Ashland Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the Wisconsin region, the charming city of Ashland offers a delightful mix of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant arts scene, Ashland is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and art lovers alike.

One of the main draws of Ashland is its stunning location on the shores of Lake Superior. With its pristine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, the lake provides the perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation and water activities. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, go swimming, or even try their hand at kayaking or paddleboarding. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, the sunsets over the lake are truly breathtaking and should not be missed.

In addition to its natural beauty, Ashland is also renowned for its thriving arts community. The city is home to numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues, showcasing the talents of local artists and performers. Art enthusiasts can explore the Ashland Mural Walk, a collection of vibrant murals adorning the city's buildings, or visit the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, which features rotating exhibits highlighting the region's natural and cultural heritage.

History buffs will find plenty to discover in Ashland as well. The city boasts a rich heritage dating back to the 19th century, and many of its historic buildings have been lovingly preserved. Visitors can take a step back in time by exploring the Ashland Historical Museum, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's past through its exhibits and artifacts. The iconic Soo Line Depot, a beautifully restored train station, is another must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts.

For outdoor adventurers, Ashland is a gateway to a wealth of natural wonders. The nearby Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest offers miles of hiking and biking trails, perfect for exploring the region's lush forests and scenic vistas. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck in the area's abundant lakes and rivers, which are teeming with a variety of fish species. In the winter months, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in the snowy wonderland of the region.

Alternative names: Population: 8 thous. (2020)Area: 13.7 mi²Elevation: 653 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 46°35'21"N, 90°53'16"W

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WisconsinUnited States

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Ashland Top Attractions

Ashland Attractions - What to See and Explore

Ashland offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Old Ashland Post Office, Northland College, Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, Ellis School. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

City hall
Old Ashland Post Office
The Old Ashland Post Office is a historic building in Ashland, Wisconsin, United States. It now serves as the Ashland City Hall, which is what most people know it as, and refer to it as. It houses the offices of city government.
Universities and schools
Northland College
Northland College is a private college in Ashland, Wisconsin. Founded as the North Wisconsin Academy in 1892, the college was established in 1906.
46°34'60"N • 90°57'49"W
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
Nature • Visitor center • Tourist information

46°35'39"N • 90°52'22"W
Ellis School
Ellis School is a school building in Ashland, Wisconsin which was built in 1900. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 17, 1980.
Concerts and shows • Opera • Theater
Grand Opera House
The Grand Opera House is a historic opera house in Ashland, Wisconsin. The building was one of the first theatres in the region, and was originally a vaudeville/opera house/live performance venue.
46°35'26"N • 90°53'5"W
Security Savings Bank
The Security Savings Bank, also known as the Appleyard Building, is a historic building in Ashland, Wisconsin, United States. In 1974, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It was designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque Style by the architectural firm Conover and Porter, of Madison.
46°35'5"N • 90°52'30"W
Ashland Middle School
Ashland Middle School is a middle school in Ashland, Wisconsin's Ashland School District. It is also the name of a former school building that was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places from 1980 until it was delisted in 2009.
46°35'1"N • 90°52'48"W
Wilmarth School
Wilmarth School is a school building in Ashland, Wisconsin which was built in 1891. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

Day trips

Ashland – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Ashland, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Split Rock Lighthouse (Split Rock Lighthouse State Park), Madeline Island Museum (Madeline Island), Edna G (Two Harbors).

48 milesNW
History museum, Lighthouse, Museum
Split Rock Lighthouse, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Split Rock Lighthouse is a lighthouse located southwest of Silver Bay, Minnesota, USA on the North Shore of Lake Superior. The structure was designed by lighthouse engineer Ralph Russell Tinkham and was completed in 1910 by the United States Lighthouse Service at a cost of $75,000, including the buildings and the land.
14 milesN
Island, Maritime museum, History museum
Madeline Island Museum, Madeline Island
Madeline Island Museum is a museum owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Opened on June 15, 1958, the museum is in the town of La Pointe, Wisconsin on Madeline Island, one of the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior.
47 milesNW
Museum, Ship
Edna G, Two Harbors
Edna G is a tugboat which worked the Great Lakes and is now preserved as a museum ship. Edna G was built by the Cleveland Shipbuilding Company in 1896 for the Duluth and Iron Range Railroad at a cost $35,397.50. She was named for the daughter of J. L. Greatsinger, president of the railroad.
47 milesNW
Lighthouse, Museum, Vernacular architecture
Two Harbors Light, Two Harbors
The Two Harbors Light is the oldest operating lighthouse in the US state of Minnesota. Overlooking Lake Superior's Agate Bay, the lighthouse is located in Two Harbors, Minnesota. The construction of the lighthouse began in 1891 and was completed the following year, with the light being lit for the first time on April 14, 1892.
27 milesNE
Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Michigan Island Light, Michigan Island
The Michigan Island Lighthouse is a lighthouse operated by the National Park Service and located on Michigan Island on western Lake Superior in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.