Tours leave at the bottom of the hour from the Gift Shop. Visitors are allowed to view the exhibit space before and after the tour. Please note the daily tour schedule may change based on staffing, weather, and events. Please visit “book your tour today” above for the current schedule.
Monday - Thursday
CLOSED
Friday - SUNDAY
10:30AM - 2:30PM
Last tour at 1:30PM
Monday - Saturday
8:30AM - 2:30PM
Last tour at 1:30PM
Sunday
10:30AM - 2:30PM
Last tour at 1:30PM
Friday - Saturday ONLY
4:30 - 8:30PM
Last tour at 7:30PM
Monday - Thursday
CLOSED
Friday
SuNDAY
8:30AM - 2:30PM
Last tour at 1:30PM
10:30AM - 2:30PM
Last tour at 1:30PM
The SS Meteor is the last remaining above-water whaleback ship in the world! Open seasonally from May – October. All guided tours depart from the Gift Shop on the bottom of the hour.
The whaleback freighter was designed by Captain Alexander McDougall and built here in Superior, Wisconsin. These ships, innovative for their time, earned the name “whaleback” for their cigar-shaped steel hulls that rode low in the water when loaded with cargo.
McDougall’s Whaleback #136 has seen many changes since she was launched as the Frank Rockefeller in Superior harbor less than a mile from where she now rests. She ended her shipping career as the SS Meteor, after carrying a variety of cargoes over the years, including iron ore, grain, sand and gravel, cars, and oil.
In 1972, after sailing under three names and being refitted twice, the SS Meteor returned to Superior and is now permanently land-berthed on Barker’s Island. Tour the ship from pilot house to cargo holds. The Museum also features exhibits on Great Lakes shipwrecks and the history of shipbuilding in the Twin Ports.
The Superior Historic Properties welcome donations to help preserve and share our community’s rich history. Contributions directly support the care, restoration, and programming at these treasured sites, ensuring they remain vibrant and accessible for future generations. Every donation, big or small, makes a lasting impact. As a political subdivision of the State of Wisconsin, the City of Superior qualifies as a governmental unit under Section 170(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, your contribution may be tax deductible to the extent provided by law. Please consult your tax advisor for specific guidance. No goods or services were provided in exchange for this contribution.
Fairlawn Mansion
Thursday-Friday: 12:00-4:00
Saturday: 10:00-4:00
Sunday: 12:00-4:00
Monday-Wednesday: Closed
S.S. Meteor
Closed for the season – Opens May 2026
Old Firehouse & Police Museum
Closed for the season – Opens May 2026