Northern Wisconsin is an amazing place to vacation and the perfect place for a last minute weekend getaway. Whether you are coming to explore The Great Lake in your kayak–hike, fish, or just unwind–you won’t be disappointed. Here are 6 ways to make sure your vacation is as exciting and relaxing as you need it to be!

1. Choose your Home Base

There are so many wonderful areas to explore in Northern Wisconsin. Narrow down the top three things you want to do while on vacation and find a central area to call home.

2. Plan for the unexpected.

Rain happens. So why not stay at a vacation rental rather than a hotel? More space to spread out on a rainy day stuck indoors.  Bonus if you can find one that overlooks the water so you can watch those Lake Superior waves crashing onto shore while sipping your morning coffee.

3. Create a top ten must do and see list while visiting.

Do your research before you arrive so while vacationing you have a wide range of interesting options to choose from. It makes it easier to decide what to do what time of day based on your mood or the weather if you’ve already laid out a couple of interesting options.

 4. Pack for the season, and one season colder.

The areas around Lake Superior are always colder than you expect. Even in the heat of summer you’re going to need a sweatshirt.  If it’s summer, bring some fall clothes. If it’s fall, pack that heavy winter jacket. You get the idea.

5. Be prepared to extend your stay, by at least a day

Most people traveling Up North in Wisconsin leave wishing they could have stayed an extra day. Build in a buffer in case you’re having so much fun you want to stay longer.

6. Bring your friends

Especially if you’re staying at one of northern Wisconsin’s cute little resorts. You can get cottages next to one another and spend your evenings relaxing around a campfire sharing stories of the days adventures and planning the fun for tomorrow.

Why not make Ashland, Wisconsin the home base for your next vacation? Central to everything you could want do, no matter the time of year and there are many great places to stay. Check out Mission Springs Resort if you want that cottage next to the lake and perfect place to unwind after a busy day exploring.