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."
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
