Barker's Island Superior
Barker's Island in Superior, WI, offers iconic ship horn sounds, family fun at the Inn, and a vibrant event scene on Lake Superior.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Festivals and pleasant weather
Barker's Island Superior
Best Time
Festivals and pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Barker's Island in Superior, WI, offers iconic ship horn sounds, family fun at the Inn, and a vibrant event scene on Lake Superior.
"Hear the legendary 'Barker Bark' and enjoy family fun at the Inn on this vibrant island."
👂 Hear the 'Barker Bark'
Listen for the iconic horn of the James R. Barker cargo ship – it's an unforgettable sound!
🏨 Book Barkers Island Inn
Great for families! Pool, hot tub, and close to everything.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The James R. Barker Ship Horn
Hear the legendary 'Barker Bark' – a unique, harmonious ship horn that resonates across the water.
Barkers Island Inn
Enjoy family-friendly amenities like a pool and hot tub, with easy access to local dining and attractions.
Dragon Boat Races
Witness the excitement of the annual Dragon Boat races held on Barker's Island.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Experience the Iconic 'Barker Bark'
Island Events & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👂 Hear the 'Barker Bark'
Listen for the iconic horn of the James R. Barker cargo ship – it's an unforgettable sound!
🏨 Book Barkers Island Inn
Great for families! Pool, hot tub, and close to everything.
📅 Check Event Schedules
Island hosts festivals, races, and celebrations.
🎣 Walleye Dining
Try Dolce Vita or Barker's Island for great fish.
Tips
from all over the internet
👂 Hear the 'Barker Bark'
Listen for the iconic horn of the James R. Barker cargo ship – it's an unforgettable sound!
🏨 Book Barkers Island Inn
Great for families! Pool, hot tub, and close to everything.
📅 Check Event Schedules
Island hosts festivals, races, and celebrations.
🎣 Walleye Dining
Try Dolce Vita or Barker's Island for great fish.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Barker's Island for its unique maritime experiences, particularly the iconic 'Barker Bark' ship horn, and its family-friendly amenities at the Barkers Island Inn. The island also serves as a lively hub for community events, though it can get crowded during peak festival times.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Barker's Island is easily accessible by car in Superior, Wisconsin. It's located near Canal Park and the Twin Ports area. Parking is generally available, especially outside of major event times.
While specific public transport routes directly to the island might be limited, Superior and Duluth have bus services that can get you close to the general area. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
The 'Barker Bark' is the horn of the James R. Barker cargo ship. You can often hear it when ships are passing through the Duluth-Superior harbor. Listening from the island shores or nearby parks offers a great vantage point.
Yes, Barker's Island offers scenic walking paths, perfect for enjoying views of Lake Superior and the harbor. It's a popular spot for a stroll, especially during pleasant weather.
Absolutely! Barker's Island is an excellent location for ship watching. You can often see various Great Lakes freighters, including the Mark W. Barker, navigating the Duluth-Superior harbor.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no entrance fee to access Barker's Island itself. However, specific events held on the island, such as festivals or conventions, may have their own admission fees.
Barker's Island is publicly accessible during daylight hours. The Barkers Island Inn has its own operating hours for its amenities like the pool and restaurant.
While the races themselves are a spectacle to watch, specific ticket requirements can vary year to year. It's best to check the official event organizers' website closer to the date for any ticketing information.
Access to the Barkers Island Inn's public areas like the restaurant or bar does not require an entry fee. However, to use amenities like the pool or hot tub, you typically need to be a registered guest.
Keep an eye on local event listings, the Superior Douglas County Chamber of Commerce website, and social media for announcements about events like the Juneteenth Celebration or Dragon Boat races.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Barkers Island Inn offers a pool, hot tub, and sauna, making it great for families. The island itself is also a fun place for kids to explore and watch ships.
The Barkers Island Inn has an in-house bar and restaurant. Additionally, the island is close to many dining options in Superior, including places known for walleye like Dolce Vita.
Yes, Barker's Island provides stunning photographic opportunities, especially for ship watching, harbor views, and capturing the essence of Lake Superior. The changing weather also offers dramatic backdrops.
Barker's Island hosts a variety of events, including festivals like Juneteenth, sporting events like the Dragon Boat races, and conventions.
While direct swimming from the island shores into Lake Superior might be cold and not always recommended, the Barkers Island Inn features a pool for guests to enjoy.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Barkers Island Inn has its own bar and restaurant, offering convenient dining options for visitors.
For excellent walleye, locals recommend Dolce Vita in Superior, and Barker's Island itself is also noted as a good spot for fish.
The Barkers Island Inn offers an in-house bar and restaurant, providing a comfortable place to eat and drink with views of the marina.
The Barkers Island Inn is noted as being family-friendly, and its proximity to Superior means there are many other dining establishments catering to all ages.
Yes, the Barkers Island Inn features an in-house bar where you can enjoy drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire island offers great vantage points for photographing the Duluth-Superior harbor, Lake Superior, and the impressive freighters. The marina area and shoreline are particularly scenic.
While you can photograph the James R. Barker, capturing the 'Barker Bark' is an auditory experience. The best photos would be of the ship itself as it passes by.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light for photography. However, the dramatic skies and weather patterns over Lake Superior can make any time of day visually interesting.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, be mindful of private property (like within the Inn's private rooms) and any specific event regulations. Always be respectful of others.
A telephoto lens is recommended for capturing details of ships from a distance. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the island and the harbor.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚢 Ship Enthusiasts
📅 Event Goers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legendary 'Barker Bark'
While the ship itself is a marvel of engineering, the horn's unique acoustic quality has made it a subject of fascination and a must-experience for maritime enthusiasts. The Mark W. Barker, another vessel from the same company, also navigates these waters, adding to the maritime presence in the area. Hearing these ships and their horns is a core part of the charm of the Twin Ports region.
Barker's Island as an Event Hub
Key events that draw crowds to Barker's Island include the exciting Dragon Boat races, a spectacle of teamwork and tradition on the water. The island also hosts important cultural celebrations like the Juneteenth Celebration, highlighting community spirit and heritage. Additionally, the Barker's Island Convention Center is utilized for various functions, including local markets and expos, showcasing local businesses and talent. Checking the local event calendar is highly recommended to align your visit with these engaging activities.
Dining Delights on and near Barker's Island
For those specifically seeking local delicacies, particularly fresh fish, the Duluth-Superior area is a prime destination. Reddit users frequently recommend Dolce Vita in Superior for its excellent walleye. The island itself is also mentioned as a good place to enjoy local fish dishes. This ensures that whether you're staying at the Inn or exploring the island, you'll have access to delicious dining options, from casual pub fare to renowned local specialties.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit