Students, staff and faculty members come to Northland College for many reasons, but a common influence is the abundance of recreational and unique cultural opportunities in the city of Ashland and the surrounding region. Whether your comfort peaks in a forest, on a lake, at a concert, or in one of our local watering holes, our community has something for you. Read on for more information about our area and its attractions.
 

City of Ashland

The city of Ashland, home to Northland College, is situated on northern Wisconsin’s Lake Superior shoreline.

Historically, the city relied on Lake Superior for shipping lumber and iron ore. Over time, though, Ashland has evolved into a regional retail, health, and educational hub. Today the lakeside city boasts a quaint downtown, an in-town trail system, and friendly folks who are happy to call the community home. Visit the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce website for more information about local businesses and upcoming events.  The site also offers a map of the city. Fun things to do in Ashland: Swim at Maslowski Beach Hike through Prentice Park Bike along the city's lakefront path Listen to talented musicians at the Deepwater Grille's open mic Attend city parades and events, such as the annual Christmas parade - or Bay Days in July Sit on the deck at Hotel Chequamegon and hang out with friends Check out natural resource speakers who come to the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center Fish off the dock at the Ashland Marina Shop in the city's historic downtown

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

Would you enjoy viewing waterfalls, mountain biking, wilderness camping, or hiking and skiing along scenic trails? If so, you may want to explore the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
	Photo courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service.

Established in 1933, the forest spans more than a million acres of land in the Wisconsin northwoods and is speckled with inland lakes that tempt even the novice fisherman.

One haunt of Northland favor is St. Peter’s Dome and Morgan Falls in the Great Divide District of the forest. The Washburn Ranger District Visitor Center is located nine miles north of Ashland, in the city of Washburn. For more information about the forest, call (715) 373-2667.  A regional map of the forest is also available.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

A haven for campers, kayakers, sailboaters, lighthouse lovers, and people wanting “to get away from it all,” the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is truly a jewel treasured by Northlanders and non-Northlanders alike.

Remnants of abandoned quarry operations remain in locales of the 21-island lakeshore, as do numerous lighthouses – now protected by the National Park Service.  Find more information about the park and its wilderness on an official park map.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

60,000 acres of old-growth timber, 90 miles of hiking trails, dramatic vistas of woods and water, 20 miles of rocky Lake Superior shorelines, out-of-the-way cabins and campsites, and winter skiing galore are available at the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Lake Superior

Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes, is a mile-long walk down Ellis Avenue from the Northland College campus.

This amazing natural resource has an average depth of near 500 feet and its shoreline is about 2,800 miles long.
	Photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Whether to complement classroom experiences, to get a break from campus, or to jump in and cool off on a hot summer day, it’s not uncommon to see faculty, staff members, and students “down at the lake.”