Ashland County

Ashland County is an administrative division in northern Wisconsin covering forested terrain dotted with the Chequamegon National Forest and many inland lakes. The landscape displays thick woodlands interrupted by water bodies that shape the character of the area.

The county was established in 1860 and saw its fastest growth during the late 19th century logging boom when settlers opened up the wilderness. This expansion turned sparsely settled areas into established towns and villages.

Ojibwe communities have shaped the region for generations and their presence remains visible in local gatherings and artistic traditions. The way residents celebrate and maintain these customs reflects how deeply rooted these connections are in daily life.

The city of Ashland serves as the regional hub and offers central services for the entire area. Visitors find shops, restaurants, and lodging there that serve as bases for exploring the surrounding landscape.

Winter transforms the region with extensive snowmobile trail networks that connect communities through the forest areas. This system allows visitors and locals to traverse the county in an entirely different way during cold months.

Location: Wisconsin

Inception: March 27, 1860

Capital city: Ashland

Shares border with: Iron County, Price County, Sawyer County, Bayfield County, Lake County, Cook County, Ontonagon County, Gogebic County

Website: http://co.ashland.wi.us

GPS coordinates: 46.71000,-90.56000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:25