Looking for the best things to do in Ashland WI, Ashland is a charming community that is surrounded by a variety of beautiful natural features, such as lakes, trees, flowers, beaches, and lots more.
Ashland is home to several historic landmarks and structures that reveal a great deal about the city’s past and its founders. When you visit the city, you’ll be delighted with everything it has to offer.
The city serves as a starting point for travelers wishing to travel and explore Wisconsin’s serene landscape.
For a better travel experience, here is the list of the best things to do in Ashland Wisconsin.
Best things to do in Ashland WI (Wisconsin)
1 Visit Ashland Mural Walk
The Ashland Mural Walk should be your first stop when in Ashland. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Ashland’s Main Street business district is the backdrop for a fascinating stroll through the city’s colorful history as depicted in more than a dozen large murals created by northern Wisconsin artists Kelly Meredith and Sue Martinsen.
The vibrant paintings highlight subjects ranging from the city’s lumberjacks and military veterans to its railroads, storefronts, and massive ore dock. Since 2005, Ashland has been known as the “Historic Mural Capital of Wisconsin,” making the city a year-round public art destination
2 Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
Visiting the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center is one of the best things to do in Ashland, Wisconsin, for a memorable experience.
The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center is jam-packed with local activities and a wealth of history. The center offers several exhibits and events that highlight the natural and cultural heritage of the city.
Among the relics are fascinating object theaters that convey various important messages about cultural heritage.
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center is very informative, coupled with the friendly staff who can guide you throughout your stay; the center is open all week from 9 am-5 pm.
Your trip to Ashland wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, so be sure to include it on your list.
3 Visit Ashland Marina
If you’re traveling to Ashland, Wisconsin, Ashland Marina is a highly recommended stop. There are many beautiful places to see in Ashland, and if you like boats, you should check out the Ashland Marina.
There are more than a hundred boat spots accessible at the marina, which is located at the base of Ellis Avenue North. The marina offers a variety of facilities in addition to the numerous boats.
A few locations have a store and various boat amenities. The marina offers a lot of lodging options, regardless of whether you own a boat or not.
4 AmericInn by Wyndham Ashland
You need a cozy and safe setting to have a fantastic time in Ashland, and AmericInn by Wyndham Ashland is the ideal location for you.
The stunning resort AmericInn by Wyndham Ashland has everything you need to feel at home, including a variety of facilities.
Flat-screen HDTVs with cables, tea and coffee makers, hair dryers, mini-refrigerators, ironing supplies, tables, and other amenities are all provided in the rooms.
There are many accommodations available, including pet-friendly rooms and suites with balconies or whirlpool tubs, depending on your preferences.
The indoor water park of the AmericInn by Wyndham has a bubbling lagoon, slides, and a plunge pool. It also has a fitness center, sauna, indoor pool, and indoor hot tub. In addition to cocktails, the resort offers a delectable breakfast buffet.
From the comfort of your hotel, you may go for a stroll or take in the beautiful surroundings produced by the local natural features, such as the lake.
5 Apostle Islands Kayaks
If you are a lover of Kayaking then head over to the Apostle Islands Kayaks in Wisconsin. Among Wisconsin’s most precious jewels are the Apostle Islands. Due to distance, most of the islands need a multi-day plan to reach by kayak. But, day excursions to Sand Island and Basswood Island are also easily accessible and excellent.
All Apostle Islands kayaking tours include instruction. There is a lunch break on excursions, however, you need to provide your food and drink. There are also stand-up paddleboard trips available, as well as used equipment sales and kayak and paddleboard rentals.
6 Chequamegon Theatre Association
One of the entertaining things to do in WI Ashland with your traveling companions is to see a play at the Chequamegon Theatre Association.
Chequamegon Theater Association is a vibrant active community theater that was founded in 1972.
It is housed in the Rinehart Building and seats 97 and is run by a working Board of Directors and other volunteers to produce four plays a year, and a children’s theater workshop in the summer.
