26 Best & Fun Things to Do in Ashland (WI)

In search of the best and fun things to do in Ashland, WI?

Ashland is a city found in Ashland and Bayfield counties in the United States of Wisconsin, with a population of about seven thousand, eight hundred and ninety-two people.

The city is so charming and blessed with many natural amenities, including lakes, trees, flowers, beaches, and lots more.

If you feel like playing poker games and darts board with your friends and also share a drink, Ashland has places to meet your needs.

Ashland consists of many historical sites and buildings that tell so much about the city’s history and its founders. Make the city your next destination, and you will be thrilled to find out all it has to offer.

Are you planning an exploration of Ashland? Let’s explore the best things things to do in Ashland, WI.

Things to Do in Ashland, WI

1. Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center

Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
Credits: Terry Feuerborn / Flickr
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center

One of the top things to do in Ashland, WI, is visiting the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center for a wonderful experience.

The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center is filled with lots of history and many local activities.

The center displays several exhibits and programs that focus on the city’s natural and cultural history.

The artifacts include intriguing object theater, which passes many significant messages about the 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 of the week from 9am-5pm.

Make sure you add Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center to your list; your visit to Ashland isn’t complete without it.

Address: 29270 County Highway G, Ashland, WI 54806-9339 United States

2. The Safari

The Safari
Credits: Ievgenii Meyer / Shutterstock

A visit to the Safari is one of the top things to do in Ashland, WI, for a nice family day out with friends for memorable moments.

The Safari is one of the best bars in the city that offers delightful drinks which are served chilled and come in different flavors.

You also enjoy live music entertainment performed by talented local artists coupled with the friendly & fun atmosphere.

The staff and owners are professional and friendly towards their visitors, making sure they feel comfortable.

The Safari is open on Tuesday and Thursday from 4pm-2am, Friday and Saturday from 2pm-2am (closed Sunday and Monday)

You should definitely visit this place with your buddies, and you won’t be disappointed.

Address:423 Main St E, Ashland, WI 54806, United States

3. Chequamegon Bay Golf Club

Chequamegon Bay Golf Club
Credits: FloridaStock / Shutterstock

Golfing is one of the fun things to do in Ashland, WI. For a remarkable golfing experience, visit Chequamegon Bay Golf Club.

Chequamegon Bay Golf Club has one of the best golf courts in the state, making it a favorite location for golf players.

It is an 18-hole championship golf facility having less than twenty holes which is pretty challenging and little tasking but perfect for both learners and experts.

Chequamegon Bay Golf Club offers several programs and classes which help you test and master your golf skills.

There is a golf store that offers great deals on men’s and women’s clothing, putting green, club rentals, practice range, and power carts.

Chequamegon Bay Golf Club features a Local Bar & Grill where you can get delightful food and beverages; they offer all services for a reasonable cost.

Address:3000 Golf Course Rd, Ashland, WI 54806, United States

4. Office Bar

Office Bar
Credits: Valentyn Volkov / Shutterstock

Visiting the Office Bar is one of the best things to do in Ashland, WI, where you get the opportunity to meet and interact with other locals and tourists.

Office Bar is one of the oldest pubs in Ashland, built-in 1979; over the years, it has become the general meeting point for many families.

The bar is beautifully designed with colorful decor, providing a homely and comfortable ambiance.

Office Bar offers a wide variety of drinks for you to choose from, including fantastic beers, which are always served chilled.

The staff is super friendly and dedicated to ensuring every guest is well satisfied and relaxed.

Address:407 Main Street West, Ashland, WI 54806 United States

5. AmericInn by Wyndham Ashland

For a wonderful stay in Ashland, you need a safe and comfortable environment, and AmericInn by Wyndham Ashland is the perfect place for you.

AmericInn by Wyndham Ashland is a beautiful resort that comprises all the necessary amenities you need to make you feel at home.

The rooms are well equipped with flat-screen HDTVs with cables, tea and coffee makers, hairdryers, mini-refrigerators, ironing amenities, tables, and so on.

There are different rooms like the suite with a whirlpool tub or balcony and the pet-friendly room, anyone that suits your style.

AmericInn by Wyndham features a fitness center, a sauna, an indoor pool, and an indoor water park with a bubbling lagoon, slides, and plunge pool.

The resort serves a delicious breakfast buffet and drinks as well. They also provide a free Wi-Fi network with an ample parking lot.

You could take a walk or enjoy the scenic views of the environment created by the surrounding natural amenities, including the lake, from the comfort of your room.

