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The City of Ashland is located at the "top of Wisconsin" on the Lake Superior shoreline near the head of Chequamegon Bay. In addition to the greatest of the Great Lakes, the area offers visitors the Chequamegon National Forest, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and a sea of inland lakes and streams. Fishing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) are all popular activities on the pristine bay's beautiful waters.

U.S. Highway 2 and State Highway 13 intersect in Ashland, which is located approximately 70 miles east of Duluth, Minn. Major employers for the city include Bretting Manufacturing, Larson-Juhl, Memorial Medical Center, Northland College, Essentia Health, Chequamegon Clinic, and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College.

Ashland's population is currently estimated at 8,300. The county seat of Ashland County, the City of Ashland is a commercial hub for the region, serving points east to Ironwood, Mich., to Superior, Wis., in the west and Park Falls, Wis., an hour's drive south. Ashland boasts many regional/national retailers, including Shopko, Walmart, Walgreens, McRae's True Value, maurices, Super One Foods, Hallmark, Ace Hardware, Sears, NAPA Auto Parts, and The Medicine Shoppe.

The community's pride in its rich history is evident in its 13 vibrant murals depicting subjects ranging from the city's lumberjacks and military veterans to its railroads, storefronts and former 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.

Ashland is home to a full-service, 121-slip marina, conveniently located in the center of town. Head out on the world's largest freshwater lake offering word-class smallmouth bass fishing, enjoy breathtaking views of sunsets on tree-lined shores and then dock within easy walking distance of Ashland's historic Main Street business district.

Explore our unique shops, galleries and specialty stores where you'll find everything from local delicacies and gourmet delights, to outdoor gear, vintage clothing and fine art. Ashland also offers a wide variety of mouthwatering mealtime choices.

And when it's time to rest, you'll find just the right lodging establishment in Ashland to fit your needs, from charming B&Bs and fine hotels to family-owned motels. Relax in comfort with a lakeside view or go for a dip in an indoor pool. Winter, spring, summer and fall - Ashland is a year-round vacation destination with accommodations to suit every budget.

SUPERIOR BY NATURE

Abundant public lands and extraordinary natural beauty provide visitors with unparalleled nature-watching opportunities in this exceptional area of northern Wisconsin. Some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the entire state are located in Ashland County. Copper Falls State Park near Mellen features three scenic waterfalls on the Tyler Forks and Bad rivers. Hikers will be enthralled by the breathtaking beauty of Morgan Falls, the second-highest waterfall in Wisconsin.

This scenic area located about 13 miles west of Mellen in the Penokee Range also includes St. Peter's Dome, the highest point in the entire Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. On a clear day, you can see Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands 20 miles to the north from the top of the 1,600-foot-high red granite dome. The summit makes a great spot for a picnic after the exertions of the hike.

Swimming beaches and parks are available along U.S. Hwy. 2 at Bayview Park on Ashland's east end, at Kreher Park and RV Campground near the former ore dock in the center of town, and Maslowski Beach at the west end of Ashland. Prentice Park, the largest and oldest of Ashland's 12 parks, is a shady, secluded area, perfect for picnics. It encompasses 100 acres and offers refreshing cold water from an artesian well, hiking trails, viewing platforms, a playground and tent camping.

For more information on Ashland or to request a visitor guide, go to www.visitashland.com or call the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-284-9484.