Ashland (Wisconsin)

Ashland is at the top of Wisconsin, stretched out along Lake Superior's Chequamegon Bay. Located at the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 2 and Wisconsin Hwy. 13 just over an hour east of the Twin Ports of Superior, Wisconsin and Duluth, Minnesota, Ashland is perched as the major commercial center for the surrounding area. Though relatively small (7,800 in 2019), Ashland and the surrounding area are home to a vibrant community of thinkers, artists, musicians, and alternative farmers, due in part to the presence of environmental science leader Northland College.

Get in
The major routes to the city include:


 * From the west, U.S. Highway 2 via Iron River (27 miles), Superior (65 miles) and Duluth (70 miles). Also connecting to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul via Interstate 35 (215 miles).
 * From the north, WI Highway 13 via Washburn (11 miles) and Bayfield (23 miles)
 * From the east, U.S. Highway 2 via Ironwood (38 miles) and Michigan's Upper Peninsula
 * From the south, WI Highway 13 via Mellen (24 miles) and Park Falls (60 miles)

Get around
Of course, if you're coming to Ashland from out of town, you'll have your own vehicle with you, but remember your walking shoes, a bicycle, or maybe a pair of roller blades. Ashland has a four-mile-long paved Lake Walk that is dog-friendly and a good vantage for sunsets. The rest of the town in easily accessible by foot or human-powered vehicle as well.

See
The many murals that Ashland's artists have painted on the side of landmark buildings.

Lake Superior. It's the biggest fresh water lake in the world (by surface area).

The local parks. There are several parks in town with beautiful views.

Do
Ashland is a gateway to year-round outdoor recreation. There's inland and Great Lakes fishing and boating, hunting, hiking, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowmobiling and dog sledding, and more seasonal festivals in the area than you can shake a stick at.



Buy
The city government has been working with local merchants for the last decade to revitalize Main Street businesses, and there are positive steps forward. Many interesting small boutiques crowd shoulder to shoulder along West Main. East Main street is still behind in the aesthetic department, but may take the cake for utility with a hardware store, electronics shop, several restaurants, and more bars than you can shake a stick at.

Drink
There are many bars along East Main Street.

Pizza Pub (+1 715 682-6641) is a pizza restaurant with bar at 1402 Lake Shore Drive East.

The Blue Room bar is located nearby Pizza Pub.

Campgrounds
The city of Ashland has 2 campgrounds. These campgrounds are on a first come first serve basis.