Visit AmericInn by Wyndham, so you do not miss out on all of the fun and excitement.

Address:3009 Lake Shore Dr E, Ashland, WI 54806, United States

6. Chequamegon Theatre Association

Chequamegon Theatre Association
Credits: Jacob Lund / Shutterstock

Watching a drama at Chequamegon Theatre Association is one of the fun things to do in Ashland with your travel companions.

Chequamegon Theatre Association is a community-owned theater established in 1972 and located in the Rinehart building.

The theater has a seating capacity of ninety-seven people; it still gained recognition as one of the best in the state.

Chequamegon Theatre Association produces at least four plays yearly through a working board of directors and many volunteers.

The auditions are open to everyone, whether young or old; a summer children’s theater workshop is open for the little ones.

Address:210 5th Ave E, Ashland, WI 54806, United States

7. Chequamegon Grill

Chequamegon Grill
Credits: Chequamegon Grill / Facebook
Chequamegon Grill

One of the fun things to do in Ashland, WI, is visiting Chequamegon Grill, a fantastic restaurant that showcases the great hospitality of Ashland.

Chequamegon Grill is well known for serving fresh and high-quality American cuisines made with special local ingredients.

They serve steak sandwiches, fish fry, lakefront burger, Ribeye, Northcoaster, Fish Tacos, smoked salmon, garden salad, cobb, and many more.

They also offer delightful beverages such as Peruvian cajamara coffee, trescerro premium tea, featured lemonade, Italian soda, and many more.

Chequamegon Grill provides a friendly atmosphere with incredible views and excellent customer service.

The restaurant is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 4pm-9pm ( closed Sunday and Monday)

Address:101 Lake Shore Dr W, Ashland, WI 54806, United States

8. Benoit Cheese Haus

Benoit Cheese Haus
Credits: Africa Studio / Shutterstock

Shopping for cheeses is fun when you shop at Benoit Cheese Haus in Ashland; this is a unique store that gives that old-fashioned vibes.

Benoit Cheese Haus was established in 1973; it features more than one hundred and fifty varieties of cheese.

The store features about thirty Winsconsin cheese markers, twenty-year-old cheddar, the best cheeses, as well as fresh curds.

Aside from cheese, there are other items like locally made dairy products, maple syrups, memorabilia, old-world meats, wine, relishes, honey, soaps, and many others with a Wisconsin flair.

Benoit Cheese is also known for making cheese & Sausage trays and special gift boxes perfect for any event. The store is open from Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, and Saturday 9am-3pm.

Address:23920 Co Hwy F, Benoit, WI 54816, United States

For a fun time in Wisconsin, take to exploring our list of things to do in Bayfieldthings to do in Wausau and fun things to do in Stevens Point for a fun vacation time.

9. Barrel Inn

Barrel Inn
Credits: Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock

Barrel Inn in Ashland is a nice restaurant for you to relax and chill with your friends and family after a hectic day or journey.

Barrel Inn underwent some renovation, transforming the restaurant into a beautiful place with an incredible environment.

They feature darts or pools for the guests to have fun, you can engage in friendly competitions with other locals.

Barrel Inn features a full-service bar that offers a wide selection of craft & domestic beers and mixed drinks.

They also offer delicious snacks like their signature Heggies frozen pizza and many others to complement the drinks. Barrel Inn is open every day from 12pm-2am every day of the week.

Address:50840 WI-112, Ashland, WI 54806, United States

10. Gabriele’s German Cookies

Gabriele's German Cookies
Credits: matka_Wariatka / Shutterstock

Are you ready for some fantastic treats? Visit Gabriele’s German Cookies in Ashland and get prepared to be blown away.

Gabriele’s German Cookies was built in 2004, 1st of April; since then, they have continually served the public delicious treats.

They serve sweets like Stollen (German Christmas bread/cake), chocolate, Linzertorte (Almond spice cake with raspberry), cookies, Hutzelbrot (German Fruitbread), Lebkuchen (German Gingerbread Cookies), and chocolates.

Gabriele’s German Cookies also has a wide range of tortes, jellies, cakes, jams, and more. You can also order online and get it delivered to you well packaged in a family-style.

The sweets are made with special ingredients using passed down ancient recipes from generations; from the moment you walk through the door, you’re welcomed with a festive and friendly atmosphere.

Gabriele’s German Cookies is open from Monday to Wednesday from 10am-5pm, Thursday from 10am-4:30pm, Friday 10am-5pm, and Saturday from 10am-4pm.