7 Chequamegon Grill
Visits to the Chequamegon Grill, a fantastic restaurant that exemplifies Ashland, Wisconsinwarm,’s friendliness, are among the enjoyable things to do there.
The Chequamegon Grill is renowned for its high-quality, fresh American cuisines prepared with distinctive regional ingredients.
They provide a variety of foods, including steak sandwiches, fish fry, lakefront burgers, ribeye, fish tacos, smoked salmon, garden salad, cobb, and many more.
They also provide delicious drinks including Italian soda, trescerro premium tea, highlighted lemonade, Peruvian Cajamarca coffee, and many more.
The Chequamegon Grill offers a welcoming setting, breathtaking views, and top-notch service.
The dining establishment is open every day except Sunday from 4 pm to 9 pm ( closed Sunday and Monday).
8 Soo Line 950 Locomotive
The Soo Line Station & 950 Locomotive is another top sight to visit in Ashland.
This attraction is located on Third Street West right next to the depot, where you can view it in all its ten-wheeled, 19,000-pound magnificence.
The locomotive initially appeared in 1900 and at the time was referred to as the biggest steam locomotive in the world.
The locomotive was assigned its current number in 1912 when it was dispatched to operate in Wisconsin at the Superior docks.
The locomotive moved to its current position in 1987 as part of a restoration effort after the engine had to be retired in 1954. This attraction is open at all times, so you may take as many pictures as you like.
9 Chequamegon Bay Golf Club
For a memorable golfing in the city of Ashland, head over to the Chequamegon Bay Golf Club. Golfers frequently visit Chequamegon Bay Golf Club because it features some of the state’s top golf courses.
It is an 18-hole championship golf course with fewer than 20 holes that is somewhat difficult and not overly taxing yet ideal for both beginners and specialists.
You can test and improve your golfing abilities by enrolling in one of the programs or classes offered by Chequamegon Bay Golf Club.
The Chequamegon Bay Golf Club also has a Local Bar & Grill where you can get delicious meals and drinks; all services are available at a fair price. It is recommended to add to your list of things to do in Ashland Wisconsin.
10 Play Casino at the Bad River Lodge & Casino
Are you a big fan of Casino, if so then try as much as possible to try your luck at the Bad River Lodge & Casino.
You may have a lot of fun while enjoying a comfortable stay at the lodge, which has a casino with hundreds of slot machines and other gaming options.
There are around fifty rooms available for booking at the lodge and plenty of convenience for guests. Also, they provide the conference center, gift shop, grocery store, and our 50-room resort (which includes 8 jacuzzi suites).
As a further way to liven up your trip, include the Bad River Lodge & Casino on your list of Ashland, Wisconsin, things to do.
11 Ashland Historical Museum
The Ashland History Museum’s exhibit highlights the city’s colorful past, including its medical, industrial, and retail history as well as its way of life from the beginning to the present.
Visit the museum to look around at the changing displays and gift shops. Also, you may examine the historical picture archives and the research room, both of which are available all year long.
Also, the museum has intriguing antiques, various exciting displays, and a few miniature mock-ups.
Younger visitors will find entertainment and activities in a part of the Ashland History Museum.
Also, the museum offers a nice gift shop with a wide variety of things that shed more light on the neighborhood.
So be sure to include a trip to the Ashland History Museum on your list of things to do in Ashland if you enjoy local history.
12 Visit Benoit Cheese Haus
Benoit Cheese Haus in Ashland is a unique establishment that has an air of old-fashioned charm, making purchasing cheese there enjoyable. The store is open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, and on Saturday, 9 am to 3 pm.
Since its founding in 1973, Benoit Cheese Haus has offered more than 150 different kinds of cheese.
The store features about thirty Winsconsin cheese markers, twenty-year-old cheddar, the best cheeses, as well as fresh curds.
Apart from cheese, other Wisconsin-inspired products include locally produced dairy goods, maple syrups, collectibles, old-world meats, wine, relishes, honey, soaps, and a variety of other things.
Benoit Cheese is renowned for producing cheese and sausage trays and unique gift boxes that are ideal for any occasion.
13 Gabriele’s German Cookies
Are you prepared for some wonderful treats? Be ready to be blown away when you visit Gabriele’s German Cookies in Ashland.
Since opening on April 1, 2004, Gabriele’s German Cookies has been providing the public with delicious delicacies.
In addition to cookies, Hutzelbrot (German fruit bread), Lebkuchen (German gingerbread cookies), and chocolates, they also provide Stollen (German Christmas bread/cake), chocolate, and Linzertorte (Almond Spice Cake with Raspberry).
Gabriele’s German Cookies is open from Monday to Wednesday from 10 am-5 pm, Thursday from 10 am-4:30 pm, Friday 10 am-5 pm, and Saturday from 10 am-4 pm.
There is a large selection of tortes, jellies, cakes, jams, and other baked goods at Gabriele’s German Cookies.
Stop by and try out some of their delicious sweets that will definitely burst your bubbles.
14 Enjoy Races at the ABC Raceway and ABC Racing Association
If you’re a fan of racing, you should pay a visit to the ABC Raceway and ABC Racing Association. From mid-May through the end of August, you may watch the races every Saturday at Noon at the racing track.
You can visit the association’s website for any changes if you are interested in news or applications for the races.
The location provides tents and an open seating area where you may unwind. As an added bonus, their concession counter offers food and beverages.
15 Maslowski Beach
One of the best things to do in Ashland WI is to visit Maslowski Beach, which is a fantastic location to explore with your family and friends.
Maslowski Beach is a favorite vacation spot for most families as it features lots of abundance of entertaining features and facilities.
Little kids can play with rocks, shells, and driftwood in addition to the many playground spaces that are available. The water at Maslowski Beach, which is near Lake Superior, is calm and pleasant and ideal for swimming.
Around the site, there are several Pavillions with tables and seats for guests to sit in after having a blast in the water.
16 South Shore Brewery
If you enjoy drinking beer, visit the South Shore Brewery.
The South Shore Brewery is open from Tuesday through Sunday and offers five signature beers that have won awards. All of these beers come in 12-ounce bottles and are available all year round.
You may sample varieties like Inland Sea Pilsner and Nut Brown Ale. The brewery also offers a variety of specialty beers that you may sample in addition to its main brews.
17 Prentice Park
For a fun and exciting day out in Ashland with your family and friends, Prentice Park is the ideal spot to go.
Prentice Park features a giant playground filled with lots of play equipment for the children to have fun.
There are also a few covered Pavilions in the parking area where you and your loved ones may have an unforgettable picnic.
For individuals who would want to go camping with their families, Prentice Park is also great for RVs and tent camping.
For a thrilling experience, take your friends and family to Prentice Park.
18 Visit Salmagundi
Salmagundi is a good spot to visit if you’re wanting to view and buy some local crafts in Ashland. Since 2014, the store has been open and is filled with interesting paintings.
You can pick from a wide variety of crafts at this store, including jewelry and hand-knitted products.
Handwoven baskets with artistically crafted clay “bricks,” serving utensils, and other food-related objects are a few of the products on display.
Salmagundi is open from Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., from Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., from Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and from Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Salmagundi is the perfect destination in Ashland, Wisconsin, for those who like regional and handmade art.
19 Visit the Bayview Park
Bayview Park is the ideal location for stunning photo backdrops.
The photogenic view of the Ashland Lighthouse is one of the first things you may take in as you enter this park.
The park offers a variety of features that you may enjoy in addition to taking in the view. Bayview Park is a great area for some leisure with fishing, picnics, and other outdoor activities.
It is the perfect location to spend some time relaxing by the water. Throw your line off the pier or dive into the swimming area from the diving board. There is a wonderful playground structure and a fountain in the shape of a lion to keep you hydrated.
On a hot summer day, a pavilion with chairs is an excellent spot to congregate and find protection from the heat. Parking is abundant and restroom facilities are accessible. Bayview Park is home to the Annual Bay Days Festival held mid-July.
20 Spirit of the North gift shop
One of the fun things to do in Ashland, WI, is shopping at the Spirit of the North gift shop for an incredible shopping experience.
Spirit of the North Gift Shop is a distinctive store where you may shop for distinctive products at affordable prices.
The gift store sells a variety of items created in the area, including apparel, jewelry, high-quality handicrafts, souvenirs, and books on local history and culture.
Moreover, healthy snacks, artwork, and other information are on display in the Spirit of the North gift shop.
You may buy presents for yourself and souvenirs for your family and friends at this wonderful gift shop.
21 The Airport Inn
The Airport Inn is a great spot to be inspired and let loose while hanging out with your friends and many Ashland residents.
The Airport Hotel is open from Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 2 am and from 10 am to 2:30 am on Friday and Saturday ( closed on Sunday).
Only a few miles outside of town, the Airport Hotel is close to ABC Raceway, which explains why it is frequently filled with race fans and visitors.
This is a respectable pub featuring a pool table that is accessible to both beginners and professionals, two dart boards, and a jukebox.
The Airport Inn provides a wide selection of beverages made with high-quality, delectable regional ingredients.
Consider taking part in the weekend karaoke, which offers a joyful environment and outstanding services.
22 Central Railyard Park
Visit Ashland’s Central Railyard Park if you’re up for some amazing family time and enjoyment.
Central Railyard Park is a lovely park with a variety of entertaining attractions available for everyone to enjoy and explore.
Several sports fields, lit tennis courts, an ice skating rink, and a skate park can be found in the park.
In addition, Central Railyard Park has a kid-friendly playground and a covered Pavilion where visitors may unwind. The park has a parking area, nice restrooms, and a number of great walking and bicycling routes. . Central Railyard Park is open all day of the week from 6 am-8 pm.
23 Barrel Inn
Ashland’s Barrel Inn is a fantastic place to unwind with your friends and family after a long day or journey.
Barrel Inn had renovations that made the restaurant a stunning location with an amazing ambiance.
For the enjoyment of the visitors, they provide darts or pools, and you may compete amicably with other residents.
A full-service bar with a large range of domestic and craft beers as well as mixed beverages is available at the Barrel Inn.
Together with the drinks, they also provide mouthwatering foods like their famous Heggies frozen pizza and many others. The Barrel Inn is open every day of the week from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.
24 River Rock Inn & Bait Shop
The River Rock Hotel and Bait Shop, which Scott Bretting created in 2007, is located across the street from the gorgeous Chequamegon Bay on Lake Superior and offers breathtaking lake views.
To help you capture the fish of a lifetime, there is a full-service bait shop accessible. They provide a large selection of gear, premium fishing rods, and fresh bait.
River Rock’s hotel suites are recognized for their elegance and impeccable cleanliness.
Some accommodations come with fully equipped kitchenettes, a room for cleaning fish, a place to set up an outside grill, and other deluxe amenities.
They also rent out a gorgeous cabin on Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay that is perfect for large gatherings.
25 Eat Your Breakfast at Ashland Baking Company
On our last list of things to do in Ashland WI is to have your breakfast at the Ashland Baking Company. The Company began operations in September 2001 with just a few staff members, a limited selection of items, and huge aspirations.
Since then, the bakery has grown to not only serve our community with delicious baked goods, but also to deliver and ship to various restaurants, food cooperatives, and grocery stores as far away as Grand Marais.
They make bread, pastries, desserts, sandwiches, and coffee 7 days a week for the residents and visitors of the Chequamegon Bay region of Lake Superior. They aim for quality in all they do, from the fair trade coffee they brew to the artisan pastries they prepare.
If you want to try the local pastries of Ashland, Wisconsin, you should include visiting Ashland Baking Company in your list of things to do while there.
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Best Time to Visit Ashland Wisconsin
Tourists claim that April, May, June, July, August, and September are the best months to visit Ashland, Wisconsin.
