Washburn (Wisconsin)
Washburn is a city on the shore of Lake Superior's Chequamegon Bay in Northwest Wisconsin that offers multiple outdoor recreational opportunities, a spectacular cultural life, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Get in
The major routes to the city include:
- From the west, U.S. Highway 2 via Iron River (27 miles), Superior (65 miles) and Duluth, MN (70 miles). Also connecting to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul via Interstate 35 (215 miles).
- From the north, WI Highway 13 via Washburn (11 miles) and Bayfield (23 miles)
- From the east, U.S. Highway 2 via Ironwood, MI (38 miles) and Michigan's Upper Peninsula
- From the south, WI Highway 13 via Mellen (24 miles) and Park Falls (60 miles)
Get around
Take the Bart bus, or you could just walk because everything is by each other. You also can bike around. You could boat or canoe out to island or nearby towns. Most likely you would want to bring your own car because travel would be faster and easy.
See
The many murals that Ashland's artists have painted on the side of landmark buildings.
Lake Superior. It's the biggest fresh water lake in the world (by surface area).
The local parks. There are several parks in town with beautiful views.
Do
Ashland is a gateway to year-round outdoor recreation. There's inland and Great Lakes fishing and boating, hunting, hiking, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowmobiling and dog sledding, and more seasonal festivals in the area than you can shake a stick at.
- Big Top Chautauqua. Regional and national musical performers.
- Bay Theatre, 420 Main St West, ☏ +1 715 682-3555. 6 theaters, shows 7 days a week with matinees on Saturday and Sunday.
Buy
- Washburn IGA, 226 West Bayfield St, ☏ +1 715 373-5566. At the Washburn IGA you can find a variety of good food and a home town deli.
- Holiday Station store, 606 Bayfield St, ☏ +1 715 373-2305. At the Holiday Station and store you can buy food for the road and pump gas at the same stop.
Eat
- Good Thyme Restaurant, 77180 Wisconsin 13, ☏ +1 715 373-5255. If you are looking for something a little more “classy”, Good Thyme Restaurant has exactly what you are looking for with their delicious seasonal specials and fine cuisine.
- Time Out Restaurant, 4 West Bayfield St, ☏ +1 715 373-5333. A popular destination among locals for tasty (and affordable) breakfast meals. Also serves lunch and dinner along with daily specials.
- Dalou's Bistro, 310 East Bayfield St, ☏ +1 715 373-1125. Dalou’s Bistro features a variety of pizzas and delicious sandwiches prepared in their signature wood fire oven.
- Coco Artisan Breads, 210 W Bayfield St, ☏ +1 715 373-2253. Coco’s is a local bakery that has a wide variety of fresh baked goods and breads each and every day. They also specialize in soups, sandwiches, and desserts.
Drink
- North Coast Coffee, 509 West Bayfield St, ☏ +1 715 373-0241. A locally owned and operated coffeehouse with a wide selection of coffees, cappuccinos, lattes, teas, and baked goods.
- Patsy's Bar, 328 West Bayfield St, ☏ +1 715 373-5792. Looking to unwind after a long day out on the lake? Patsy’s Bar is a local bar that serves a wide variety of alcoholic beverages that you may want to enjoy. They also feature a “bar menu’ that includes burgers, tacos, and appetizers.
Sleep
- The Washburn Inn, 128 Harbor View Drive, ☏ +1 715 373-5671. Here you can sit in a chaise and watch the marina if you get tired of sitting in your room.
- North Coast Inn and Chalets, 26 West Bay Street, ☏ +1 715 373-5512. Features 18 motel and housekeeping units. A heated shed is available with tools for sporting equipment repairs.