Stop by and try out some of their delicious sweets that will definitely burst your bubbles.

Address:413W. Main Street, Ashland, Wisconsin 54806, United States

11. The Ashland Mural Walk

Ashland Mural Walk
Credits: BobbbyLight / Flickr
Ashland Mural Walk

A visit to the Ashland Mural Walk is one of the best things to do in Ashland, WI. It is located in the business district of Main Street

The Ashland Mural Walk is open every day; it has been around since 1900 and was first tagged as the largest steam locomotive in the world.

Initially, the locomotive had a number of six hundred, later on, in 1912, it was nine hundred and fifty.

The Ashland Mural Walk is filled with history, making it a popular destination for history and art lovers.

The murals were made using amazing artworks and historical photographs, which portray the town’s founders and other people.

The Ashland Mural Walk is clean and well maintained, there is a brick road, and a map is also available, especially if you want to go on a proper tour.

Address:Ashland, WI 54806, United States

12. Maslowski Beach

Visiting Maslowski Beach is one of the top things to do in Ashland, an incredible place to visit with your family and friends.

Maslowski Beach is filled with fun facilities and amenities, making it a popular destination for most families.

There are a good number of playground areas for the little children and driftwoods, rocks, and shells for them to also play with.

Maslowski Beach is located next to Lake Superior; its water is cool and refreshing, perfect for swimming.

You will find Pavillions with tables and many chairs scattered throughout the property for the visitors to sit and relax after having great fun in the water.

The bathrooms are clean and conducive for use, coupled with the clean water and environment.

Address:US Highway 2 West, Ashland, WI 54806 United States

13. Bad River Lodge & Casino

Bad River Lodge & Casino
Credits: Virrage Images / Shutterstock

If you’re a gamer, Bad River Lodge & Casino in Ashland is a place you will love after your first visit.

Bad River Lodge & Casino contains about four hundred and fifty slot machines and several casino games; you get to have great fun playing these games while you also stay at their comfortable lodge.

The lodge consists of fifty elegant rooms well furnished with Flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-refrigerators, comfortable beds, and sofas.

The facility features an indoor heated pool and hot tub; a nice fireplace in the lobby for more comfort.

Bad River Lodge & Casino features a jacuzzi and a snack bar; a Manomin restaurant serves delicious family-style dishes.

It also features a grocery which offers fresh and quality food products like baked food, meat, dairy, and many more. You will also find a unique gift shop where you can shop for about anything you want.

Bad River Lodge & Casino offers wonderful catering services for that special event, including weddings, birthday parties, and many more.

Address:73370 US-2, Ashland, WI 54806, United States

14. Prentice Park

Prentice Park
Credits: Aaron Carlson / Flickr
Prentice Park

Prentice Park is the perfect place to be for a fun and exciting day out with your family and friends in Ashland.

Prentice Park features a gigantic playground filled with lots of play equipment for the children to have fun.

The park area also contains a few covered Pavilions for you and your loved ones to have a memorable picnic experience.

Prentice Park is also excellent for RVs and tent camping for those who would love to go camping with their family.

The facility is incredibly clean and well maintained, with clean bathrooms and a nice parking lot. Visit Prentice Park with your friends and family for a wild adventure.

Address:Turner Rd, Ashland, WI 54806 United States

15. Neighborly Bar

Neighborly Bar
Credits: OPOLJA / Shutterstock

A living place where you can chill and chat with your buddies in Ashland is the Neighborly Bar.

Neighborly Bar is a cool bar that offers a wide variety of different drinks chosen based on taste and quality.

The full-service bar serves high-quality and delightful wines, liquor, beers, including draft beers and other beverages.

They also serve delicious Pizza, which comes in different recipes and cheese, parmesan, and many others.

Neighborly Bar staff is friendly and attentive while taking orders from guests and creating a comfortable atmosphere for them to relax.

They are open from Monday through Saturday from 9am-2am and Sunday 9am-12am.

Address:1301 Main St W, Ashland, WI 54806, United States

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16. Salmagundi

Salmagundi
Credits: Salmagundi / Facebook
Salmagundi

Shopping at Salmagundi is one of the best things to do in Ashland, WI. It offers you an amazing shopping experience.

Salmagundi was established in 2014, overtaking other unique shops that also feature local crafts.

The store offers great deals on artistic items and locally made crafts, with a wide selection to pick from.

Salmagundi also features seasonal art shows, beadwork, regional pottery, and other hand-kitted items.

Some of the items showcased are handwoven baskets with well-designed clay “bricks,” serving dishes, and other food-related items.

Salmagundi is open Monday through Wednesday from 10am-6pm, Thursday from 10am-8pm, Friday from 10am-6pm, Saturday from 10am-4pm, and Sunday from 12pm-4pm.

Address:705 West Main Street on the corner of Main and Chapple Avenue United States

17. Spirit of the north gift shop

Spirit of the north gift shop
Credits: Ivan Kurmyshov / Shutterstock

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 unique store where you can shop for items you can’t find elsewhere at a reasonable cost.

The gift shop showcases locally made jewelry, clothing, historical & educational books, souvenirs, high-quality handicrafts, and many more.

Spirit of the north gift shop also displays nutritious snacks, prints, and other available information.

This is a fantastic gift store where you can shop for gifts for yourself and souvenirs for your family and friends.

Address:29270 County Hwy G, Ashland, WI 54806 United States

18. Bayview Park

Bayview Park
Credits: Shelofast Hanna / Shutterstock

One of the fun things to do in Ashland is visiting Bayview Park with your friends and family for a wonderful moment.

Bayview Park features a fully equipped playground with many play equipment for the little ones to explore.

The park also features several reserved areas excellent for picnics, where you can spend time with your loved ones and grab a meal together.

Bayview Park has a fishing pier recently modified by a local engineering firm making it a perfect place to fish.

It also comprises a trail of more than ten miles, great for walking or biking while also enjoying the park’s scenic views.

Bayview Park has many spots for taking beautiful pictures, which will serve as a form of remembrance of the time spent here.

If you ever need a place to calm chill, and relax coupled with the picturesque views, Bayview Park is the best place for you.

Address:1543-1783 Lake Shore Dr E, Ashland, WI 54806, United States

19. The Airport Inn

The Airport Inn
Credits: S_Photo / Shutterstock

The Airport Inn is a wonderful place to motivate and let your party spirit loose while hanging out with your buddies and many locals in Ashland.

The Airport Inn is located near the ABC Raceway with, just a few miles out of town, which explains why it is usually crowded with fans of ABC Raceway and many tourists.

This is a decent bar that features two darts boards jukebox coupled with a pool table open for beginners and experts.

The Airport Inn offers a comprehensive list of drinks produced using quality and tasty local ingredients.

You might decide to participate in the karaoke held on weekends, thereby providing a happy atmosphere and wonderful services.

The Airport Inn is open from Monday to Thursday from 10am-2am, Friday and Saturday from 10am-2:30am ( closed on Sunday).

Address:50964 State Highway 13, Ashland, WI 54806-2044 United States

20. ABC Raceway and ABC Racing Association

ABC Raceway and ABC Racing Association
Credits: ABC Raceway / Facebook
ABC Raceway and ABC Racing Association

A place you will absolutely love to visit in Ashland, especially if you’re a fan of racing, is the ABC Raceway and ABC Racing Association.

ABC Raceway and ABC Racing Association held its first racing program in the 1950s on a small baseball field.

Later on, they relocated to their permanent home; after a few years, they continually grew bigger, but it was abandoned due to lack of proper maintenance of the facility.

In 1965, many locals interested in racing events came together and refurbished the facility to what it has become now.

ABC Raceway and ABC Racing Association is spacious and allows those who want to go camping to set up their tents.

They offer drinks and food you can enjoy at their concession stand or sit in the open space and relax.

Address:2187 Butterworth Rd, Ashland, WI 54806, United States

21. Central Railyard Park

Central Railyard Park
Credits: Foryoui3 / Shutterstock

If you’re ready for an amazing fun time with your friends and family, visit Central Railyard Park in Ashland.

Central Railyard Park is a beautiful park filled with different exciting facilities open for everyone to explore and have fun.

The park consists of many ball fields, lighted tennis courts, an ice skating rink, and a skate park.

Central Railyard Park also contains a well-equipped playground for the little ones and a covered Pavilion for anyone to sit and relax.

The park features several trails excellent for walking and biking, with clean bathrooms and a parking lot. Central Railyard Park is open all day of the week from 6am-8pm.

Address:6th Street & Vaughn Avenue, Ashland, WI 54806 United States

22. South Shore Brewery

South Shore Brewery
Credits: tb-photography / Shutterstock

One of the best things to do in Ashland, WI, is visiting the South Shore Brewery, where you can chill and chat with your friends.

South Shore Brewery is renowned for serving tasty and delightful locally crafted beers available all year round.

