Looking for an adventurous winter getaway? There is more than enough to do around Ashland, Wisconsin. This beautiful small town on the shores of Lake Superior is an outdoors persons dream in the winter months. From skiing to dog sledding, from ice fishing to winter hiking, there is always an excuse to get outdoors when you are visiting Northern Wisconsin!
1. Let’s start right off with Ice Fishing. People come from nearby states to enjoy the variety of species of fish Lake Superior has to offer all seasons of the year. And if you haven’t experienced ice fishing, you don’t know what you’re missing! The thrill of pulling a Trout up through the hole in the ice. The excitement of waiting for the next bite, wondering what kind of fish it’s going to be this time. It’s something for the bucket list for sure! Beyond the Catch guide service is just one of the many local guides who can show a beginner where the fish are and lead an experienced fisherman to all of the hot spots.
2. Dog Sledding. With 40 Siberian Huskies, you won’t find a better place to experience dog sledding than Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing in Bayfield Wisconsin. You can learn to drive your own team or ride along with one of the guides. Either way, spending a cold winter’s day hanging out with sled dogs and riding the trails leaves a lasting impression on everyone who takes advantage of this amazing opportunity.
3. Snowmobiling. Bayfield County has over 600 miles of groomed trails and 1,000 miles of ungroomed forest roads to ride on. And these trails are beautiful. There are places in the area to rent machines, or you can bring your own. Guaranteed you are going to enjoy the scenery, trail side restaurants, and the thrill of the ride.
4. Snowshoeing. The Brownstone trail in Bayfield Wisconsin offers amazing views of Lake superior and is 1.5 miles out so a 3 mile round trip. Mount Ashwabay in Bayfield also has groomed snowshoeing trails. Snowshoeing is a great way to get the whole family outdoors for a nice walk in the woods on a beautiful winter’s day!
5. Fat Tire Biking. This new craze has taken Northern Wisconsin by storm. There are biking trails year round through Bayfield County and Mount Ashwabay, once again, is a great place to begin. The trail is 7 miles long with a 28 inch wide single track and is rated moderate to advanced with its hills and tight turns. The North Coast Cycling Association has group rides, sometimes over the frozen lake, every weekend of the year. The even have bikes available to rent if the sport is new to you and you want to get a taste of the excitement.
6. Events: Book Across the Bay, Bike Across the Bay, The American Birkenbeiner, King of the Bay Ice Fishing Contest, Apostle Islands Dog Sled Race, Northern Pines Dog Sled Race, Sleigh and Cutter Rally, and more! From the longest Cross Country Skiing race in North America to the unique 6 mile race on ice across Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay, there are many weekend events throughout the winter to keep you entertained.
7. Skiing. There are 4 major ski resorts within 60 miles of Ashland Wisconsin and a Mount Ashwabay is only a 20 minute drive. Skiers from every level will find a resort to make them happy. Spirit Mountain is in Duluth Minnesota, Big Powderhorn Mountain and Blackjack Mountain in Bessemer Michigan, and Indianhead Mountain in Wakefield Michigan. The skiing is great around here and you won’t need a better excuse to come!
Looking for a place to stay when you are in the area? Mission Springs Resort in Ashland Wisconsin will meet and exceed all of your lodging needs. Centrally located on Chequamegon Bay and Bayfield County snowmobile trails gives you easy access to fishing and snowmobiling. Our cottages sleep 1-6 people and the Lake House sleeps 11. Click here for more information about our accommodations and location.