$216,267Average Value$121Average Price per Sq Ft21Homes For Sale
Year-round recreation, public art and community in Ashland
The northern Wisconsin town of Ashland is a commercial center, public art destination and gateway to recreation on Lake Superior's Chequamegon Bay. The town emerged in the late 1800s as a lumber and iron ore shipping port on the lake and the railroad. Today, Ashland's industrial roots, historic murals and shoreline create a strong sense of place and pride. Locals endure harsh winters, but are rewarded with year-round recreation. "I think we're all pretty well aware that what we have here is unique, unusual and irreplaceable, and we all feel pretty grateful to have found it," says Realtor Kevin Porter, who moved here in 2017 and owns Porter Realty. "We take care of each other and our community and keep it a really nice place to be."
With direct access to Chequamegon Bay, Ashland offers a wide range of water recreation opportunities.
Boating provides direct access to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore north of Ashland.
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Vintage homes with Industrial architecture
Turn-of-the-20th-century architecture remains from Ashland's Industrial days. "We've got some amazing examples of Victorian architecture, even a couple of Tudor properties," Porter says. "And there are some properties that are here, you walk into them, and it's like something out of a museum. The woodwork is absolutely irreplaceable. You couldn't build these homes for even $2 million today. The skills don't exist to do that sort of work anymore." The median price is about $170,000 — well under half of the national median. "We do have some absolutely incredible homes on Lake Superior well into the millions," Porter says. "But we also have some very affordable homes that are accessible to teachers, police officers and farmers."
Ashland offers many affordable homes, providing accessible housing options for teachers, police officers, farmers, and other community members.
Victorian homes in Ashland contribute to the neighborhood’s historic charm and vintage character.
Tudor-style homes in Ashland offer distinctive architectural character with classic detailing and timeless appeal.
Ashland features quiet residential streets with spacious homes, creating an inviting environment for families.
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Weekends on Lake Superior, in Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
Ashland is a boat ride away from the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore — a collection of 21 islands and 12 miles of shoreline with sea caves, beaches and the largest collection of lighthouses in the National Park system. Ashland's parks and recreation facilities include swimming beaches, playgrounds, sports fields and courts. On the city's west side, the 99-acre Prentice Park offers hiking trails, tent camping sites and recreational vehicle sites. East End Community Park features a seasonal ice skating rink and warming house. Hiking, mountain biking, skiing and other outdoor activities are possible at Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and Mt. Ashwabay Ski & Recreation Area. "The outdoors is a major part of what we do here," Porter says.
With nearby islands, beaches, and lighthouses, Ashland residents enjoy an abundance of outdoor activities.
Prentice Park in Ashland offers campsites available for rent.
Prentice Park is located on the west side of Ashland.
Boaters in Ashland can access Lake Superior at the marina.
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Historic murals and specialty shops define Ashland's downtown
Specialty shops, restaurants and public art fill the eight-block downtown district. Ashland is dubbed the Historic Mural Capital of Wisconsin, with 21 murals depicting notable moments and figures. Among the 30-plus retail businesses, locals can find gifts, boutique clothing, outdoor gear, vintage finds and other items. Ashland Baking Company is a downtown favorite with sweet and savory pastry options. Locals can grab a latte and breakfast sandwich at Black Cat Coffee House across the street. Deep Water Grille has craft beers on tap and entrees such as barbecue ribs and honey-glazed salmon. Groceries are available at Chequamegon Food Co-Op and Super One Foods, both locally owned.
Downtown Ashland features a variety of locally owned shops and dining options.
Chequamegon Food Co-op in Ashland offers locally sourced produce and a wide selection of natural foods.
Ashland Baking Company is a local favorite offering freshly baked goods and handcrafted pastries in Ashland.
Downtown Ashland offers a variety of shopping and dining options for residents and visitors.