The company’s original building was destroyed by fire in April 2000, which forced them to shut down for a while; they later relocated to the historic brick and brownstone building.

South Shore Brewery serves brews in different flavors like blood Mary, Cider, Boerewors, Kolsch, Inland Sea Pilsener, Nute Brown Ale, and more

There is another restaurant in the building called the Deepwater Grille and the Alley, specializing in serving delicious meals such as homemade Apple BBQ sauce, Braised onions, beer cheese soup, Poultry Marinade, Pale Ale Onion Soup and more.

The staff is friendly and offers excellent customer service, ensuring that everyone is comfortable and satisfied.

South Shore Brewery is open Monday to Friday from 8am-5pm (closed Sunday and Saturday)

Address:808 Main St W, Ashland, WI 54806-1404 United States

23. Inland Sea Therapeutics Massage & Bodywork

Inland Sea Therapeutics Massage & Bodywork
Credits: Photographee.eu / Shutterstock

In between all the fun and excitement, your body also requires a lot of pampering and adequate care.

Inland Sea Therapeutics Massage & Bodywork is one of the best spas in Ashland, which doesn’t disappoint when it comes to offering the best services.

They offer a truckload of services that are beneficial to the health, body, and mental stability of an individual.

Inland Sea Therapeutics Massage & Bodywork offers services such as hot basalt stonework and practicing deep tissue/neuromuscular work.

They also offer polarity therapy, reflexology, Shiatsu, and lots more. Inland Sea Therapeutics Massage & Bodywork has professional staff who use their years of experience to determine the right service your body needs.

Your body deserves to be pampered; Inland Sea Therapeutics Massage & Bodywork is the perfect place for it.

Address:222 4th Ave W, Ashland, WI 54806-1522 United States

24. Soo Line 950

Soo Line 950 was initially numbered Soo Line 600. When this engine was built in the 18th century by the Baldwin Locomotive Works, it was seen as the largest locomotive yet built. 

Soo Line 950 was used mainly on Ashland’s ore docks, and today it is on static display close to the historic Union Depot. 

Not only is the engine large in size, but it is also well-preserved and presented. 

The engine’s history and its role over the past century are some of the exciting things you will learn when you visit the site. 

If you have fans of old rail with you, you can bring them along when visiting this tourist attraction. 

Address: 400 3rd St W Next to the Depot, Ashland, WI 54806-1514, United States

25. Ashland Historical Museum

Ashland Historical Museum
Credits: Ashland Historical Society Museum/ Facebook
Ashland Historical Museum

The Ashland Historical Museum’s display shows Ashland’s rich and colorful heritage, including the city’s medical, industrial, and retail history and lifestyle from the earliest to the present. 

Drop by the museum and browse the rotating exhibits and gift shops. You can also browse the research room and the historical photo archives opened throughout the year. 

The Ashland Historical Museum does a fantastic job of offering details of various aspects of local history in different forms and ways. 

Additionally, the museum has intriguing antiques, various exciting displays, and a few miniature mock-ups. 

The volunteer staff is polite, friendly, and knowledgeable about the materials inside and outside the museum. 

Ashland Historical Museum has a section designed to entertain and occupy younger guests. 

The museum also has a lovely gift shop with a great selection of items that throw more light on the local area. 

So if you are a fan of local history, make sure you add a visit to Ashland Historical Museum to your list of things to do in Ashland. 

Address: 216 Main St W, Ashland, WI 54806, United States

26. Chequamegon Bay Scenic Overlook

This brief, fairly steep trail will lead you to the peak of a rock outcrop with many vistas. 

Three vistas face Chute Pond, one faces a Forest Service tree plantation, and another overlooks north along State Highway 32. 

At the northernmost vista, if you look north, you can see the last surviving Forest Service Fire lookout tour approximately six miles from the Mountain. If you look south from the southernmost vista, you can view the radio tower on Spring Hill, nearly eight miles away. 

Make sure you bring your binoculars along with you. 

Address: Ashland, WI 54806, United States

Want to explore more places in Wisconsin, check out our list of things to do in Sheboygan and things to do in Milwaukee for a fun time in these cities of Wisconsin.

Plan your Trip to Ashland

Ashland is an amazing city filled with lots of opportunities and fun perfect for everyone starting from the historic buildings, fun parks, restaurants, beaches, hotels, bars, to visitors’ center, and several more.

The city is an excellent place to visit with your family and friends for that fantastic vacation, where you are given lots of options to choose from and explore.

Plan a trip to the city of Ashland; everything listed above will make your vacation fun and enjoyable