Ashland WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ashland, Wisconsin.
1. Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
REGIONAL HISTORY AND CULTURE
The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center is a four-season facility that captures the unique qualities of this multi-state region through engaging exhibits and special programs. Visitors can explore the area's regional history and culture with intriguing objects theater and an accessible boardwalk through local wetlands. Located just two miles west of Ashland, this visitor center serves as an excellent starting point for tourists looking to discover the natural and cultural heritage of the Great Lakes region.
2. South Shore Brewery
LOCAL CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
South Shore Brewery offers visitors a taste of locally crafted beers in the heart of Ashland. Beer enthusiasts can tour the facility, learn about the brewing process, and sample a variety of unique craft brews made with regional ingredients. The brewery represents an important part of Ashland's contemporary culture and provides a relaxing spot to unwind after exploring the city's many attractions.
3. Ashland Historical Museum
CITY'S RICH HERITAGE
The Ashland Historical Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of this Lake Superior community through artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays. Visitors can discover Ashland's past as a center for lumbering, brownstone quarrying, and Great Lakes shipping. The museum provides valuable insights into the development of the city and the cultural influences that have shaped its character over the generations.
4. Maslowski Beach
LAKEFRONT RECREATION AREA
Maslowski Beach offers visitors a beautiful shoreline experience on the waters of Lake Superior's Chequamegon Bay. Families can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and relaxing with stunning views of the largest freshwater lake by surface area in the world. The beach area includes amenities for day visitors and serves as a reminder of Ashland's special connection to Lake Superior.
5. Prentice Park
URBAN GREEN SPACE
Prentice Park provides Ashland residents and visitors with a well-maintained green space for recreation and relaxation. The park features walking paths, picnic areas, and opportunities to connect with nature within the city limits. Visitors appreciate the park's accessibility and the chance to enjoy outdoor activities in a peaceful setting away from the bustle of downtown.
6. Historic Murals
OUTDOOR ART GALLERY
Ashland's Historic Murals have earned the city its nickname as 'The Historic Mural Capital of Wisconsin' with their impressive colorful depictions of local figures throughout the downtown business district. These large-scale public artworks transform ordinary building walls into a canvas that tells the story of the region's people, culture, and history. Visitors can take self-guided tours of these murals to gain a deeper appreciation of Ashland's heritage through this unique outdoor art gallery.
7. Ashland City Hall
HISTORIC BROWNSTONE ARCHITECTURE
Ashland City Hall stands as one of the most striking examples of brownstone architecture in the region and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building represents the city's prosperous past when brownstone quarrying was a major local industry. Architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike appreciate the detailed craftsmanship and historical significance of this magnificent structure that continues to serve as the center of local government.
8. Copper Falls State Park
MAJESTIC WATERFALL DESTINATION
Copper Falls State Park showcases some of Wisconsin's most spectacular waterfalls in a setting of ancient lava flows, deep gorges, and lush forests. Visitors can hike the trails to view the cascading Bad River and Tyler Forks as they drop nearly 30 feet into a deep, narrow gorge. The park offers year-round activities including hiking, swimming, camping, and cross-country skiing, making it a perfect destination regardless of the season.
9. Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest encompasses over 1.5 million acres of pristine wilderness in northern Wisconsin, offering endless outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can explore hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing through diverse ecosystems of northern hardwoods, pine, and spruce-fir forests. The forest is home to abundant wildlife and clear lakes and streams, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, camping, and hunting.
10. Big Bay State Park
ISLAND NATURAL WONDERLAND
Big Bay State Park is a 2,350-acre natural treasure located on Madeline Island, the largest of the Apostle Islands. Visitors can explore seven miles of hiking trails through old-growth forests and along sandstone bluffs overlooking the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior. The park features a mile-long beach, a boardwalk through unique bog environments, and camping facilities that allow for an immersive natural experience on this historic island.
11. Apostle Islands
LAKE SUPERIOR ARCHIPELAGO
The Apostle Islands form a stunning archipelago of 22 islands in Lake Superior, known for their beautiful sea caves, historic lighthouses, and pristine natural environments. Visitors can take boat tours or kayak excursions to explore the islands' sandstone cliffs, sandy beaches, and unique ecosystems that support diverse plant and animal life. In winter, the famous ice caves form along the mainland sea caves, creating a magical frozen landscape that attracts adventurers from across the country.
12. Book Across the Bay
WINTER CANDLELIGHT TREK
Book Across the Bay is a unique winter event where participants cross-country ski or snowshoe across the frozen Chequamegon Bay by candlelight. The 10-kilometer course stretches from Ashland to Washburn and is lit by over 1,000 ice luminaries that create a magical nighttime experience on Lake Superior. This popular February event combines winter recreation with the spectacular beauty of a starlit journey across the frozen bay, attracting thousands of participants each year.
13. Lake Galilee
POPULAR FISHING DESTINATION
Lake Galilee is a cherished fishing spot near Mellen that hosts the annual Ice Fishing Contest sponsored by the North Wisconsin Rod & Gun Club. Anglers can enjoy year-round fishing opportunities with a variety of fish species inhabiting the lake's clear waters. The lake's peaceful setting in Ashland County makes it a perfect destination for both serious fishermen and families looking to experience the joy of fishing in northern Wisconsin's beautiful natural environment.
14. Ashland County Waterfalls
NATURAL CASCADING WONDERS
Ashland County is home to numerous stunning waterfalls that showcase the natural beauty of northern Wisconsin's rivers and streams. Visitors can explore these cascading wonders year-round, with each season offering a different perspective on these powerful displays of nature. The waterfalls are accessible via hiking trails that wind through spectacular forest scenery, providing photographers and nature lovers with unforgettable experiences in all four seasons.
15. Chequamegon Bay
PREMIER LAKE SUPERIOR FISHING
Chequamegon Bay offers some of the best fishing opportunities on Lake Superior with numerous species available throughout the year in its protected waters. Anglers can target smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, salmon, and lake trout among other species in this productive fishery. The bay's location at Ashland's doorstep makes it an accessible destination for both experienced fishermen and families looking to enjoy time on the water of the world's largest freshwater lake.