Capt’n J’s Miniature Golf & SS Meteor Whaleback Ship (Superior, WI)

Are you looking for a fun outdoor activity the whole family will enjoy while visiting Superior, WI? Then let me tell you about Capt’n J’s Miniature Golf located on Barker’s Island. I mean, who doesn’t love a fun game of miniature golf?! Some friends and I played a friendly round of miniature golf on this cool course during a recent visit to Superior and we had such a blast!

Since 1982, family and friends have been showing their skills on this 18-hole course. Capt’n J’s Miniature Golf welcomes a group of any size, people of all ages, and they are handicap accessible. So, take a few swings by the bay, listen to some fun tunes, and enjoy the challenges this course has to offer. And because Capt’n J’s Miniature Golf is located near the bay, it’s also near the newly renovated boardwalk where you can take a relaxing stroll or hang out on the sandy beach!

After playing a round of golf be sure to check out the snack bar that serves ice cream treats, candy, popcorn, water, and much more.

After you’ve enjoyed a yummy ice cream treat on a warm, sunny day, wander next door to the SS Meteor Whaleback Ship. The SS Meteor is the last remaining above-water whaleback ship in the world! The ship is open seasonally from May to October for guided tours, and the last tour of each day is at 1:30pm.

The whaleback freighter was designed by Captain Alexander McDougall and built in Superior, WI. 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.

Be sure to check out these two places for some fun…and little bit of history! And for those of you who are curious – yes, I won that friendly round of miniature golf with my friends! Haha!