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Ashland is a historic city located on the shores of Lake Superior in Wisconsin. The city is home to various shops, restaurants, parks, and historical landmarks.
Visitors to Ashland can enjoy doing various top things, including exploring the city’s history, hiking in the Chequamegon National Forest, and paddleboarding on Lake Superior.
Ashland also has many fun things for those looking for a more active vacation, such as biking, kayaking, and skiing. You’ll discover plenty to do in Ashland, Wisconsin, whatever your preferences.
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center is the perfect place to learn about the history of Ashland and the surrounding area. The four-season facility features different exhibits on the cultural and natural history of the region and an intriguing objects theater.
The visitor center is also home to the Wisconsin Historical Society Area Research Center, perfect for those who want expert advice about the area’s history.
Every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the center is open and has numerous outdoor activities, such as a mile-long walkway and an observation tower. The visitor center also has a souvenir shop where you may buy mementos for your trip.
Madeline Island
Nestled in Lake Superior, Ashland is home to the largest island of the Apostle Islands, Madeline Island. The island boasts sandy beaches perfect for strolling, rich history, and beautiful lakeshore views.
Take a ferry ride and enjoy the rhythm of the waves rolling in and the breezes blowing before grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants offering locally sourced fare.
If you’re feeling active, you can do many things like biking, hiking, kayaking, golfing, swimming, and more. Or, if you’re looking to relax, you can shop in the galleries or read a book in one of the parks.
ABC Raceway
Looking for something fun to do in Ashland, WI? Check out ABC Raceway! This dirt track racing facility is perfect for a family day out.
The ABC racing association ensures the admission is affordable, and plenty of good food is available. You’ll also witness some great sportsmanship and awesome racing action.
And if you’re looking to make a weekend of it, camping is available in the city park right on Lake Superior. So come on down and enjoy the best things to do in Ashland, Wisconsin!
South Shore Brewery
Looking for the best things to do in Ashland, WI? Then, you’ll want to check out South Shore Brewery! This local brewery offers some of the best beer in town, and you can enjoy it at their tap house down the coast in Washburn.
The Deep Water Grille and The Alley are excellent places to try South Shore Brewery’s brews. And the staff is lovely too! They’re always happy to help you find the perfect beer for your taste. Plus, the food is terrific.
There’s a great selection of local dishes, and the atmosphere is always cozy and inviting.
So whether you’re looking for a place to relax with friends or sample some of Ashland’s best beer, South Shore Brewery is the perfect spot.
Deep Water Grille
Ashland might be a small city, but it packs a punch for things to do. Deep Water Grille is the place to go if you’re looking for a quality dining experience.
They offer a delightful blend of traditional fine dining and classic pub fare, all with a friendly atmosphere. And, of course, no meal is complete without a brewed beer.
Maslowski Beach Park is another great option if you’re looking to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Ashland scenery. There’s plenty of space to relax and take in the views, or you can explore the nature trails and get some exercise.
Ashland Mural Walk
If you’re looking for a dose of history and culture, look no further than the quaint town of Ashland, Wisconsin. This Historic mural capital of Wisconsin is home to more than two dozen murals, each depicting a significant moment or person in the town’s history.
Ashland is also known for its beautiful brick Main Street, which is lined with art galleries, independent shops, and restaurants. The walk is clean and well-maintained and operates every day.
And don’t forget to check out the world’s largest steam locomotive – it’s been open to visitors since 1900! So, whether you’re a fan of art or history or just want to explore a charming small town, be sure to add Ashland to your list.
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is one of Wisconsin’s best places to return to nature. With more than 1.5 million acres of forest to explore, there’s no shortage of things to do.
Camping, hiking, and paddling are just a few ways to enjoy the great outdoors. And if you’re looking for a bit of natural history, the forest is home to many natural and cultural features that tell the story of Wisconsin’s Northwoods.
