Island, home to the S.S. Meteor Maritime Museum, provides visitors with a glimpse into the region’s maritime history, while also offering fishing charters, boat rentals, and waterfront dining options. For a taste of local culture, visitors can explore the Fairlawn Mansion & Museum, a beautifully preserved Victorian mansion showcasing period furnishings and artifacts from the late 19th century. Additionally, Superior is known for its vibrant arts scene, with galleries, studios, and performance spaces scattered throughout the city, offering opportunities to experience local art and music firsthand. Across the bay in Duluth, outdoor adventure awaits at places like Canal Park, where visitors can stroll along the Lakewalk, watch ships navigate the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge, and sample fresh-caught seafood at waterfront restaurants. The Great Lakes Aquarium provides a fascinating glimpse into the underwater world of Lake Superior, with exhibits featuring native fish, otters, and other aquatic creatures. History buffs can step back in time at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, home to vintage locomotives and railcars that once traversed the region’s rugged terrain. Meanwhile, Glensheen Mansion offers guided tours of a historic 20th-century estate, complete with opulent furnishings, beautiful gardens, and stunning lake views. For outdoor enthusiasts, Duluth’s numerous parks and trails beckon with opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and more, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the North Shore. Both Superior and Duluth are also known for their vibrant culinary scenes, with a diverse array of restaurants, cafes, and breweries offering delicious fare made with locally sourced ingredients. Whether it’s savoring fresh-caught fish at a waterfront eatery, sampling craft beers at a local brewery, or indulging in homemade pastries at a cozy cafe, foodies will find plenty to tempt their taste buds in these two cities.