Osaugie Trail (Overview)
The Osaugie Trail is a stunning path in Superior that runs 5 miles past scenic and historic waterfront landmarks. The route also passes part of one of the busiest harbors on the Great Lakes. Beautiful vistas of Barker’s Island, Wisconsin Point, and Superior and Allouez Bays make an excursion a scenic adventure. Great Lakes freighters and oceangoing ships are often seen passing in the channel. It’s no wonder the Osaugie Trail was named the best accessible trail by Lake Superior Magazine in 2019.
The Osaugie Trail surface is paved, and most sections are in very good condition. When this trail was ridden in 2024, a few segments were bumpy with broken or cracked asphalt. Other parts were newly paved and marked with a dotted center line. The trail bridges several rivers and creeks. Park benches along the way offer a chance to rest and enjoy the view.
Since much of the trail was a former rail line, most of the route is quite level. The eastern section is the flattest. In a few places, the path climbs and descends the sloping ridge which the path follows for the first 3 miles.
There is no fee to use the Osaugie Trail. The city of Superior oversees and maintains the path. Four locations work well as trailheads. At the far north end is Harborview Park and the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center. One mile southeast is a parking lot next to the trailside Rotary Pavilion. One mile further down the path is Loon’s Foot Public Water Access. The last trailhead location, Bear Creek Park, is at the end of the trail.
The Osaugie Trail surface changes after crossing 39th Avenue. There, only one side of the path is paved. The other side is composed of crushed stone. And while the Osaugie Trail ends after 5 miles at Moccasin Mike Road, the route continues for another 60 miles as the Tri-County Corridor Trail. That gravel-surfaced path is open to ATV use. Because of its coarse gravel surface, mountain bikes are more suitable on the Tri-County Corridor Trail.
Beyond its scenic beauty, the city of Superior attracts visitors with its history. Over 400 years ago, the Fond du Lac Band of the Ojibwe nation settled along the mouth of the Nemadji and Saint Louis Rivers, and shores of Lake Superior. The river water flowing into Lake Superior resulted in a long sand bar, a unique geographic feature that borders the freshwater estuary and Lake Superior. Know respectively as Minnesota and Wisconsin Points, Ojibwe members lived on this forest-covered sand bar.
According to some scholars, Father Claude Jean Allouez camped at Wisconsin Point in1666. The Jesuit priest and missionary hoped to convert Native Americans to Christianity. Some historians claim he established a mission across from Wisconsin Point, on Bluff Creek by shore of Allouez Bay. The priest soon abandoned the mission and departed.
From the 17th to the 19th centuries, the area that became Superior was also inhabited by clerks and voyageurs from various fur trade companies. In1853, early settlements began along the Nemadji River. Beginning in 1883, a land company developed much of Superior, including industries that relied on the railroad and Great Lakes for transportation of raw materials and finished goods. Superior incorporated as a city in 1889.
Between 1890-1920, Superior’s population increased as work opportunities in sprouting businesses and industries lured European immigrants. Today, the twin ports of Superior and Duluth remain active and a mainstay of the local economy. In fact, this is the largest port in the Great Lakes. Superior continues to be a center for mining, manufacturing, transportation, and other heavy industries.
Visitors to Superior have the opportunity to enjoy several local restaurants. The Hammond Steak House offers delicious steaks and seafood dishes in a nostalgic setting. One popular burger joint and dive bar is Anchor Bar and Grill, where any of their 20 burgers are sure to please. But bring cash, as credit cards aren’t accepted. And the Original Louis’ Café is a great place for breakfast as well as authentic Greek cuisine.
Route Description