Overview
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.
2 things to do · 4 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Washburn
Big Top Chautauqua
Regional and national musical performers.
Bay Theatre
6 theaters, shows 7 days a week with matinees on Saturday and Sunday.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 78°F; winter lows dip to about 2°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and Jul. (climate data from nearby Duluth)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- DLH Duluth International Airport, Duluth — 63 mi away. Directions
- RHI Rhinelander Oneida County Airport, Rhinelander — 99 mi away. Directions
- MSP Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field, Minneapolis — 167 mi away (major hub). Directions
The major routes to the city include:
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Big Top Chautauqua
- Lunch Good Thyme Restaurant
- Afternoon Bay Theatre
- Dinner Time Out Restaurant
- Evening North Coast Coffee
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
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.
Buy
Shop Holiday Station store
At the Holiday Station and store you can buy food for the road and pump gas at the same stop.
Eat
Eat Good Thyme Restaurant
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.
Eat Time Out Restaurant
A popular destination among locals for tasty (and affordable) breakfast meals. Also serves lunch and dinner along with daily specials.
Eat Dalou's Bistro
Dalou’s Bistro features a variety of pizzas and delicious sandwiches prepared in their signature wood fire oven.
Eat Coco Artisan Breads
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
Drink North Coast Coffee
A locally owned and operated coffeehouse with a wide selection of coffees, cappuccinos, lattes, teas, and baked goods.
Drink Patsy's Bar
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
Stay North Coast Inn and Chalets
Features 18 motel and housekeeping units. A heated shed is available with tools for sporting equipment repairs.
Nearby
Ashland
City / town · 17 listings · 6 mi away
Bayfield
City / town · 1 listings · 10 mi away
Madeline Island
City / town · 14 mi away
Cornucopia
City / town · 2 listings · 16 mi away
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Park · 3 listings · 23 mi away
Ironwood and Gogebic Range
Rural area · 19 listings · 38 mi away
Two Harbors
City / town · 6 listings · 44 mi away
Porcupine Mountains
Park · 55 mi away
My experience
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