Like the rest of Wisconsin, Ashland has four distinct seasons, including frigid winters. The best time to visit for comfortable weather and activities would be within the summer months of June, July, and August when high temperatures range from 73 to 77 degrees. Summer average lows range from 48 to 55 degrees. Hotel rates would be at their highest at this time, so you would be wise to book early to save money.
If you travel in late spring or early fall, you could take advantage of lower rates while enjoying comfortable daytime temperatures. The average highs during this time are 51 degrees in May, 68 in September, and 55 in October. The average lows are 39 degrees in May, 45 in September and 34 in October.
Temperatures from November through April are probably too cold for most travelers. April's average high of 51 degrees is manageable, but the average low is below freezing at 28 degrees. The rest of the year sees highs ranging from 22 degrees in January to 39 degrees in November and lows ranging from 4 degrees in January to 24 degrees in November. If you enjoy outdoor sports and activities, you can get the cheapest hotel rates of the year in the winter.
Seniors and AAA members enjoy discounted rates at Quality Inn in Ashland. Rooms feature microwaves, refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, desks, and free Wi-Fi. Suites offer amenities such as sofa beds and separate living and sleeping areas. The hotel has an indoor pool and spa tub, a terrace with lake views, a 24-hour business center, and free newspapers in the lobby. When it comes to dining, you have plenty of choices, with two restaurants, a cafe, and two bars. Try the barbecue at Link Family Smokehouse, one of the restaurants. Breakfast is available each morning for a fee.
Cobblestone Inn & Suites Ashland allows you to access multiple attractions and activities as it's situated in the heart of the city, just a minute's drive from Ashland Historical Society Museum. Your room will feature a pillowtop bed and premium bedding, refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a 24-hour business center, free newspapers in the lobby, and complimentary breakfast each morning. You can also get snacks and drinks from the convenience store on the property.
AmericInn by Wyndham Ashland offers superb amenities, such as a private beach and two indoor swimming pools that will make you want to spend more time at the hotel than exploring the town. You can also enjoy an arcade/game room and a gift shop. Rooms feature microwaves, refrigerators, flat-screen televisions, desks, coffee/tea makers, and free Wi-Fi. You can have a light meal at the hotel snack bar/deli and get a drink at the poolside bar. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served each day. The hotel offers a 24-hour business center and three meeting rooms.
The Ashland Mural Walk is a must-see for any visit to Ashland, as you can see the history of the city through the skilled artistry of mural artists Kelly Meredith and Susan Prentice Martinsen of Ashland. Over 20 years, Meredith and Martinsen have created 20 outstanding murals. The murals are displayed over eight city blocks, starting from the corner of Ellis Avenue and Main Street.
Lake Superior's Chequamegon Bay is a major area for sport fishing on Lake Superior, offering 14 species of game fish. It's also a favorite place in the Upper Midwest for windsurfing. The bay features a marina, boat landings, docks, and beaches. The area is one of the best birding places in the Midwest, with varied habitats supporting almost 300 species of birds. Visitors to Chequamegon Bay will be impressed with its natural beauty.
The Ashland Breakwater Lighthouse is an operational lighthouse near Ashland, located in Chequamegon Bay. The historic lighthouse, built in 1915, is owned and managed by the U.S. Coast Guard. The last lighthouse keeper, Earl Seseman, served from 1947 until the light became automated in 1962. The lighthouse's centennial was marked in 2015.
Bayview Park provides the best view of the lighthouse. The park has a swimming beach, restrooms, a fishing pier, a picnic area, and a playground. You can traverse the Walking/Biking Trail that circles Ashland in a 12-mile loop. The park is the site for the annual Bay Days Festival in mid-July; the event is Ashland's annual community festival. If you're in Ashland during Bay Days, you can enjoy delicious local food, live music, and activities such as a pie-eating contest and a strongman competition.
Prentice Park covers about 100 acres and is the largest of the 12 parks in Ashland. It provides a natural habitat for migrating birds and a nesting ground for mute swans. You'll find an artesian well, hiking trails, a picnic area, and a playground. The park connects with the Waterfront trail for bicyclists and distance runners. Be sure to check out Fish Creek Slough for great views.
From art and history to outdoor activities and the natural beauty of Lake Superior and its environs, Ashland, Wisconsin, offers something for everyone. You'll run out of time before you run out of things to do.
Below are reviews of the city of Ashland, WI from an actual visitor's perspective.
Near the lake.
Numerous restaurants available and lake views!
Ashland is a nice touristy city.
On the water. Great pizza at Hugo's.
The Lake.
Trails to hike by the lake!
Home away from home! Great people!
Ashland was a beautiful and quaint little fishing town located on Lake Superior. We will definitely be back!
Went to see Judy Collins concert. It is a very nice area, city is nice with lots of history.