SUPERIOR, Wis. (Northern News Now) – A Twin Ports-based photographer is shining a light on Superior’s dive bars, documenting how they’ve become cornerstones of the community.
Unlike newer bars, dive bars are like “old-school diners of the boozy realm,” as an article from Food Republic describes.
These small, character-driven bars caught the attention of local photographer Erica Dischino.
“Dive bars are not just a place to grab a beer — they’re a community hub,” Dischino said. “It’s a really important part of social infrastructure for Superior.”
Between October 2025 and February 2026, she visited 15 dive bars in Superior, meeting people and capturing photos.
“I think it’s definitely unusual to have a person with two cameras on their body in a dive bar, it was definitely a conversation starter,” Dischino joked. “One of the things that I tried to focus on specifically with the images was showing community and how these relationships are fostered in these spaces.”
The project — “Our Place” —is a photo essay that shows the in-between moments of dive bar culture.
The project was funded through a grant from the Superior Public Arts Commission.
Now, she’s sharing the completed project with the Twin Ports through a series of events:
Thursday, April 16: Douglas County Historical Society at 5 p.m. (free event; panel with local bartenders and bar owners)Sunday, April 19: East End Tavern from 2 to 3 p.m. (includes a 40 cent pint of Miller Lite special)Thursday, April 30: The Spirit Room from 5 to 7 p.m. (throwback cocktails inspired by historical local taverns will be available)
Each bar featured in the project will receive a zine of the completed project.
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