Chequamegon Bay Golf Club
If you’re looking for a great place to golf in Ashland, WI, look no further than Chequamegon Bay Golf Club.
Offering 18 holes of championship golf, this facility is one of the best in the area. In addition to the great golfing, they also offer several programs and classes to help improve your skills.
After a long day on the course, you can relax at the Local Bar and grill and enjoy some food and beverages. Moreover, they have a snack bar for those who need a quick snack or drink.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is one of the best places to visit in Ashland, Wisconsin. The 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland coast are teeming with natural beauty and cultural resources.
The Apostle Islands Cruises offer sightseeing tours of the area, and there are several lighthouses that you can tour. The nine historic towers on six different islands are a must-see.
You may also take a guided kayaking tour, water taxi, fishing, or sailing charter. There are scuba diving opportunities and access to abandoned quarries, historic logging, old farm sites, campsites, and fishing camps.
Boating is also popular, and you can explore the islands by motorboat. The fascinating shipwrecks and underwater rock formations are sure to impress.
With over 240 bird species breeding in the area, it’s a veritable birdwatcher’s paradise. Last but not least, the Ojibwe culture is prevalent in the area and adds an extra layer of richness to the experience.
Gabriele’s German Cookies
Be sure to stop by Ashland and try out Gabriele’s German Cookies! This place is impressive, built in 2004, and serves up some of the most fantastic treats you’ll ever have.
They’ve got all kinds of deliciousness like Linzertorte (Almond spice cake with raspberry), chocolates, cookies, Stollen (German Christmas bread/cake), Lebkuchen (German Gingerbread Cookies), and Hutzelbrot (German Fruitbread).
Plus, they’ve got a wide range of jellies, jams, tortes, cakes, and more. You can even order online, and they’ll deliver it right to you, well-packaged in a family style.
The best part is that they make these delicious sweets with ancient recipes passed down several generations. So when you take a bite, you’re not just getting a tasty treat but also a bit of history.
The bakery is open Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Benoit Cheese Haus
Looking for a unique gift shop? Look no further than the Benoit Cheese Haus in Ashland, Wisconsin!
This old-fashioned store has been a Wisconsin institution since 1973 and offers an impressive selection of over 150 different varieties of cheese.
In addition to cheeses from thirty different Wisconsin cheesemakers, you’ll also find cheddar aged up to twenty years, fresh curds, and many other types of Wisconsin’s best cheeses.
The Benoit Cheese Haus also carries various locally made dairy products with a Wisconsin flair. The Benoit Cheese Haus is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
So, next time you’re in Ashland, stop by and check out this one-of-a-kind store!
Bayview Park
Ashland, WI, is a beautiful town with plenty of public beaches. Bayview Park is one of those beaches, and it’s a beautiful place to spend time with family or friends.
The playground and picnic areas are great for kids, and the fishing pier is perfect for those who want to relax and take in the picturesque views.
The Ashland Lighthouse is also a popular spot for taking photos, and the ten-mile trail is perfect for hiking or biking, with scenic views along the way.
Lithia Park
Ashland, WI, is the perfect place to visit for people who want to experience different activities. The downtown area is home to Lithia Park, Ashland’s crown jewel.
The 100-acre park offers a vista of emerald lawns, colorful landscaping, and playground equipment. The park also has a formal rose garden, a Japanese garden, two duck ponds, several secluded spots, and groves of sycamore trees.
Visitors can take advantage of the park’s many amenities, including the Butler-Perozzi Fountain, pickleball courts, sandpit volleyball courts, and picnic areas.
The park is open from dawn until 11:30 p.m., making it the perfect place to spend a day or evening.
Final Thoughts on Best Things To Do In Ashland, Wisconsin
If you’re looking for a unique, beautiful place to visit that has something for everyone in the family, Ashland is definitely worth your time and money.
With the 13 spots listed above as some of the finest in the city, you’ll be able to find something to appeal to everyone in this beautiful town. So what are you waiting for? Get online and book your trip today!
