Superior is on U.S. 60 at the junction with State Highway 177. Situated in a mountainous setting, the town is surrounded by peaks such as 6,056-foot Iron Mountain. In 1900, George Lobb laid out the town, naming it Hastings. Mines dotted the hills around the prosperous Pinal County community. Stockholders in one of the successful silver mines lived in Michigan and named their mine Lake Superior. This mine fed the area economy, and the community changed its name to Superior after this mine. The Magma Copper Company was established in 1910 and ran the Silver Queen Mine, which became a great copper producer after its silver ran out. A smelter was built in 1924 and remained in operation for 47 years.

Principal Economic Activities

Major employment sectors in the Superior area include mining, trade and service. The community's trade and service sectors are expanding, as is tourism. Agriculture is significant to Superior's economy and ranching is conducted in the surrounding areas. The development and permitting of the Resolution Copper project has created additional mining-related economic growth.

Scenic Attractions

Along the famous 98-mile Apache Trail route, imposing saguaros, rugged mountains, desert vistas and four lakes created by dams on the Salt River give the traveler a glimpse of Arizona's beauty and diversity. East of town are Queen Creek Bridge and Tunnel on the Legends of Superior Trails. On the eastern side of Queen Creek Canyon are the red-streaked towering cliffs of Apache Leap Mountain where Apaches are said to have jumped rather than surrender to U.S. troops. Nearby attractions include the Boyce Thompson Southwestern Arboretum, with more than 10,000 desert plants, the Oak Flats campground and the Resolution Copper Company Mine. Superior has identified three historic districts, and the Superior Historical Society opened the home of Bob Jones (Arizona’s sixth governor) as a museum. The Chamber of Commerce Caboose Visitor Center on U.S. 60 is a unique attraction along with the Mining History Trail and the Copper Corridor Ore Cart Trail, a public art memorial to miners. Outdoor recreation includes access to public lands adjacent to Superior and access to the Arizona National Scenic Trail just west of town.

Community Facilities

The town of Superior has a broad range of community facilities including an airport, senior center, a community center, a library, one swimming pool, a Little League field and two parks. The school district maintains football, softball and baseball fields. The town also has commercial property available in the industrial park and Main Street corrridors.