Lake Superior Reserve overhead viewAbout the Reserve
Lake Superior EstuariumOur Focus Areas
Staff doing research in St. Louis RiverMeet Our Staff

Located on the St. Louis River Estuary in Superior, Wisconsin

The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve works in partnership to improve the understanding of Lake Superior’s coast and estuaries. We address issues affecting the watershed through integration of research, education, outreach and stewardship.

March 7-9, 2022 • Hosted virtually

St. Louis River Summit

River Transformations

Join us for the 12th Annual St. Louis River Summit on March 7-9, 2022. The 2022 Summit main program will be hosted virtually with optional in-person elements include a poster session, field trips, and a River Talk.
Full agenda will be posted in late January.

Interested in presenting at the 2022 Summit? Now accepting abstract submissions, through January 10th.

2022 St. Louis River Summit

In the News

The Life Aquatic: Using Technology to Monitor Water Quality in the St. Louis River Estuary

Jenna Mertz, Division of Extension Natural Resources Institute | November 19, 2021

As the monitoring coordinator for the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve (LSNERR), Hannah Ramage spends a lot of time collecting data on the water and habitat quality in the St. Louis River estuary. In the warm months, it’s waders and canoes; in the cold months, it’s data analysis and quality assurance. And because she oversees the calibration and deployment of equipment in the field, there’s also a bit of MacGyvering.

Read the Full Story

November 2021 - March 2022 • VIRTUAL SERIES

Get Your Science Moving: Building Blocks to Mobilize Science Engagement

You have the project - the data - the science to back it up. Now what? This series will cover six components necessary to get your science moving out in the real world so that it can reach the right eyes and ears to make a difference!

Building Blocks Course Series
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Careers

Margaret A. Davidson Graduate Fellowship

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Upcoming Events

Dec 02

Social Science Basics: Writing Effective Survey Questions

Virtual Training Organizer: Karina Heim

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Live Data

24.6° F

-4.1° C

Pokegama Bay

11/30/2021 08:00 (LST)

Wind Speed
0.8mps - 1.8mph
Max Wind Speed
1.6mps - 3.6mph
Wind Dir From
202° To NNE
Rel Humidity
97%
Bar Pressure
1017mb
Total PAR
9.0
Cum Precip
0.0mm

All Data is property of NOAA Office for Coastal Management (OCM) / National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS)

Explore the Estuary

St. Louis River Estuary

The St. Louis River Estuary is a rich, unique and diverse place to explore. From sandy beaches to protected bays valued for bass, walleye and muskie fishing, to the wild Red River Breaks, the St. Louis River provides a wilderness experience within 10 minutes of the Twin Ports.

Get out and explore
St. Louis River Estuary
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Careers

Margaret A. Davidson Graduate Fellowship

Live Data

24.6° F

-4.1° C

Pokegama Bay

11/30/2021 08:00 (LST)

Wind Speed
0.8mps - 1.8mph
Max Wind Speed
1.6mps - 3.6mph
Wind Dir From
202° To NNE
Rel Humidity
97%
Bar Pressure
1017mb
Total PAR
9.0
Cum Precip
0.0mm

All Data is property of NOAA Office for Coastal Management (OCM) / National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS)

View All

Upcoming Events

Dec 02

Social Science Basics: Writing Effective Survey Questions

Virtual Training Organizer: Karina Heim

View More…

Live Data

24.6° F

-4.1° C

Pokegama Bay

11/30/2021 08:00 (LST)

Wind Speed
0.8mps - 1.8mph
Max Wind Speed
1.6mps - 3.6mph
Wind Dir From
202° To NNE
Rel Humidity
97%
Bar Pressure
1017mb
Total PAR
9.0
Cum Precip
0.0mm

All Data is property of NOAA Office for Coastal Management (OCM) / National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS)

Lake Superior Estuarium

Enjoy, explore, experience!

The Estuarium is open 10am-5pm Fridays and Saturdays in June, July and August. Enjoy, explore and experience the Estuarium this summer. Free Admission!

Visit the Estuarium

Lake Superior High Water Spotter

Help document shoreline impacts from water levels

This year the water levels across the Great Lakes are predicted to once again be very high. We’re gathering photos from around Lake Superior that capture what these conditions look like to establish a visual record.

Share your photos
Lake Superior Day, Lake Superior Community Celebration

Due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak and guidelines from Wisconsin Department of Health Services, UW–Madison, and federal agencies the Estuarium is closed and our facilities will have limited availability and access. Our staff are working remotely and many of our events have been postponed. For the latest information on COVID-19, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Less Screens, More Streams

St. Louis River Field School

Virtual and homeschool learners in grades 6-8 are invited to take learning outside with science and education staff from the Reserve. Taking place at different locations along the St. Louis River, including Wisconsin Point and the Superior Municipal Forest, each of these monthly, hands-on experiences will provide a place for students to unplug outdoors and gain an appreciation of the St. Louis River.

Register Now!
young students smile while paddling a canoe

2020-2025 Reserve Management Plan

Request for Comments

A draft of the Lake Superior Reserve 2020-2025 Management Plan is posted in the Federal Register and open for public comment. Please review the plan and submit comments to the public record on or before December 2, 2020.

Learn More