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Project-based, faith-based and technical learning in the area
The School District of Ashland includes Marengo Valley Elementary School, which gets a C-plus from Niche, and Lake Superior Primary School, which gets a C. Both serve preschool through fifth-grade students. The lower schools feed into the C-rated Ashland Middle School and the B-minus-rated Ashland High School. Third through 12th-grade students can participate in project-based learning, involving brainstorming ideas, drafting proposals and seeing them through to completion. Private school options include Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School and Ambleside School of Ashland, which utilizes the Charlotte Mason philosophy and practice. Northland College, a private, four-year environmental liberal arts college, closed its doors in 2025 after 133 years in Ashland. Postsecondary students can still attend Northwood Technical College, a two-year college offering associate degrees, technical diplomas and certificates.
Lake Superior Primary School in Ashland is part of the Ashland School District.
Ashland Middle School is located in the heart of Ashland, Wisconsin.
Ashland High School is rated a C+ overall by Niche.
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Bay Days and Book Across the Bay are seasonal favorites
Ashland's mid-summer Bay Days festival celebrates community strength in more ways than one. The kids' and adult strongman competitions are annual highlights, and the packed calendar also includes sidewalk chalk art, a petting zoo, a pie-eating contest and arts and crafts vendors. February brings Book Across the Bay, a 10-kilometer cross-country ski race across the frozen Lake Superior. One thousand ice luminaries light the course. Other signature events include film, mural, and birding and nature festivals. The outdoor Big Top Chautauqua venue hosts big-name artists such as Brandi Carlisle and Lyle Lovett under a tent in nearby Bayfield. "We get some really incredible folks in this small little venue," Porter says.
Bike trails, highways and rural transit serve Ashland travelers
Ashland earns high walk and bike scores, with many errands accomplishable on foot. Pedestrian trails run along the lake and Fifth Street and connect with the Tri-County Corridor. U.S. Route 2 and Wisconsin Highway 13 are the main routes through the area, serving travelers to Duluth and Bayfield. Bay Area Rural Transit offers on-demand rides within Ashland, Washburn, Bayfield and the Red Cliff Reservation. Tamarack Health Ashland Medical Center provides comprehensive health care services, including emergency care, in town. Out-of-town travelers can catch flights to Minneapolis, Chicago and Fort Myers from Duluth International Airport, about 75 miles west.
Written By
Liz Coughlin
Photography Contributed By
Kyo Nguyen
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On average, homes in Ashland, WI sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Ashland, WI over the last 12 months is $172,500, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Start your new project on the east side with this home set on a 0.2 acre lot backing up to East End Park. Minutes from local amenities and US-2 this location presents opportunity to remodel the existing dwelling and enjoy the tree cover that provides privacy for the spacious lot.
The beautiful building site is on the south side of Prentice Heights, with additional land on the north side that may not have a buildable core. Building restrictions apply within this lovely community close to Lake Superior and downtown Ashland.
Check out this gorgeous 80 acres of prime hunting land just south of Ashland! This property has everything an outdoorsman could want rolling hardwoods, thick cover, open pockets, and signs of wildlife everywhere. Whether you're chasing bucks in the fall or just looking for a private spot to explore, this land delivers. The property is tucked back off Hwy 13 for easy year-round access, yet it is
Rent: $1,095/mo (Preferred rate: $1,050)Available: January 20 (flexible)Location: Ashland, WI — quiet neighborhood up Beaser AveBright and comfortable upstairs 2-bedroom with peek-a-boo views of Lake Superior from the dining room. Well-kept, private, and close to everything in town — hospital, trails, schools, and college.Features2 bedrooms, 1
Experience comfortable living in this spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment located in the heart of Ashland. The unit features a blend of hardwood and carpeted flooring, off-street parking, and convenient washer and dryer hookups in the basement. Tenants are responsible for all utilities, including water, gas, and electricity. All applicants must pass a background check.
Conveniently located within walking distance of Lake Superior and all the amenities Ashland has to offer, this spacious one-bedroom apartment is ready to welcome its next resident. The unit features a private upper deck, on-site laundry, and is pet-friendly for approved animals. Water and gas are included in the monthly rent; the tenant is responsible only for electricity. All applicants must
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
