Known as "Lake Superior's Hometown", Ashland is the County Seat of Ashland County and a regional hub for shopping, dining, lodging and special activities and events. Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Ashland's history is evident in the many stately buildings in the community, such as the former banks, private mansions and railroad depots of the 19th century. Ashland's downtown historic district has an old-fashioned mix of retail shops, including a variety of gift shops, restaurants, coffeehouses and retail stores that provide everyday services for the public.
Ashland has a full service marina which is located two blocks from the historic downtown and is a focal point for the new waterfront trail along Ashland's six miles of Lake Superior shoreline.
A city of parks, one of the most impressive is Prentice Park. The 100 acres of old forest has many walking trails, artesian wells, a deer yard and boardwalk along the Fish Creek Slough, and is a bird-watcher's delight with annual visits from a variety of waterfowl and a nesting ground for mute swans. |