Superior Has Changed More Than You Probably Realize

I've lived in many places in both Duluth and Superior for the last 20-plus years. Before that, I'd spend weekends in the Lester Park Neighborhood in the summer with my dad. So, I've been around the Northland my whole life.

As the years have gone by, many things have changed. I still miss Godfather's Pizza on London Road (but I'm going to try Phoholic tomorrow). I remember when Fitger's had a Chi Chi's, and there was a Grand Slam in Canal Park where Adventure Zone is now. Heck, I even remember going to The Ground Round. Have I vetted myself yet with nostalgia?

I moved to Superior, Wisconsin, in 2007. To be honest with you, Superior had a bad reputation. Duluth always turned its nose up at Superior. The joke always was, you know what Superior has that Duluth doesn't have? A beautiful city to look at across the lake.

Fast forward 20 years, and Superior is a place that has really grown. I've been here to witness it. Many adults only remember Tower Avenue vaguely as a place they bar-hopped in the 90s. I saw that quote on a Reddit page, and thought it was worth sharing. Yes, it's way different now. No, it hasn't lost all of its history.

If the last time you went to Downtown Superior was to visit Frankie's, it's time to go back. If you remember when VIP Pizza was next to the Capri, it's time to go back.

Don't worry, you can still get the best pizza in the Northland across the street.

Downtown Duluth is getting a lot of press for recent violent crimes, homelessness, drug use, and other negative things. I'm not going to pile in on that negativity right now. There's enough people doing it. There has been progress, and I've seen it firsthand with my job located in Downtown Duluth.

But let's take a moment to show something positive. Superior has come a long way in 20 years.

There are more nice storefronts, small businesses, restaurants, and gift shops. The reconstruction of Tower Avenue really spruced things up a decade ago.